6/7/09

FIA releases 2010 F1 entry list, Team US F1 confirmed

发表者 ddgg 6/13/09

F1's governing body has given five of the eight FOTA teams another week to lodge unconditional entries for the 2010 world championship. McLaren, BMW, Renault, Toyota and Brawn were listed provisionally on the entry list for next year, which was published on Friday by the FIA.

"The FIA has invited them to lift those conditions following further discussions to be concluded not later than close of business on Friday 19 June," a statement issued by the Paris based federation read.

Ferrari and Red Bull's two teams also lodged unconditional entries on the May 29 deadline, but have been assigned full status on the 2010 entry list reportedly due to existing contractual agreements with the sport's ruling bodies.

Those three teams, particularly Ferrari, will undoubtedly challenge the decision, because they are firmly united with FOTA, opposed to the announced regulations, and threatening to leave the sport.

Three new teams, to all be powered by Cosworth engines, were also named on the 2010 entry list: Campos Grand Prix, Team USF1, and the British F3 and Formula Renault outfit Manor Motorsport, to be called Manor Grand Prix.

Curiously, David Richards' Prodrive was not named, and all 26 spots on the 2010 grid are potentially occupied. However, after Max Mosley recently suggested that one or two existing teams may pull out at the end of the year, the FIA statement indicated that there may be room for more new entrants.

"Pending completion of the discussions referred to above, further due diligence is currently taking place on other potential entries," the FIA said.

2010 Formula One entry list is:

Team/Constructor
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro / Ferrari
Scuderia toro rosso / STR TBA
Red Bull Racing / RBR Renault
AT&T Williams / Williams Toyota Force India F1 team / Force India Mercedes
Campos Grand Prix / Campos Cosworth
Manor Grand Prix / Manor Cosworth
Team US F1 / Team US F1 Cosworth
Vodafone Mclaren-Mercedes / Mclaren-Mercedes
BMW Sauber F1 Team / BMW Sauber
Renault F1 Team / Renault
Panasonic Toyota Racing / Toyota
Brawn GP Formula One Team / Brawn TBA
Source:motorauthority

2009 24 Hours of Le Mans: Pit Walk

发表者 ddgg

Before the action at Le Mans got underway, we went for a quick walk through the pits moments before it went hot.

Unfortunately, before we could make it down to the Audi crew, we were shuffled away, but we still managed to snag some up-close shots of dozens of cars, including the front-running Peugeots, the Gulf-liveried P1 Astons and, of course, the Corvette C6.Rs as they prepared for their final GT1-class outing at Le Mans. Check it out in the gallery below, and if you're desperate for something we missed, let us know in the comments. We'll do our best to deliver.
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Carbon Motors reports 10,000 pre-orders for diesel-powered E7 police car

发表者 ddgg 6/12/09

We can understand the interest. Each E7 will boast an impressive lise of features like 360-degree built-in police-duty LED lights, suicide rear doors with hose-out rear passenger compartment and a separate front compartment with high-tech touches like radar, LoJack, an automatic license plate recognition system, radiation and biological threat detectors and Carbon's exclusive On-board Rapid Command Architecture (ORCA), which features a large touchscreen display and keyboard.

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Of course, before they can make good on any of those 10,000 pre-orders, Carbon Motors needs a place to build their wares. While the company has yet to make a decision, it has admitted that officials from Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina have approached them with offers. Check out Carbon Motors' official statement after the jump for more details.

Perhaps the best bit of all is the aluminum-intensive space frame construction with composite body panels, which keeps weight down low enough that the 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with 300 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque can propel the E7 to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph. Fuel economy is pegged at 28-30 miles per gallon, which is well above what any current police vehicles are likely to achieve.
via:autoblog

Spy Photos: Rolls Royce Ghost Spied in White Livery

发表者 ddgg

Copyright by Carpix / White Rolls Royce Ghost

Just days after catching a two-tone Rolls-Royce Ghost, our spy photographers have managed to get the first pictures of a prototype decked out in white. Although the photos don't provide any new details about the upcoming entry-level model, they show the Ghost in one of the brand's most popular colors.

