The Bmw M5- Unsurpassed Quality And Performance
October 26, 2007
Car enthusiasts will often tell you of their undying loyalty to
a particular car brand. And for many, that means a loyalty to
what is considered to be a high-end luxury vehicle brand. The
BMW, by far, reflects the continued support of the public for
those cars that are considered to be luxury vehicles. And the
BMW M5 is included in the superior product line that continues
to be offered by BMW.
Originating in 1913 in Munich, Germany, The Bavarian Motor
Works company (BMW), was operated by Karl Friedrich Rapp who
desired to create superlative vehicles that would be unsurpassed
in performance and quality. Rapp achieved his goals in creating
the BMW – a brand that has held vast consumer appeal for over 95
years. As the industry changed and grew so did the design of the
BMW, transforming itself to keep pace with the changing
marketplace. The BMW M5 is simply another stage in the evolution
of the BMW brand.
The BMW M5 is considered a high-performance luxury sedan and
is, in fact, known to be the most powerful sedan in the world
and the fastest accelerating BMW model to be built to date. It
features a V-10 engine with five-liter capacity, 10 cylinders,
500 horsepower, and engine speeds of more than 8,000 rpm. The
BMW M5 is one of the most high-quality vehicles on the road
today; the car to which all other vehicles are compared.
The models of the BMW M5 include the E39, E34, and E28, as well
as a number of unique models highly appointed with luxurious
options. The BMW M5 carries with it a high price tag but how
much you ultimately pay depends on the specific model that you
purchase.
The BMW brand will undoubtedly continue to engage consumers for
many generations to come as it expands its product line and
consistently delivers high-end quality and unrivalled luxury
through the BMW M5 and other models to come.
The Jaguar XK8/XK is one Sexy Jag
October 25, 2007
When Jaguar launched its XK8/XK in 1998, it was pulled from the dust and polished up from the exotic sports car that Jaguar produced in the 1960s.
The XK8 replaced the XJS design, as Ivy at NW Posh points out, and yet the 2 cars are pretty similar.
Honda prices Civic MUGEN Si Sedan from $29,500
October 25, 2007
The 2008 Honda Civic MUGEN Si Sedan is arriving at dealerships nationwide with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price1 (MSRP) of $29,500, plus destination and handling charges, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
Built on the foundation of the Civic Si Sedan and tuned by the prestigious racing and aftermarket performance company, MUGEN, the Civic MUGEN Si Sedan adds a track-tuned MUGEN suspension, 18-inch forged alloy lightweight wheels, a full aerodynamic body kit with adjustable rear wing spoiler, a rear diffuser and a sport-tuned exhaust system. Powertrain highlights include the Civic Si’s high-revving, 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with an 8000-rpm redline; a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission; and a helical-type, limited-slip differential.
“The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan brings together the excitement of the Civic Si with MUGEN’s legendary reputation for performance,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. “The track-tuned MUGEN suspension further enhances the handling of the Civic Si Sedan.”
The track-tuned suspension, tested at the Twin Ring Motegi racing circuit in Japan, lowers the vehicle by 0.6 inches with aggressive spring and damper tuning for enhanced handling performance while still maintaining a high level of ride comfort. Compared to the conventional Civic Si Sedan dampers, front and rear damping force (both bump and rebound) was increased between 8- and 24-percent.
Lightweight 17-pound 18×7.5-inch forged alloy wheels (27 percent lighter than the stock 17×7-inch alloy wheel) and high-grip BFGoodrich®2 g-Force KDW 215/40ZR18 summer tires help to create MUGEN’s unique, rewarding and well-balanced handling performance character.
The full-vehicle aero-package adds a front spoiler with a sports grille, side skirts, a rear bumper diffuser and an adjustable rear wing spoiler. The sport-tuned exhaust system reduces back pressure downstream from the catalytic converter. The Civic MUGEN Si Sedan is available exclusively in Fiji Blue Pearl and includes front and rear MUGEN emblems. Inside, a MUGEN Limited-edition placard is located on the center console along with a MUGEN 50mm spherical aluminum shift knob.
