• Video: Indian-market Ford Figo ads take on local flavor -

    Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, India

    Ford Figo - Lucky Elephant
    Ford Figo TV commercial for the Indian market - Click above to watch videos after the jump

    Ford aims to take India by storm with its new Figo hatchback, designed to be the leader in its class from the outset. As you might imagine, the first television ads pushing the new ride frame the car as being perfect for Indian drivers. Mehendi ink on the dashboard? No worries! Super-cold A/C? Check. Plus, there's room for your your lucky elephant - small or large. Follow the jump to check out two of the new Indian spots for the Ford Figo.


    Gallery: 2010 Ford Figo


    [Source: YouTube]

    Continue reading Video: Indian-market Ford Figo ads take on local flavor

    Video: Indian-market Ford Figo ads take on local flavor originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 16:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • LG Chem to build lithium ion cell factory in Holland, MI -

    LG Chem has made it official. The South Korean manufacturer is moving forward with plans to start production of lithium ion cells in Michigan. LG Chem and its U.S. subsidiary, Compact Power Inc. (CPI), will spend $303 million to build the cell plant in Holland, on the west side of the state. By 2013, the facility figures to employ over 400 people. Groundbreaking will take place this summer, with the factory scheduled to be fully operational by 2012. At full production, the plant will have enough capacity to produce cells for 50,000 to 200,000 battery packs, depending on the configuration (E-REV vs PHEV).

    LG Chem already has supply agreements in place with two major automakers, General Motors and Hyundai-Kia. Hyundai is using LG Chem cells and battery packs in the Korean-market Elantra hybrid, along with sister company Kia's Forte hybrid. Hyundai will launch the Sonata hybrid in the U.S. market later this year. General Motors uses LG Chem cells in a pack of its own design for the Chevrolet Volt. It'll also use the same cells in packs manufactured by CPI for an as-yet-unnamed plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the current two-mode system.

    Along with the $700 million being invested by GM in assembly and systems manufacturing for the Volt in Michigan, this new LG Chem investment brings the total to over $1 billion. Much of the funding for the LG Chem plant will come from federal and state incentives, including a $151 million grant that CPI received last year as part of the stimulus bill. LG Chem will contribute matching funds to the program.

    LG Chem joins A123 Systems and Johnson Controls-Saft (JCS) in manufacturing lithium ion batteries in Michigan. The JCS factory is also in Holland, while A123 is setting up shop closer to Detroit in Livonia. Check out the official press release after the jump.

    [Source: LG Chem]

    Continue reading LG Chem to build lithium ion cell factory in Holland, MI

    LG Chem to build lithium ion cell factory in Holland, MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • 2010 Formula One season kicks off with Bahrain Grand Prix [SPOILER ALERT] -

    Filed under: Motorsports

    Formula One Bahrain 2010 - Click above for high-res image gallery

    And they're off, ladies and gentleman, at the first race of what is undoubtedly one of the most hotly anticipated seasons in Formula One racing history. And it's already living up to its promise.

    In the off-season since the culmination of last year's championship, one former Ferrari world champion left the sport, and another returned. One major automaker acquired the reigning championship team, while another two pulled out of the sport entirely. Several new teams joined the grid, and some pivotal new technical regulations were put in place. That's quite a build-up, and it all comes down to this, the first grand prix of the year. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.


    Gallery: Formula One Bahrain 2010

    Continue reading 2010 Formula One season kicks off with Bahrain Grand Prix [SPOILER ALERT]

    2010 Formula One season kicks off with Bahrain Grand Prix [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • American Le Mans Series 2010 season preview -

    Filed under: Motorsports

    ALMS at Laguna Seca
    2009 ALMS Monterey Sports Car Championships - Click above for a high-res image gallery

    Spring is nearly upon us, and that means it's time for the races. Here in North America, the top rung of the sports car ladder is the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which, as always, kicks off its season with the 12-hour enduro at Sebring. For 2010, however, ALMS organizers have made some changes to the class structure with the old LMP1 and GT1 classes falling by the wayside.

    A few weeks ago we had the chance to sit down with ALMS CEO Scott Atherton and get the state of the series. Everything you need to know about ALMS and the changes for 2010 is compiled after the jump.