Copyright by Carpix / White Rolls Royce Ghost

Copyright by Carpix / White Rolls Royce Ghost

Power comes from a new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine with more than 500 bhp. The engine is connected to an eight-speed ZF gearbox which was tuned to deliver unparalleled shift comfort and responsiveness. In order to keep this beast under control, Rolls-Royce has equipped the Ghost with an advanced air suspension system that offers dynamic handling while preserving a luxurious ride quality.

Copyright by Carpix / White Rolls Royce Ghost

Copyright by Carpix / White Rolls Royce Ghost

Commonly referred to as the "baby" Rolls-Royce, the 2010 Ghost is actually a massive car as it measures 5399mm (212.6 inches) in length, 3295mm (129.7 inches) in wheelbase, 1948mm (76.7 inches) in width, and 1550mm (61 inches) in height.

The Ghost will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with production beginning shortly thereafter.
via:worldcarfans

Michael Schumacher laps the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE at Fiorano

发表者 ddgg

Michael Schumacher was on hand at the Fiorano race track, where Ferrari was doing its school thing, to run a few laps with the new Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE.

The car's lap time around the Fiorano test track is already known - Ferrari says it's capable of a 1 minute, 26.5 second trip. That's not just quick, it's seriously quick - the legendary F40 takes 3.1 seconds longer, while the current F430
takes another half second, as does the F50 supercar.

performance package first introduced at the Geneva auto show in March. HGTE features a lower, more stiffened suspension, modified damper settings, and a new sport exhaust sound for the 599 GTB. The package also comes with a few cosmetic enhancements such as an interior carbon-fiber cabin finish with a meaner-looking grill and specialized 20-inch rims on the outside.

The Pilota Ferrari driving courses give Ferrari owners a comprehensive range of expert tuition designed to progressively instruct drivers in the art of performance driving, enabling them to use their full potential in absolute safety, both on the track and on the road. Four levels of courses are available - Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, along with a special On Ice course, and they are available in the U.S., China, Japan and of course, Italy.

via:motorauthority

Lexus LX570 driven to victory in Tecate Baja 500

发表者 ddgg

Bacal and the JTGrey team are now looking forward to their next race in late summer when they challenge the Vegas to Reno 1000 in the Best of the Desert series on August 19-23.

In a remarkable first for driver, team, vehicle and manufacturer, Joe Bacal and navigator Paul Williamsen took their freshly-built Cancer Treatment Centers of America JTGrey Racing Lexus LX570 to a landmark maiden victory in the 41st annual Tecate Score Baja 500 over the weekend.

Their win in the ‘Stock Full’ class marks a world’s first for Lexus and the culmination of a years of hard work for Bacal and his new team.

“This is truly a dream come true,” said Bacal. “The LX570 was bulletproof and we went the entire distance without a tire change. I was tired at the end but not exhausted, which is something that two years ago was hard to imagine after my cancer ordeal.”

Assisted by first-time navigator Williamsen and a completely new team, Baja 500 rookie Bacal drove all 16 hours of his race without leaving the vehicle and with only brief stops for fuel and nourishment along the way. They moved the big LX into the class lead a little before the halfway point and were never headed again.
via: motorauthority

Lamborghini sees no recovery until 2011

发表者 ddgg 6/10/09

Luxury sports carmaker Lamborghini sees no recovery in its markets until 2011 after a 30 percent drop in sales in the first five months of this year, Chief Executive Stephan Winkelmann said on Wednesday.

Winkelmann points out that sales are down over 40% in the US (Lamborghini's top market), and the company's waiting list has dropped from one year to six months. Lamborghini's struggles closely mirror problems with the economy at large; areas that have been hit by investment banking and real estate woes aren't in the market for Italian supercars.