The name MUGEN symbolizes Honda performance throughout Asia and around the globe. MUGEN, under license by M-TEC Co., Ltd., of Japan, has been closely associated with Honda for more than three decades in the design and manufacture of racing and premium aftermarket performance products.
The limited-production Civic MUGEN Si Sedan (maximum of 1,000 units for the 2008 model year) is backed by the standard factory Honda warranty.
The interior design provides a performance-driving environment with the Civic Si’s firmly-bolstered synthetic suede seats with red stitching, red backlit gauges and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.
The Civic Si’s 2.0-liter, 16-valve, DOHC i-VTEC engine produces 197-horsepower @ 7800 rpm and 139 lb-ft. of torque at 6100 rpm. A standard close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission allows for quick gear changes with torque distributed via a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction in high-performance driving situations.
The interior’s two-tier instrument panel conveys a futuristic design with quick-reference meter positioning and includes a rev-limit indicator light. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-and-telescope feature is standard. The 7-speaker, 350-watt premium audio system features a subwoofer, Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC), MP3/WMA3 playback capability and auxiliary audio input jack. Additional features include a 60/40 split folding rear seat, one-touch power moonroof, red ambient console lighting, remote entry with security system, power windows, power locks, a dual trip meter odometer and a Maintenance Minder™ indicator.
Every 2008 Civic integrates a wide array of standard safety technologies starting with the Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; side curtain airbags; driver’s and front passenger’s side airbags with a passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS); and dual-stage, dual-threshold driver’s and front passenger’s airbags. Active front seat head restraints are designed to help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution, front seatbelts with an automatic-tensioning system and load limiters, and a pedestrian injury mitigation design incorporated into the front exterior of the vehicle. Driver and front passenger seatbelt reminders and daytime running lights are also standard equipment. Vehicle Stability Assist provides launch, oversteer and acceleration-understeer control by modulating engine power and/or applying brake pressure independently to each wheel. VSA can be manually deactivated if conditions warrant it.
A prototype of the Honda Civic MUGEN Si was shown at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in fall, 2006.
Early look: Honda S2000 Type-S
October 23, 2007
Honda has released images of its S2000 Type-S ahead of the car’s Tokyo Motor Show debut. Based on the standard S2000, the Type-S is very similar to the S2000 CR offered in the United States, but features a folding convertible top instead of an aluminum hardtop as well as a new rear wing.
Read more
Honda to produce diesel-powered Civic Type-R?
October 23, 2007
Honda is currently developing a new high-performance diesel engine for its Civic range, a new report finds. Outside of North America, the Civic is currently available with a 2.2L diesel engine with 140 horsepower. However, many of the Civic’s rivals — such as the VW Golf, Renault Megane and Toyota Auris — offer more powerful diesels with about 170 horsepower. To combat the power discrepancy, Honda engineers are considering using the Accord’s more powerful 2.2L CTDi engine in the Civic.
Read more
Audi to cease RS4 production in November
October 23, 2007
Audi will cease production of its RS4 range beginning in November of this year. The RS4 sedan will be the first to go, followed by the Avant later this year and the Cabriolet in early 2008. The current RS4 is based on a seven year old platform and will be replaced by an all-new car riding on Audi’s MLP platform. Read more
Maybach increases 2008 prices
October 23, 2007
Maybach has announced that it will increase pricing for its 2008 lineup. Despite disappointing sales, the 2008 Maybach 57 will start at $341,750 — a price increases of $3,500. Likewise, the range-topping 2008 Maybach 62 S will list for $432,250 — also a price increase of $3,500 over the outgoing model.
Read more
Top Green Cars: Fuel Efficient & Environmentally Friendly
October 23, 2007
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid Summary
The 2008 Civic Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the CVT AT-PZEV and the CVT AT-PZEV w/ Navigation System.
Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 1.3-liter, I4, 110-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 40-mpg in the city and 45-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.