    Gallery: 2009 ALMS Monterey Sports Car Championships


    Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

    Continue reading American Le Mans Series 2010 season preview

    American Le Mans Series 2010 season preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • All-electric Atomik 500 sends us to the moon - Atomik 500
    Atomik 500 - Click above for high-res image gallery

    While there's still no word on whether Fiat/Chrysler will bring an electric version of the retro-metro 500 to market, it appears that someone else will. Atomik Cars has taken the 500 Abarth and made it meaner and cleaner. The new company's aim is to deliver a zero-emission vehicle that blends supercar performance with city car packaging. Atomik's motto is "Anticipating the future." It may well have succeeded.

    With output from its AC brushless synchronous motors reportedly equivalent to that of a 300 horsepower engine, the Atomik 500 slingshots to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. It has lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries in unknown quantity, a ceramic heating system to warm its passengers and a "Peltier A/C module w/o gas" to cool them. More details will forthcoming as its April debut at Top Marques Monaco draws near, but we can tell you that its rarity is all but guaranteed: only around 50 copies will be available for purchase. Check out the gallery below for more images of Atomik's far-out performer.


    Gallery: Atomik 500


    [Source: Atomik Cars]

    All-electric Atomik 500 sends us to the moon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Rumormill: Ducati/Piaggio merger in the works? -

    Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle, Rumormill



    Could it be true? The rumormill is running overtime with reports of a potential merger between a pair of our favorite two-wheeled giants: Ducati and Piaggio.

    Piaggio has no comment on the matter, refusing to either confirm or deny the supposed Ducati deal. Still, we can't help but run through the what-ifs, assuming there's a shred of truth to this. Perhaps we'll finally see some stability in the U.S. surrounding the many great brands under Piaggio's roof.

    Could Piaggio's broad scope of product (currently offered throughout the Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia lines), coupled with the stable dealer network Ducati has built, be the recipe for a successful challenge to rivals from Japan and beyond? Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

    [Source: Motoblog.it via Two Wheels Blog]

    Rumormill: Ducati/Piaggio merger in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/Video] -

    Filed under: Wagon, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

    2011 BMW 5 Series Touring
    BMW 5 Series Touring - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Just as the new sixth-generation BMW 5 Series sedan goes on sale in Europe, a new station wagon variant has been unveiled. Like past editions of the 5 Series Touring, this one is essentially the same as the sedan, only with the roof extending straight back to enclose a substantially larger cargo area.

    All of the fancy new technology that we've already seen in the 5 Series Gran Turismo and sedan is carried over into the Touring. That includes the driver assistance systems like the surround-view cameras and parking assist. Underhood, BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 won't be available at launch, but a selection of gas and diesel four- and six cylinder engines will be offered. The range-topping 535i is powered by the new 300-horsepower 3.0-liter N55 twin-scroll turbo direct-injected inline-six.

    Single-turbo versions of the 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter inline-six diesels are also available with 184 hp and 245 hp respectively. The four-cylinder 520d Touring gets an EU combined fuel economy rating of 45.2 miles per gallon (U.S.) with the 530d also scoring an impressive 36.8 mpg.

    Unfortunately, it seems extremely unlikely that we will ever get to see any of these handsome new wagons given Americans' ongoing aversion to this body style. We'll just be forced to make do with the homelier-looking 5 Series Gran Turismo. Click past the jump to check out new video footage of the 5 series Touring.


    Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring


    [Source: BMW]

    Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/Video]

    Officially Official: 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring [w/Video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Pics Aplenty: TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster hits the road - TAH Heuer Tesla Roadster
    TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Following the unveiling of the TAG Heuer Roadster Sport at the Geneva Motor Show last week, Tesla has released a large batch of new photos of the one-off electric sports car. The new shots show the car, which was prepared to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Swiss watchmaker, out on the road.

    Following the close of the Geneva Motor Show this weekend, the Roadster will be driven the 155 miles to Basel for the big watch show that starts there next week. (At Baselworld, TAG Heuer will unveil a new concept timepiece.) Mechanically, there's nothing really new about the Roadster Sport, but for those of you that can't get enough images of the two-tone Roadster, check out our newly-expanded high-res gallery.


