Bugatti 16.4 Veyron
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Bugatti 16.4 Veyron
Bugatti 16.4 Veyron
Bugatti 16.4 Veyron
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2011 Chrysler 300C Spy Shots
2011 Chrysler 300C
2011 Chrysler 300C
If there was a bright spot during the last, bleak decade of Chrysler’s history, it is the success of the handsome, full-size Chrysler 300 sedan. From the moment it went on sale in 2004, the 300 proved wildly popular with ballers, enthusiasts, businessmen, and family guys alike. Now the time has come for the 2011 Chrysler 300 to relieve its successful predecessor, and we were able to catch one out on an R&D jog as it prepares, reinvigorated, to reenter the full-size-sedan fray.
2011 Chrysler 300C
2011 Chrysler 300C
Still swaddled in cladding, the 300 prototype leaves much yet to the imagination, although everything we can see agrees with the rendering of the 2011 Chrysler 300 we posted back in February of 2009. The car’s thick-waisted proportions haven’t changed much, even as the new grille is canted back much more than before and the lower hoodline leads into a body that rises slightly from nose to tail. No one should be surprised that the gangsta-chopped beltline continues, but the fixed quarter windows in the rear doors are new for 2011. Chrysler has said in the past that one of the goals for the redesign was to address visibility issues, and so this new car has more glass and thinner pillars. Rear fender flares match the bulging front wheel arches that carry over from the current model, and the 300’s designers have cleaned up the tail, which now integrates exhaust finishers. Finally, from certain angles, portions of the lighting elements can be seen; the headlamps contain integrated HID bulbs, while stacked taillamps similar to those of today’s 300 will be lit by LEDs (at least on some models).
The most welcome improvements, however, likely will appear inside the car. Indeed, the weakest aspect of the current 300 is the low-rent interior, and although our images don’t capture the new car’s interior, more recent Chrysler products—the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram being the prime examples—have been blessed with cabins that can handily hold their own within their segments. We have no reason to believe that as Chrysler’s flagship, the 300 won’t boast equally massive improvements in quality and design. (Check out the new Charger’s interior for an idea of the 300’s appointments.) No word yet on the bulk of innovations or interior features for 2011—we do know the car will feature a seven-inch touch screen in the center console—but we expect the environment to remain cushy and conservatively styled, with the most luxe models boasting leather and genuine wood trim, and a wicked SRT model bringing sportier detailing and aggressively bolstered seats. via: Car and Driver
2012 Audi A6 Spy News
2012 Audi A6
Meet the new Audi A6. Spied out in the open for the very first time, these spy shots show the saloon version of the car that has a lot of catching up to do. Newer rivals like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class have outclassed the current A6.
2012 Audi A6
But that means the newcomer will be packed with even more groundbreaking tech to bring it right back into contention when it arrives next year.
2012 Audi A6
Set to debut in the second half of 2011, the new A6 shares its underpinnings with the new A7. The chassis features 20 per cent aluminium to reduce weight, while the rest is made from steel to keep costs in check.
The chassis has been engineered to take Audi’s 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines, front- and quattro four-wheel drive and six-speed manual, seven-speed S Tronic and eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The A6 will also get the A7’s electric power steering which helps save fuel.
Engine choices are likely to begin with 2.0-litre petrol and TDI diesel units, while six-cylinder 2.8 FSI and 3.0-litre TFSI petrols and two versions of the 3.0-litre TDI will also be offered. Stop start systems are likely. An Avant estate, and S6 version and a hybrid will join the range later, while an 8-cylinder RS6 could make production.
Technology shared with the A7 includes sat nav with a touch pad input, a parking system which automatically parks the car in a bay or a parallel space, and an active lane keeping assistant. For more details click here. via: Auto Express
2012 Porsche 911 Car News
2012 Porsche 911
Porsche will reveal a new incarnation of the iconic 911 at next year’s Frankfurt motor show. The company is hoping to win back traditional customers in the face of tough supercar competition and reaffirm its future under the guise of parent company Volkswagen.