2007 Honda Civic GX NGV 5-Spd AT
The 2007 Civic Coupe is a 2-door, 5-passenger family coupe, available in 8 trims, ranging from the DX 5-Spd MT to the EX 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System. Upon introduction, the DX 5-Spd MT is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 30-mpg in the city and 38-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The EX 5-Spd AT w/ Navigation System is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 140-horsepower engine that achieves 30-mpg in the city and 40-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2007 Civic Coupe is a carryover from 2006.
2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid 4-Door Sedan
Pros:
* Power, amenities, ride and handling similar to a conventionally-powered Camry
* Roughly 50% better mileage than a typical mid-size sedan
Cons:
* Fuel economy isn’t as good as the Prius
* Significant price premium over regular Camry
Who should buy the Toyota Camry Hybrid:
Buyers who want the environmental benefits of a hybrid without giving up typical mid-size ameneties
Who should not buy the Toyota Camry Hybrid:
Buyers looking for the best possible fuel economy in a mid-size car
Details and specs:
* Body style: 4-door sedan
* Trim levels: One
* Price range (including options): $26,820 - $30,730
* Base engine: 2.4 liter inline 4, 147 horsepower @ 6000 RPM, 138 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM; 105 kW electric motor, 199 lb-ft @ 0-1500 RPM (combined output: 187 horsepower)
* Optional engine: None
* Premium fuel required? No
* Transmission: Power-split continuously variable transmission
* Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
* EPA fuel economy estimates: 40 MPG city/38 MPG highway
* Where built: Japan
* Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted torso airbags, two-row side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes
* Optional safety equipment: Electronic stability control
* Major standard features: Dual-zone climate control, CD/MP3 player, power windows/mirrors/locks, keyless entry, power driver’s seat, Bluetooth
* Major options: GPS navigation, power moonroof, heated leather seats
* Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5years/60,000 miles powertrain, 8 years/100,000 miles hybrid components, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
* Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None
2007 Ford Focus 5-Door Hatchback SES
The 2007 Focus is a 2- or 4-door, 5-passenger family coupe, family sedan, sports sedan, or wagon, available in 12 trims, ranging from the 3-Door Hatchback S to the Wagon SES [Discontinued]. Upon introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 136-horsepower engine that achieves 27-mpg in the city and 37-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2007 Focus is a carryover from 2006.
Corvette ZR1 pictures from Laguna Seca
October 22, 2007
Clearly the American LeMans Series was well aware of Chevy’s plan to trot out a ZR1 test car for a couple hot laps on Laguna Seca last Friday. Not only did the organization take video of the relatively impromptu event (see the footage after the jump), but we’ve also got new pics supplied by the ALMS of the ZR1 doing its thing on the track. Check out the suspension compression caught by the camera when the ZR1 tackles Laguna Seca’s infamous Corkscrew. It illustrates just how hard the ZR1 tester was being pushed for the benefit of fans. Clearly it wasn’t painted Velocity Yellow and hauled all the way from Detroit to do a couple of parade laps.
2009 BMW M3 Coupe Review: M Stands for ‘More’
October 21, 2007
The production model of the fourth-generation high-performance 3 Series will be the first-ever M3 with a V8. The all-new 4.0-liter engine is said to produce 420 horsepower with peak torque measuring 295 pound-feet, enabling the car to hit 60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds and reach a 155 mph top speed.
Engineers worked hard to keep the weight down on the new M3 — BMW says it’s the first production vehicle in its segment to have a roof made of reinforced carbon fiber. Such roofs, often used in professional motor sports, reduce overall vehicle weight while lowering the center of gravity to enhance agility and handling. An all-new suspension also features “weight-optimized” aluminum components. BMW says the lightweight engineering has worked, because each unit of horsepower produced by the engine only has to move 8.4 pounds of car.
Aesthetically, the new M3 is based on the BMW 3 Series Coupe — its load-bearing structure, two doors, trunk lid, windows and head- and taillights have been carried over from the latest model. The rest of the M3’s body features, such as the large air intake scoops on the front, flared wheel arches, side sills and dual tailpipes are specifically designed for the M3. For those who like to have fun in the sun, the new M3 will come in a convertible version as well. Expect U.S. sales to begin in the second or third quarter of 2008.
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