    Gallery: TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster


    [Source: Tesla]

    Pics Aplenty: TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster hits the road originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Officially Official: Lotus, Cosworth back in the IndyCar series -

    Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Honda, Lotus

    Lotus-Cosworth/KV Racing IndyCar
    Lotus Cosworth KV Racing IndyCar rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

    Lotus is officially returning to the IndyCar series in 2010 in partnership with engine builder Cosworth and KV Racing. Lotus, as you well know, has a long history with Indy-style open-wheel racing, dating back to the early 1960s. Its exploits include a victory by Jim Clark in 1965 and the all-wheel-drive, turbine-powered cars that arrived a few years later.

    A few weeks ago, Lotus announced a revival of its cooperation with Cosworth for both road and race cars. The new collaboration with KV is described as being both technical and commercial. It's not clear at this point what Cosworth will contribute from a technical perspective, since all the current IndyCars run Honda V8s. Perhaps KV will provide a platform upon which Cosworth can test and develop a new engine for the next-generation IndyCar regulations that are in the works.

    The green and yellow Lotus/Cosworth-badged car will debut in two weeks at the St. Petersburg, Florida race with ex-Honda F1 pilot Takuma Sato at the controls.


    Gallery: Lotus Cosworth IndyCar


    [Source: Lotus]

    Continue reading Officially Official: Lotus, Cosworth back in the IndyCar series

    Officially Official: Lotus, Cosworth back in the IndyCar series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • New York 2010 Preview: All-new 2011 Kia Optima -

    Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Kia

    2011 Kia Optima
    2011 Kia Optima - Click above for high-res image gallery

    The next stage of Kia's transformation from design also-ran to serious contender will kick off at the New York Auto Show in few weeks. After launching the Forte sedan and Koup, the new Sorento and, most recently, the Sportage, Kia's new design language is being applied to the Optima. The all-new 2011 Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces although we don't know by how much. While it's not as aggressive as the sketches released a few weeks ago, this Optima is certainly a huge step forward.

    We don't have any mechanical details yet, but we'd guess that the Optima shares a lot under the skin with the new Hyundai Sonata. Nor would we be at all surprised to learn that the Optima won't have a V6 engine option this time around. Instead, it'll probably use the same direct-injected 2.4-liter inline-four found in the Sonata. The turbocharged and hybrid variants may follow as well.


    Gallery: 2011 Kia Optima


    [Source: Kia]

    Continue reading New York 2010 Preview: All-new 2011 Kia Optima

    New York 2010 Preview: All-new 2011 Kia Optima originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Spy Shots: Chevy Camaro Convertible spotted top-down -

    Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Chevrolet, GM

    Chevy Camaro Convertible
    Chevrolet Camaro Convertible - Visit Camaro5.com for additional photos

    GM's obviously thrilled with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro's success, as it's pretty much owned the Ford Mustang on the sales charts to this point. Now, the retooled Mustang hopes to bounce back with new powertrains aimed at erasing any performance advantage the Camaro model has. File that battle under "To Be Continued." The other thing the Mustang has going for it, however, is that sunseekers can opt for a ragtop variant. As in, today. Chevy fans? Not so much.

    The waiting game continues apace, however, as the Camaro Convertible inches closer to showrooms. The latest good news comes from Camaro5.com, where a contributor nabbed the droptop Camaro out testing with its roof down - the first such sighting. We think it's a looker, just like its fixed-roof sibling, and better still, with the top stowed, all the visibility compromises the coupe has to make in the name of its wicked curb appeal are summarily erased. This is one ride we're definitely looking forward to. For additional photos, make tracks over to Camaro5.com.

    [Source: Camaro5.com]

    Spy Shots: Chevy Camaro Convertible spotted top-down originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Chrysler's upcoming 6.4L V8 only for SRT, not for Ram? -

    Filed under: Truck, Etc., Technology, Chrysler, Dodge

    2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8

    Back in November, during Chrysler's seemingly endless business plan presentation, Ram trucks chief Fred Diaz told the captive media audience that the new 6.4-liter Hemi gasoline V8 would likely appear in Ram's heavy duty trucks. Fast forward to today, however, and it would appear that the big Hemi is now off the table. PickupTrucks.com reports that the 6.4 Hemi will instead be exclusive to Chrysler's potent SRT vehicles. Chrysler VP of product development, Joe Veltri, says that the 6.4 is designed for performance, not the grunt work truck buyers demand of their vehicles.