Lamborghini boosted pre-tax profit by 27 percent in 2008 to 60 million euros ($84.66 million) on revenue up 2.5 percent to 479 million as it cut costs.

And the world renown luxury exotic automaker will have to stay solvent while vastly improving its carbon footprint. Lamborghini plans to reduce CO2 emissions coming from its vehicles by 35% in six years.
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Aston Martin Rapide caught undisguised in parking lot

发表者 ddgg

Simon Gregg / Aston Martin Rapide uncovered spy photo

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman once said, "We wanted to make the most beautiful four-door sports car in the world." The British automaker seems to have come very close to achieving their goal.

Simon Gregg / Aston Martin Rapide uncovered spy photo

Simon Gregg / Aston Martin Rapide uncovered spy photo

For photographer Simon Gregg, the looks of the car have completely exceeded expectations. "This new addition from Aston Martin is most certainly going beat the Porsche Panamera in the style stakes!" he told CAR Online. "It has the same aggresive look of the Vanquish from the rear and even offers the appearance of being a two-door car, rather than a four-door when viewed from certain angles."
more detail. ...

Supreme Court allows sale of Chrysler to Fiat

发表者 ddgg 6/9/09

The Supreme Court has approved the sale of substantially all of Chrysler's assets to Fiat, helping to finalize their alliance as well as the American automaker’s bankruptcy proceedings. Approval was given for the $2 billion sale of the assets to a new company that will be 68% controlled by a healthcare trust aligned with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. Fiat will control 20%, while the U.S. and Canadian governments will control the remaining 12%.

Objectors to the deal had included a group of Indiana pension funds holding secured debt, some of the 789 dealerships Chrysler plans to reject, and consumer groups. They had argued that Chrysler was moving too quickly, that the sale violated bankruptcy principals and that the company was needlessly closing hundreds of its dealerships.
more detail. ...

VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S

发表者 ddgg

The crew from On Cars had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition.

In the first of three videos (the other two haven't been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you've been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn't been built or acquired yet, but we digress.

Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.
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First spy photos for Volkswagen Caddy facelift

发表者 ddgg

These spy shots were snapped as the Caddy was doing some huffing and puffing testing somewhere in the Austrian Alps. According to our spy photographers, VW seems to be studying how the new front end handles its engine cooling responsibilities.

　
The masking is intended to hide the new features of the Caddy, but it's pretty easy to imagine what it looks like, given that VW will be bringing the Caddy's design in line with the new Volkswagen face as seen on the Polo and Golf models.

What else will be new on the Caddy is a matter of guesswork. There may be more engine choices added to the range and perhaps an interior upgrading as well. And VW is obviously attempting to add some styling appeal to its more utility-oriented vehicles as we've seen on the upcoming Amarok pickup truck, so definitely expect to see a more snazzy Caddy.

Here are a series of spy-shots of the upcoming VW Caddy facelift, with our trusted Caddy wearing a face mask as if its afraid of catching the swine flu.

The new VW Caddy is likely to debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.
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eBay Find of the Day: Malcolm Bricklin's very own 1970 Meyers Manx SR

发表者 ddgg 6/8/09

The Meyers Manx SR (for "Street Roadster") was the roadgoing version of Meyers' seminal, frog-eyed dune buggy. There were ten built at Meyers' factory in Fountain Valley, and the 1970-vintage example you see above was built for that other kit car icon, Malcolm Bricklin.

For sale right now on eBay, the Manx SR was described in an issue of Car & Driver :

No Practical man would have built such a device here in the cool, smooth seventies; no practical man would want to drive one everyday. But the fun-lovers, the zestful types with a touch of tiger-hunter in their souls, guys who might play the guitar and drink skull-popper and give more than passing attention to the wahine, no they're going to take it to their rascally hearts.