Codenamed 991, the heavily re-engineered coupé and cabriolet are set to go on sale in the UK in October 2011. They will get freshened exterior styling, a higher-quality interior, more powerful yet highly fuel-efficient six-cylinder boxer engines, sharpened dynamics and a greater list of high-end options.
The new 911 will head further upmarket from its current positioning and allow Porsche to reshuffle its model line-up in readiness for the introduction of a new entry-level mode, to be developed in partnership with VW.
Porsche has traditionally made big changes to the 911 every second generation, so while today’s 997 is regarded as a heavily facelifted version of its predecessor, the new 991 — seen here in Autocar’s exclusive illustration — has been developed from a clean sheet of paper.
Weissach engineers are hopeful that its features will allow it to continue through to the next model, due in 2017, without any significant or costly modifications. Via: Autocar
History of Alfa Romeo Cars
Any car enthusiast worth their salt will know the Alfa Romeo brand, but do you know how they got to be one of the world’s most important car manufacturers? Founded one hundred years ago in Milan, the Alfa Romeo brand has recently celebrated its centenary on June 24th 2010. It all began in 1906 when the French car firm Alexandre Darracq decided to join forces with Italian investors and create the Societa Anonima Italiana Darraca (SAID), the roots of the famous brand. Initially the company planned to manufacture their vehicles in Naples, but the site was changed to Milan and a factory was established there instead. A new company began as an offshoot of the business and the manufacturers created the Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili, which would become known as A.L.F.A. The 24 HP was the first break out into the market, designed by Giuseppe Merosi.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
With World War I drawing resources elsewhere, the ALFA factory submitted to a cessation in production for three years, recommencing in 1919. Italian entrepreneur and engineer Nicola Romeo became the new director in 1915 and oversaw the war effort, producing munitions in place of motor vehicles. When car production started up once more, Romeo changed the company title to Alfa Romeo and released the first model under this new brand: the Torpedo 20-30. The car company entered a golden age, producing high-class racing cars as well as consumer road vehicles. However, in 1928 Nicola left the firm and Alfa struggled to retain its position.
Alfa Romeo
Alfa Romeo
In1932, with government assistance, the Alfa Romeo brand was rescued and they took control of the company’s direction. Under the government of Mussolini, Alfa Romeo became the national car manufacturer but in World War II the factory was badly hit by bombers. Previous production of luxury cars turned into mass-production of popular models. But following the war, Alfa Romeo managed to retain pole position as a leading vehicle at the Grand Prix. In the 1960s it developed the GTA (Gran Turismo Allegerita) which won the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am championship. Despite falling into further financial struggles in the 1970s, the Fiat Group created a new company to manage the production of Alfa Romeo under the Alfa Lancia Industriale S.p.A. Since February 2007 the company has been part of this group, but part of the Fiat cohort since 1986.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Selena_McCubbin
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
A great week is to have a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer for a test drive. It was absolutely terrific, but this was no ordinary Lancer. This was a Sportback Ralliart model, complete with enough racing features to provide an exhilarating drive. There were a few downsides, however.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
Mitsubishi has their Lancer EVO, which is fairly popular and performs well. This new Sportback model of the Lancer provides more versatility by combining a sporty car with the convenience of a five door wagon-like vehicle. There is even a rear cargo floor that can be dropped about three inches to provide additional cargo space if needed.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
The Sportback is provided in two trim models – the GTS and the Ralliart. My test model was the Ralliart, which offers a lot more power, and All-Wheel-Drive. The GTS has Mitsubishi’s 2.4 liter engine that is quite efficient and provides 168 horsepower. The Ralliart has a 2.0 liter, inline four cylinder, turbocharged engine that spits out 237 horsepower. There is only one transmission in the Ralliart and that is a six speed automatic Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift. That is the same automatic transmission in the Lancer Evolution.