    PickupTrucks.com notes also that Veltri sees a need for Ram to get gas engine that delivers more power and torque than the currently-available 5.7-liter Hemi, but that the likely course of action will involve building off that engine, rather than looking to adapt the SRT lump for truck duty. Why the drive to add more gas offerings in the diesel-dominated heavy-duty truck category? Emissions regulations, natch. Increasingly strict rules mean that diesels are becoming commensurately more costly to produce and sell, and Chrysler sees the ratio of diesel to gas engines offered becoming much closer in future years than it is today. Head over to PickupTrucks.com for the full skinny.

    [Source: PickupTrucks.com]

    Chrysler's upcoming 6.4L V8 only for SRT, not for Ram? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Grounds for Celebration: TV scientists convert VW Scirocco to run on coffee -

    Filed under: Europe, Technology, Volkswagen, UK

    This is what we mean when we say that the future of alternative fuels isn't anywhere close to being decided. A team from the BBC program Bang Goes the Theory has rigged an older Volkswagen Scirocco to run on coffee pellets. It's a bit complex, with the coffee grounds needing to be heated to 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit, and the resulting concoction cooled, separated and filtered before it's run to the engine. Because coffee contains carbon, however, it works.

    It's expensive, though. The trial run the Starbucks Scirocco will make from London to Manchester and back will cost more than 25 times what the same trip on gasoline would because the car goes just three miles on a kilo of coffee. The 209-mile trip is also take ten hours, due to the number of stops required to refill the fuel canister and regularly clean out the system.

    So, on second thought, this is not what we mean when we talk about the future of alternative fuels. But it is really neat, and it's for the kids, and those sorts of things count for a lot in our book. Hat tip to Joviocoe!

    [Source: The Daily Mail]

    Grounds for Celebration: TV scientists convert VW Scirocco to run on coffee originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Report: No AWD for Subaru version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" (w/poll) -

    Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Subaru, Toyota, Rumormill

    FT-86 Mule
    Toyota/Subaru Coupe test mule - Click above to enlarge

    Japan's Best Car (via 7Tune) apparently reports that development costs associated with Subaru's version of the Toyota FT-86 sport coupe have become so high that all-wheel drive is now being dropped from the equation. If true, this would deprive the widely-expected Scooby coupe of the feature the brand's entire marketing platform is built on, likely leaving us with a pair of clones whose only major difference will be styling. To that end, it's also reported that an effort is underway to more substantially differentiate the Subaru coupe's look from the Toyota FT-86 beyond grilles and badges.

    Of course, nothing's official until these cars are formally introduced, but yanking AWD from the Subaru effectively leaves us with a Japanese version of GM's old Camaro/Firebird scenario, assuming both cars really do come to market. Frankly, it's hard to see why Subaru would even bother going with this sans all-wheel drive coupe, though the Herculean PR spin they'd have to put on it would likely be hugely entertaining ("This is what we wanted all along...").

    So, let's hear what you think. Follow the jump for a poll on how a lack of AWD would impact your interest in the presumed Subaru version of the Toyota FT-86. Thanks to Johnny for the tip!

    [Source: 7Tune via FT86Club.com]

    Continue reading Report: No AWD for Subaru version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" (w/poll)

    Report: No AWD for Subaru version of FT-86 "Toyobaru" (w/poll) originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • All Bentley Continental models going flex-fuel in June -

    Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Bentley, Luxury

    2010 Bentley Continental Supersports - Click above for high-res image gallery

    It may not be the most interesting news you read all week, but we now have a date at which all Bentley Continentals will be able to gulp down whiskey with the best of 'em: June.( Well, not exactly whiskey, but ethanol's pretty close.) Bentley had made the announcement (sans date) at the Geneva Motor Show when it showed off the Continental Supersports Convertible.

    This move as a big first step toward reaching Bentley's stated goal of offering an entirely biofuel-capable lineup by 2012. In its latest form, as seen in the Continental Supersports, Bentley's twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 offers up 621 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That's sufficient to push the Conti to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and onto to a top speed of 202 mph.

    As the Continental family is easily Bentley's most popular offering, this means that over half of all cars the brand sells this year will be flex-fuel-compatible. For those keeping track, the Brooklands coupe (which will soon be discontinued), Azure convertible and the soon-to-be-released Mulsanne sedan (the replacement for the long-running Arnage) are still not yet biofuel capable. According to Automotive News, however, the Mulsanne will be E85-capable shortly after its launch later this year.


    Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Bentley Continental Supersports


    [Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

    All Bentley Continental models going flex-fuel in June originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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  • Lightweight Nissan GT-R V-Spec coming in 2010

    December 2nd, 2007

     Nissan GT-R V-Spec

    Nissan is finally releasing the GT-R fun to the US market next summer, and the Franco-Japanese automaker has no intentions of sticking with only one model. We’ve heard rumors about a lightweight V-Spec GT-R for a while, and Nissan officials aren’t even denying it. Carbon fiber and light-weight aluminum will take a vehicle that has posted a 911 Turbo-beating 7:38 lap at the ‘Ring and kick it up a notch. Save 200 lbs. on a 480 HP ball of hell-fire, and an already explosive sports car can turn in some of the best clock times of its day.

    While $68,000 will net you a super Nissan that challenges the likes of Porsche, a V-Spec edition will surely cost you quite a bit more. Something tells us there will be plenty of buyers waiting in line with their check books in hand, so Mr. Ghosn and company shouldn’t spend much time worrying if they’ll attracting enough customers.
    [Source: Inside Line’s Straightline]

    ACURA, ALFA ROMEO, ASCARI, ASTON MARTIN, AUDI, BENTLEY, BMW, BRABUS, BUGATTI, BUICK, CADILLAC,

    Online Harley Davidson Parts and Accessories

    October 25th, 2007

    Harley Davidson Accessories motorcycles (popularly known as “Harleys”) are distinctive in design and sound, attracting a loyal following (in marketing terms, the owners form a brand community).

    Modern Harley-branded motorcycles fall into one of five model families: Touring, Softail, Dyna, Sportster and VRSC. Model families are distinguished by the frame, engine, suspension, and other characteristics.

    All models are presented here in catalogue.

    This company offers big list Discount Harley Parts and Accessories. Here also you will be able to find big choice of the models on mark, colour, price and other parameters.

    Here is only some popular parts for your motorcycle:

    KIT, COVER, VOL - This chrome-plated cover features an embossed Bar & Shield and an open-center grill that allows air to flow right through for regulator cooling.

    Chrome Lower Belt Guard Cover  - FOR DYNA® These beautiful hand-polished chrome Lower Belt Guard Covers feature the popular Harley-Davidson® Script logo.

    Headlamp Trim Rings - This chrome-plated headlamp trim ring extends forward, giving the headlamp assembly a “Frenched” look reminiscent of classic hot rod car designs by recessing the headlamp and adding the appearance of depth.

    KIT, CHROME, FORK - Competitively-priced, these chrome-plated Lower Fork Sliders give your bike upfront style. Features polished, hexavalent, triple chrome-plating and a stamped H-D® logo.

    Good description of the Harley Davidson Accessories and details with detail photos. Works the useful function of searching for necessary Harley Parts and Accessories. Here you will easy be able to find necessary parts for your machine.

    Online shop offers genuine Harley-Davidson parts and accessories at up to 20% discount off retail prices. If you’re looking for fast, safe, and secure parts service for Harley Davidson motorcycles, Harley gifts or collectables, you have taken correct decision, just review their new online HD Parts and Accessories catalog.

    CHEVROLET, CHRYSLER, CITROEN, DAEWOO, DAIHATSU, DODGE, F-1, FERRARI, FIAT, FORD, GMC, HONDA,

    Online Casino Bluebook - Reviews of online casino sites

    September 16th, 2007

    For all who love to play in casino or online plays - an useful resource.

    This company will help you easy and quickly find the necessary online casino or other necessary playing resource with good bonus.

    In recently appeared much playing sites casino online, in which possible get mixed up. Each day appear the new offers and condition as well as much interesting bonuses.

    That- not to spend time for quest - you simply find here ratings of the most popular gambling resource, such for instance as:

    -No Deposit Casinos;
    -Online Casinos;
    -Bingo Halls;
    -Poker Room;
    -SportsBook;
    Players will be able to play there number one vegas style casino gambling games.
     
    Play craps, baccarat, online blackjack, slots, poker, keno and bingo. These internet online casinos where hand selected based on these primary principles.
    Except the whole this here you will find the benchmark analysis different online gambling resource.

    In section of the news you will be able to check the most last news about online gambling and casino news.

    Also any time you easy can assign the question on support.