That is among the best descriptions for a car, for the entire decade -- and that decade's porn stars -- all at once. The 1.6-liter four-speeder is said to run perfectly, and bidding is up to $10,000 at the time of writing. We aren't sure, though, if the final price includes the Steppenwolf 8-track. Check it all out in the gallery of high-res photos below.
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Volkswagen Golf GTD Revealed in Germany market

发表者 ddgg

VW Golf GTD

Volkswagen is touting the new Golf GTD, launched in Germany today, as the GTI of diesels. That's because the GTD is based on the petrol GTI but with one fundamental difference: the engine. The car uses a 2.0-litre direct injection common rail turbo diesel motor good for 125kW (170hp) at 4,200rpm. While this may not exactly match the GTI's 155kW (211hp) the GTD excels where most diesel-heads expect it to and that is in torque delivery. Peak pulling force is 350Nm made between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm.

VW Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD

Prices start at €27,475 (US$38,100) for the 6-speed manual and €29,350 (US$40,700) for the DSG version. The five-door will cost an extra €765 (US$1,060) over the three-door prices.

VW Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD

The car's sporting intentions are clear even from a visual point of view. GTI-inspired bits include the chrome horizontal stripes on the front grille, standard fog lights and twin chrome tailpipes. The chassis has been lowered by 15mm and 17-inch wheels with 225 section tyres.

VW Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD

Inside the GTD features sports seats similar to those in the GTI but feature the same "Jacky" fabric pattern with a light grey colour diamond stripe pattern instead of a red like in the GTI. A three-spoke leather steering wheel is featured. Other equipment includes an RCD 210 radio system, automatic climate control, ESP with countersteer assist and VW's ParkPilot system.

VW Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD

Performance is said to rival that of more powerful petrol-driven cars. The 0 - 100km/h sprint takes place in 8.1 seconds and top speed is 220km/h (136.7mph). When fitted with the standard 6-speed manual transmission the GTD returns a fuel economy figure of 5.3 litres per 100km (53.3 UK mpg) which goes with a C02 figure of 139g/km. The quick-changing DGS version has a claimed fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km (50.44 UK mpg), equating to C02 emissions of 147g/km. Theoretically then the GTD can travel for over 1,000km (621 miles) on a single tank of diesel from its 55 litre tank.

VW Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD

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Press Release

To the Point: Comeback of a Classic:

Volkswagen brings the new Golf GTD to market
High-tech diesel in the Golf GTD with 170 PS consumes just 5.3 liters
Golf GTD shows clear affinity to the Golf GTI

The Golf model lineup has been growing by leaps and bounds: At the end of 2008, the sixth generation of the bestseller was launched. Shortly thereafter, in early 2009, the new Golf Plus appeared. Then, the current Golf GTI was vaulted to center stage, closely followed by the new Golf Variant. And now the lineup continues: with the new Golf GTD. Its 125 kW / 170 PS power level makes it the highest-performance production Golf with a diesel engine today. The code letters GTD have a magical effect on diesel drivers and carry on a long tradition: 27 years ago the first GTD debuted and revolutionized the diesel market with its turbocharged diesel engine; for the first time, a diesel was not only economical but exceedingly sporty too. The GTD paved the way for the worldwide breakthrough of the TDI - the direct-injection high-tech diesel of the Volkswagen Group.

* GTD key performance data: The new Golf GTD generation is powered by a highly advanced common rail TDI engine, which makes it stronger (350 Newton-meter), more economical (5.3 liter), cleaner (139 g/km CO2 / Euro 5) and quieter than ever before. The GTD is also sportier: 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h and a 222 km/h top speed prove it.

* GTD affinities: The Golf GTD speaks to all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance. That is why the GTD shows such a clear affinity to the new Golf GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in a league of its own with an efficient turbo gasoline engine that offers the performance of far more expensive sports cars, the Golf GTD is making its debut with phenomenal fuel economy and a range of approx. 1,000 kilometer (with a 55 liter fuel tank).