The automatic feature is operated normally, but can be handled manually by the magnesium paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. I tried the paddle shifters quite often during my test drive and they work extremely well. I am just not inclined to use paddle shifters very often in any car and generally leave that driving mode to those who like to dream about being racecar drivers.
The exterior of the Lancer Ralliart is striking. It offers a swept back appearance that sometimes appears as a standard Mitsubishi look and other times as something new. My test model was called Wicked White. The interior was black. The interior is generally comfortable, except for the seating. There are a few silver accents and the fit and finish is well done. Most of the interior, however, is plastic, and mostly plain black. There are a lot of features that help make the driving experience pleasant.
Optional Recaro seats were added to my test drive model. These have extra side bolstering that help hold you in the seat on sharp corners or fast turns. I like the Recaro seats. The spec sheet said that the driver’s seat was adjustable, but that only meant it moved back and forward. There was absolutely no way to raise the height of the seat. Although I may aspire to be a six-foot person, I have not arrived at that lofty height yet, so I must rely on the seat to raise me to where I can see over the dashboard. It was definitely a challenge. The steering wheel does not telescope, so I had to pull the seat as far forward as possible just to reach the pedals and steering. Once that was all done and the seat back positioned, it was a fairly decent ride. I wish there had been a center armrest to help out on a lengthy highway stretch.
If you are looking for a vehicle that will provide a very sporty ride with all the convenience of a hatchback, then the Lancer Sportback Ralliart might be just right for you. I really liked the advanced All-Wheel-Drive, especially during the inclement weather.
Starting price of the GTS is just $19,190,but the Ralliart version begins at $27,590. My test model had a bottom sticker price of $31,060, but it had a lot of added convenience features including a terrific Rockford Fosgate sound system. EPA mileage figures are 17-mpg city and 25-mpg highway.
If a sports car feel with the convenience of a small hatchback appeals to you, check out the 2010 Lancer Ralliart, complete with all the driving excitement and turbocharged sporty fun at a Mitsubishi dealership yourself.
ALAN GELL, Lh.D.
Member, Texas Press Association
Member, Texas Auto Writers Association
http://www.CarColumns.Net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Gell
2011/2012 Dodge Challenger Spy Pics
Since the production Dodge Challenger first debuted, we’ve wondered how Dodge will go about updating the retro-styled muscle car without losing its unique flavor. Now we know: with small, almost unnoticeable tweaks to the iconic shape.
2011/2012 Dodge Challenger
These photos recently surfaced on the Internet and purport to show the first update of the modern Challenger, rumored to be a 2011 model. You’ll have to look close to see the changes, but they’re there. Zoom in on the front fascia and you’ll notice that the lower air intake has essentially been flipped upside-down and is now wider at the bottom than the top, the opposite of the current car. Above that, you’ll notice that the Ram head Dodge emblem is gone from the nose.
2011/2012 Dodge Challenger
There are a few more changes around the side. The current car’s flush-mounted door handles appear to have been replaced with new units that, while not as sleek, look to be a major improvement over the current handles, which are difficult to pull without losing your grip. There also appear to be slightly revised five-spoke wheels to finish the update. Despite appearances, they aren’t actually black; they’re covered with a protective plastic coating for transport.
Much as we enjoy getting spy shots, these leave us wanting more. We can’t see the back of the car or the interior, which is rumored to be getting a much-needed update for 2011 as well. We’d also love to see under the hood, where the Challenger is expected to ditch its old 3.5-liter V-6 for the new 3.7-liter Pentastar with at least 280 horsepower. The model pictured here is actually an R/T with a 5.7-liter V-8 that isn’t expected to be updated, but in addition to the new six, we’d also like a peak at the rumored update to the SRT-8′s 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 that’s said to now offer nearly 500 horsepower. By: Motor Trend