    Good luck you in play!

    HUMMER, HYNDAI, ISUZU, JAGUAR, JEEP, KIA, LAMBORGHINI, LANCIA, LAND ROVER, LEXUS, LINCOLN, LOTUS,

    2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 concept

    June 10th, 2007

     2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 concept

    Leave conventions behind and let ypur passion awake - since the beginning these were the roots of the GTI idea. Until today they got more than 1.67 million drivers into their spell. Long has the Golf GTI been an icon. A mark for itself.

    2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 concept

    Since 1982 Golf GTI celebrate it annually in the Austrian Land at the Worthersee. Thousands come.Volkswagen placed a Golf before them: the Golf GTI W12-650 showcar. This sports car is a inclination before the GTI friends at the Worthersee, people for whom the GTI is a myth.

    Stronger, broader, faster

    A Golf was never stronger, broader or faster. It seems that the Golf GTI W12-650 comes directly from the racing course. A Golf that runs like the Pace Car of the 24 hours of Le Mans. Its name means: W12-Zylinder, 650 HP (477 KW with 6.000 rpm). A Showcar, not more, not less. Nevertheless it shows what enormous potential the Golf has to offer.

    3.7 seconds, 325 km/h, 750 Newtonmeters

    Its 6,0 Liter Biturbo engine is longitudinal and placed directly behind the driver and the front seat passenger. The Golf GTI W12-650 differentiate itself in this way from the classical central engine car. A 6-speed automatic transmission transfers 750 Newtonmeters (at 4.500 rpm) to the rear axle. It catapults the Golf GTI W12-650 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds. With a maximum speed of 325 km/h the Golf GTI W12-650 leaves behind nearly all of the world’s supercars.

    Width 1.88 m, 235er tire in front, 295er tire in the back

    Automotive engineers and designers united under Volkswagen Golf GTI W12 650 its 1.88 meters (series: 1.76 meters) spread and 1.42 meters (series: 1.50 meters) flatten body. The chassis components of the Golf GTI W12-650 were adapted directly from supersports cars. The wheels are of course made from a light alloy and because of the gigantic wheel dimensions a specialy engineered tire had to be made.

    70 millimeters lower, 160 millimeters broader

    The goal was clearly defined - despite the partially dramatic technical changes the study should remain completely clear that this is a Golf GTI. Therefore as much parts as possible were taken from tha classical GTI like: the headlights, the doors, the front hood and the tail lamps. The axles were pushed 70 millimeters into the body.

    The largest problem was to supply the 6-litre central engine with sufficient air and to produce sufficient drift at the rear axle without watering the silhouette of the Golf GTI W12-650. Therefore the C-columns were re-designed in such a way that they lead air to the engine. The rear side windows run inward, so that two channels develop between the disks and the C-columns on the left and on the right to drive air to the engine.

    The Carbon fiber roof is a diffuser

    Innovative building of the body also prevented that the lines of the Golf GTI W12-650 to get ruined by a putting on a roof wing. The study carries the wing inward. The roof is part of an enormous diffuser, which provides sufficient drift to the rear axle. It’s made from carbon fiber and leads air under the normal tail spoiler.

    Interior with racing ambitions

    The leather is Alcantara. On the middle range of the armatures are Three rows of auxiliary instruments. Transparent “Flip UP” switch guards for central functions like the disconnectible ESP look like taken derectly from the race track.

    Fire extinguishers are integrated in the place of the glove compartment to also remind us of the race. Because of weight reasons “stripped” the door linings are complete; only lattices are used, which grant a complete view of the interior mechanics of the door.

    MASERATI, MAZDA, MERCEDES, MG, MITSUBISHI, NISSAN, OPEL, PEUGEOT, PONTIAC, PORSCHE, RENAULT,

    2007: Pagani Zonda R

    June 4th, 2007

     2007: Pagani Zonda R

    While we certainly cannot say the Zonda F lacks performance figures, driving around the Nurburgring in 7:32 and achieving lateral G forces of almost 1.5 G, it is however a road car, easy to drive, intuitive and setting the benchmark for comfort, safety and lightweight. Paired with a quality finish and the attention to detail this made the Zonda F one of the most desirable supercars resulting in the 25 Coupe models being sold out in record time.

    2007: Pagani Zonda R

    This did not seem to fulfil the requirements of our most demanding customers, who adore the weekend drive on a racetrack.