* GTD high tech: The car's technical ingredients are among the most advanced that the market has to offer. Naturally, the focal point of this high-tech composition is the TDI engine. Its specific torque is 177.8 Newton-meter per liter engine displacement. In practically any driving situation, the 16-valve four-cylinder engine offers the power of a sports car engine with six cylinders. Just as pioneering is the six-speed DSG gearbox from Volkswagen: Just as on the Golf GTI, on the Golf GTD too there will be an optional dual clutch transmission in place of the standard six-speed version; no other automatic performs more quickly or efficiently. The Golf GTD with DSG is capable of achieving 220 km/h, also accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and consumes just 5.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers on average (147 g/km CO2).

* GTD exterior: The car's visual appearance is impressive too. The GTD - equipped with a chassis lowered by 15 millimeters, 17-inch alloy wheels ("Seattle") and 225 section tires - shows parallels and once again a similarity to the GTI in terms of its styling and features. Consider the front end, for example: Among the hallmarks of the GTD and GTI are their bumper designs with standard front fog lights in a typical vertical layout. Their headlights and radiator grilles share the same construction as well. In the case of the GTD, the horizontal stripes in the radiator grille - typical of the GTI - are styled in chrome. At the rear, the turbo-diesel also has a diffuser, but it is modified: The diesel Golf can be recognized by the twin chrome tailpipes of its exhaust system in the diffuser. The taillights are smoked on both top Golf versions.

* GTD interior: The car's interior follows Volkswagen's GT philosophy as well. And this means ergonomics in its purest form, supplemented by features tailored to the Golf GTD. The "top sport seats" - the same as the ones used in the Golf GTI - define a higher standard. Their long-distance touring and racing properties are legendary, as is their styling. In contrast to the GTI, the black sport seats of the GTD are complemented by a light gray color in the diamond stripe pattern instead of red. Another highlight is the three-spoke leather sport steering wheel. And, as on the steering wheel, the parking brake grip and gearshift surround are also finished in leather. The instrument and door trim areas are treated with "Black Stripe" gloss-black accents.

* GTD is fully equipped: Furthermore, Golf GTD features include details such as chrome bezels for various switches, a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, automatic climate control, multifunctional display "Plus", center armrests and the RCD 210 radio system. Standard features also include lowering of the passenger's side mirror when backing up, heated windshield washer nozzles, headlight cleaning system, "ParkPilot" (with sensors in front and rear bumpers), ESP with countersteer assist and braking assistant, as well as seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver's side.

Concept

Sporty Statement:

Golf GTD is completely redefining dynamics in the diesel segment
New Golf GTD was developed using the legendary GTI as a basis
GTD engine is fuel-efficient (5.3 l), clean (Euro-5) and sporty (170 PS)

Volkswagen is launching a new Golf highlight on the market: the GTD. The acronym GTD has a long tradition: Back in 1982 the first Golf GTD appeared - the GTI among diesels. The new Golf GTD with its 125 kW / 170 PS speaks to all diesel fans who value a maximum in dynamic performance. That is why the GTD shows such a clear similarity to the new Golf GTI (155 kW / 210 PS). While the GTI is in a league of its own with an efficient turbocharged gasoline engine that offers the performance of far more expensive sports cars, the Golf GTD is making its debut with phenomenal fuel economy. Every 100 kilometers, just 5.3 liters of fuel flow through the piezo injection valves of the common rail engine that can hardly be pegged as a diesel. That is equivalent to CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km. This contrasts with a top speed of 222 km/h and 8.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h. When the driver accelerates, the TDI surprises with exceedingly sporty sound, while still offering excellent long-distance touring comfort thanks to its very good acoustic properties.

Like the GTI, the GTD will also be offered with an optional six-speed DSG instead of the standard six-speed transmission version. In the opinion of many experts, this is the most efficient automatic of our times. The Golf GTD with DSG reaches a top speed of 220 km/h, and it too accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and consumes 5.6 liters of diesel on average (147 g/km CO2). Thanks to these excellent fuel efficiency values, GTD cars with either transmission version can travel about 1,000 kilometers on one tank of fuel (55 liters).

Drivetrain

TDI technology in detail

The most important conceptual component of the Golf GTD is the common rail TDI with 170 PS being used in this model series for the first time. The 1,968 cm3 displacement engine is part of a new generation of TDI engines that is more fuel-efficient, low-emitting and more powerful. In parallel, Volkswagen significantly improved the acoustic properties of new generation TDI engines.

The maximum power of the GTD engine lies at 4,200 rpm. Between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm is where the engine - as sporty as it is economical - develops its maximum torque of 350 Newton-meters. Its specific torque is 177.8 Newton-meter per liter displacement. In practically any driving situation, the 16-valve four-cylinder engine offers the power of a sports car engine with six cylinders!

Fuel induction is handled by the latest generation common rail system. Fuel injection pressures of up to 1,800 bar and special eight-hole injection nozzles achieve especially fine atomization of the diesel fuel. The injection nozzles equip the piezo in-line injectors. The electrically controlled piezo crystals - boosted by hydraulics - initiate trigger injection in fractions of a second. Compared to conventional solenoid valves, piezo technology enables greater flexibility in injection processes with smaller, more precisely metered fuel quantities and multiple injections with up to seven individual injections per working cycle. The results are a very quiet and pleasantly smooth-running engine, exceptionally quick response, excellent fuel economy and low emissions. Naturally, the Golf GTD meets limits of the Euro-5 emissions standard.

Engine acoustics are also improved by a fully maintenance-free toothed belt drive for the exhaust camshaft. For the first time on this TDI, Volkswagen is using an exceptionally low-noise, ribbed V-belt covered by an elastomeric film to drive ancillary components. The conversion to common rail technology and numerous other acoustic measures - such as a damping film in the windshield, an extensive noise attenuation package and aero-acoustic fine tuning of the body - have made the new Golf GTD one of the quietest diesels in its class.

Sound - sporty sound - was not exactly a strength of diesel engines until now. However, the GTD's new common rail engine is in fact different. Like the new Golf GTI, the GTD also has an innovative engine sound system that acoustically underscores the engine's power. In addition, the common rail TDI itself has a positive effect on passive safety: Compared to the pump-nozzle TDI of the previous Golf generation, the new turbo-diesel has a significantly lower vertical profile. This improves pedestrian safety, since the engine hood now exhibits a larger deformation area.

Handling

Chassis has optional DCC

The new Golf GTD is equipped with a sport chassis lowered by 15 millimeters. The entire architecture of springs, dampers and rear stabilizer were completely retuned for the sporty turbo-diesel. Up front, the familiar strut-type suspension operates with helical springs and telescopic dampers. In the rear, the innovative multi-link suspension ensures that the ESP system seldom needs to intervene.

As an option, the new Golf GTD can be ordered with dynamic chassis control (DCC). The system continually reacts to the roadway and driving situation and modifies the damper characteristic accordingly. DCC also reacts to acceleration, braking and steering inputs. This resolves the apparent conflict in goals between a stiff, sporty layout and a comfortable one. Background: A gain in sportiness generally means a loss of comfort, and the opposite holds true as well. An ideal chassis continually adapts to roadway conditions and the driver's wishes or those of the passengers. However, that would require electrically adjustable damping. DCC is precisely such a system. Along with the damper characteristic, the electro-mechanical power steering is tuned as well. Dynamic chassis control offers three programs: "Normal", "Sport" and "Comfort". "Sport" and "Comfort" are selected via a button located in front of the gearshift lever.