    2007: Pagani Zonda R

    The spark has been set by an Italo-American customer, enthusiast and already proud owner of 3 Zondas. He describes the project this way: “The thought has been on my mind for quite some time, but I am not interested in racing”.

    2007: Pagani Zonda R

    The Zonda R is born with full liberty. The target: the ultimate performance at the racetrack without any implications of rules, except for safety, where no compromise is allowed. In September 2006 the first drawings were ready, but it was crucial to have the support of Mercedes-AMG for a high revving engine with a power output of 750hp, dry sump, light and with a low centre of gravity. The basis was the self supporting engine of the mighty CLK GTR, which has dominated the GT championships.

    Eve at constant racing pace the engine would have to cover over 5.000 km before servicing. The challenge has been accepted without hesitation.

    The Zonda R is a car designed from scratch, with only 10% of the Zonda F components to be carried over. The suspension forged in Avional, a new Pagani six speed transversal sequential gearbox, carbon fibre monocoque, aeronautical four pump fuel tank are only part of the equation.

    The wheelbase has grown by 47mm, the overall length by 394 mm and the track is increased by 50mm. The bodywork and aerodynamics have been studied to offer maximum downforce. Even though built for the track, the project would not have received kick off, if the quality and finish of the car and its details was not up to the level of the Pagani road cars.

    One of the first cars to be delivered however will be kept in a living room, designed by Pagani and built with the same materials as the Zonda F, beautifully textured carbon fibre, avional, titanium, inconel and other state of the art materials. Additionally it will feature a bespoke HiFi System that will allow the customer to listen to the sound of this car at Le Mans and the Nurburgring.

    The Pagani customers who have ordered the Zonda R will be relieved of almost 1.2 million + taxes.

    Technical Specifications

    This Zonda is purpose made for track use, without restrictions of any competition rules or homologation, with the only exclusion of the passengers’ integrity, where no compromise is tolerated according to our philosophy and state-of-the-art safety measures are featured.

    A new heart

    The engine is built by the racing specialists at Mercedes AMG, where the championship winning DTM cars are born, as well as the CLK GTR, probably the most devastating and effective weapon ever to compete in the GT series. From it’s engene the Zonda R borrows the basic architecture including an ingenious dry sump allowing a low centre of gravity. This self-supporting engine with 750 hp at 8000 rpm and 710 Nm of torque carries a lightweight carbon fibre highperformance intake system, a racing multiple disc sintered clutch and Formula 1 style exhaust system, hydroformed in Inconel 625 and ceramic coated for optimal heat dissipation. The power unit combined with a 6 speed transversal manual sequential synchronised gearbox is designed to satisfy the most ambitious drivers.

    The chassis

    The central carbon chassis will incorporate a roll cage and a rubber racing fuel tank with 4 fuel pumps and quick refuel filler like on GT race cars. The wheelbase has been increased by 47mm to offer the best stability. The front and rear subframes are brand-new, built to accommodate a new suspension geometry, produced in avional. The magnesium forged rims with central wheel nut and a quick pneumatic lifting system allows fast and effortless changes of the slick tyres.

    Bodywork and aerodynamics

    The new bodywork has been honed to offer elevated downforce even in low speed corners. The longer front bonnet with flaps, closed underbody and the rear overhang with the adjustable rear wing and race derived diffusor translate into shattering aerodynamic efficiency and will let you experience cornering speeds beyond imagination. The car displays and logs information about the amount of dowforce that the car is generating at each moment. Combined with the adjustable wings you can easily find the best setup for each track.

    Workstation

    The interior is designed to accommodate the driver and passenger in bespoke seats, built to offer the best support, when the G-forces from the vehicle dynamics come into question. The Digitek instrumentation provides the essential information and a sophisticated telemetry allows through a variety of sensors to monitor every single component of the car.

    Type V12 - M120
    V - angle 60°
    Displacement 5987 ccm
    Stroke 80,20 mm
    Bore 89,00 mm
    Valves per cilinder 4
    Horse Power 750
    Power output 551 KW at 7.500 1/min
    Torque output 710 Nm
    Aspiration Single throttle bodies, mechanically operated
    Lubrification Dry sump with separate oil tank
    Firing order 1-12-5-8-3-10-6-7-2-11-4-9

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