Exterior

Visual appearance and features

The styling and features of the Golf GTD and GTI clearly show overlaps. Consider the front end, for example: Among the hallmarks of the GTD and GTI are their bumper designs with standard front fog lights in a typical vertical layout. Their headlights and radiator grille are also identical in construction. In the case of the GTD, the horizontal strips in the radiator grille - typical of the GTI - are styled in chrome. The gran turismo diesel also shares the honeycomb structure of the radiator grille's lower and upper protective screens with the GTI.

Consider the rear: The turbo-diesel has a modified diffuser here. Even if no GTD emblem is ordered with the car purchase, the diesel Golf can be recognized by the exhaust system's twin chrome tailpipes on the left side of the diffuser (GTI: one tailpipe on the left and one on the right). The taillights on both Golf top versions are smoked. The special exterior colors "Black" and "Tornado red" can also be ordered on either car at no additional charge; they emphasize the dynamic character of the two "GTs".

Interior

Look and features

The car's interior follows Volkswagen's GT philosophy as well. And this means ergonomics in its purest form, supplemented by features tailored to the Golf GTD. As in every sixth generation Golf, the exceptionally high-quality materials that are used make an immediate impression in their pleasing look and feel. The "top sport seats" - the same as the ones used in the Golf GTI - define a higher standard. Their long-distance touring and racing properties are legendary, as is their styling. In contrast to the GTI, the black sport seats of the GTD are complemented by a light gray in the diamond stripe pattern instead of red. The name of the pattern is identical: "Jacky". As a color for the so-called cap stitching, an elegant light gray ("Art Grey") is used here instead of red ("Flash Red"). The driver and front passenger seats are height adjustable and equipped with a lumbar support. On this car, the seating system can be ordered with full "Vienna" black leather upholstery as an option.

Another highlight is the standard leather three-spoke sport steering wheel. Its lower radius is noticeably flattened, a feature usually reserved for race cars. The horizontal spokes were integrated in the styling of the grip recesses for the hands. The ergonomically ideal grip recesses are covered with smooth leather, while other areas of the wheel feature perforated leather. Also as elegant as it is sporty is the chrome look of the three spokes; the GTD signature was worked into the vertical spoke. The wheel is also available as a multifunctional steering wheel as a special option. When the Golf GTD appears with a DSG transmission, its steering wheel functionality is extended by the addition of shift paddles ("-" left, "+" right) located by the two horizontal spokes.

Also fitted in standard black leather are the parking brake lever and the gearshift surround. Here too, the light gray stitching provides a color contrast. Chrome surrounds are standard on the rotary light switch, controls for the power windows, air vent nozzles and accents for the power mirror adjustment switches. Meanwhile, the instrument and door trim areas are treated with "Black Stripe" gloss-black accents. The pedal caps and foot support are made of stainless steel with an integrated anti-slip rubber profile.

Fully equipped

Everything on board

Moreover, interior features of the Golf GTD include additional details (baseline comparison: Golf Trendline) such as a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, dual-zone climate control system ("Climatronic"), reading lights in front and rear, multifunctional display "Plus" with trip computer, center armrests, front and rear, two additional air vents and cup holders in the rear, pass-through cargo capability in the rear bench seat, an additional cargo bin in the trunk area and an RCD 210 radio system.

Standard exterior features include a passenger's side outside mirror that lowers for backup driving, front fog lights with chrome frames, a winter package (with heated windshield washer nozzles, heated front seats, headlight cleaning system and warning indicator for low washer fluid level) and the "ParkPilot" (with sensors in the front and rear bumpers). Standard safety features include ESP (with countersteer assist, braking assistant and trailer stabilization) and seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver's side.

As an option, Volkswagen is offering the same Bi-Xenon headlights on the Golf GTD as on the Golf GTI, including dynamic curve lighting. The headlights swivel through a steering radius of up to 13 degrees to the outside and seven degrees to the inside. The styling of the headlights closely matches the GTD's sporty character. The embedded dual modules (Xenon outboard, parking light / turn signals inboard) each have a chrome pod through which a very impressive visual image projects.

Another high-end technology of the new Golf GTD is the optional "Park Assist". The second generation of the system is used here. It enables nearly automatic back-up parking parallel to the roadway. The driver just needs to actuate the gas pedal, brake and (in the manually shifted version) the clutch, while the GTD steers into the pre-scanned space by sensor control. Previously, the space had to be at least 1.4 meters longer than the vehicle; now 1.1 meters is sufficient. In addition, the system now enables multiple forward-reverse stages in parking. "Park Assist" deactivates itself as soon as the driver manually intervenes in steering.

CanAm Super Hume visited the road after launching the party

发表者 ddgg

Hulme CanAm supercar crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge

Jock Freemantle, the 68-year-old Kiwi behind the Hulme CanAm, sent us an e-mail about last week's official unveiling of the supercar. Freemantle was joined by scores of people, including Auckland Mayor John Banks, racecar driver Kenny Smith, vehicle engineers, and other excited supporters.

We first told you about the 600 horsepower Hulme CanAm back in February. Named after Kiwi F1 Champ Denny Hulme, the car uses Chevrolet's 7.0-liter V8 which produces a maximum of 600 Nm of torque. Freemantle's two-seater supercar has a top speed believed to be between 300 (186.4mph) and 320 km/h (198.8mph), and looks like it can haul ass around a racing circuit.

Five party attendees won the chance to be whipped around during a speed lap, but rainy weather meant the laps had to be postponed. To date, the vehicle has been tested on five different New Zealand circuits, and has also been driven around New Zealand. The day after the party, Freemantle took Mayor John Banks for a ride over the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

At US$700,000, the price could be the biggest deterrent in purchasing the car. But we wish these upstarts the best of luck, as they try to bring their supercar to market in Europe and the Middle East.
Source:World Car Fans

Lamborghini hints at hybrid future in new environmental strategy

发表者 ddgg 6/7/09

Lamborghini has set itself an internal goal of reducing the carbon-dioxide emissions of its vehicles by 35% by 2015. To do this it will focus on reducing the weight of its cars, increasing efficiency of its engines and upgrading them to run on biofuel, installing engine stop-start systems, and even looking at hybrid drivetrain solutions.

More stringent fuel economy and emissions regulations rolling in across major markets around the globe have all automakers, even ultra luxury marques, rethinking their designs and manufacturing processes in an effort to become greener. Both Bentley and Ferrari have confirmed their commitment to reducing their emissions and now Lamborghini has unveiled its new environmental strategy.

Lamborghini sees boosting its environmental credibility as a company-wide task and is therefore spending up to €35 million over the next five years to improve the efficiency of its entire operations. This will include the installation of new photovoltaic solar cells to reduce the CO2 emissions of factory 30% by 2010.

We’ve already seen the first results of Lamborghini’s new environmental strategy in the Gallardo LP 560-4, which produces 18% less CO2 than the standard Gallardo on which it’s based.
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BMW 7-Series M-sport package spy photo

发表者 ddgg

When (or if) BMW will unveil the M7 remains a mystery, but judging by your reaction, it can't come soon enough

Earlier this week, we brought you the first spy photos of what was thought to be the long awaited BMW M7. Now that our spies have managed to catch the car completely uncovered, we're left thinking this prototype is nothing more than a standard BMW 7-Series outfitted with a new M-sports package.

After closer analysis, you can clearly see that this 7-Series lacks several key M styling characteristics such as quad exhaust pipes and front fender M logo gills. What about the power bulge on the hood? Previously we've seen various BMW prototypes wearing a similar hood bulge most likely making way for diagnostic equipment used in powertrain testing. All of these omissions virtually rule out the possibly of this being the highly anticipated M7.

Despite lacking the X5 M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, with 555 horsepower (408kW) and 500 lb-ft (678Nm) of torque, the car features a dynamic appearance thanks to more aggressive bumpers and new wheels.
via:World Car Fans