Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio
Mansory, car tuner from Germany, has revealed its second appearance kit for the Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio with a two-tone, black and white, color scheme.
The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is equipped with lighter components such as the ultra-light forged wheels and lighter carbon fiber body parts to reduce the weight.
The front apron was designed to channel air to the intercoolers while the rear apron with an integrated diffuser provides additional downforce. The car is also equipped with new side skirts and rear wheel arch extensions.
Inside, the car receives leather and carbon fiber trim and new aluminum pedals and illuminated door tread plates. The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 700 hp (522 kW) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. The power increase is made possible with the installation of Mansory custom supercharger, high flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU.
With the power increase, the Renovatio is two tenths faster than the stock model from 0 to 100 km/h with the top speed of 340 km/h.
The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is equipped with lighter components such as the ultra-light forged wheels and lighter carbon fiber body parts to reduce the weight.
The front apron was designed to channel air to the intercoolers while the rear apron with an integrated diffuser provides additional downforce. The car is also equipped with new side skirts and rear wheel arch extensions.
Inside, the car receives leather and carbon fiber trim and new aluminum pedals and illuminated door tread plates. The Black and White Mansory Mercedes-McLaren SLR Renovatio is powered by a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 700 hp (522 kW) and 650 lb-ft (880 Nm) of torque. The power increase is made possible with the installation of Mansory custom supercharger, high flow exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU.
With the power increase, the Renovatio is two tenths faster than the stock model from 0 to 100 km/h with the top speed of 340 km/h.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Cool James Bond Cars
Across 46 years, 22 films and six leading actors, the James Bond film legacy has featured some of the world’s most luxurious and iconic sportscars. From the signature Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger to the Lotus Esprit Turbo in For Your Eyes Only, 007 has spared no expense in choosing his wheels. To celebrate the release of the Quantum of Solace, here’s a list of the 007 hottest cars from the James Bond Legacy…
001: the BMW Z8
In the 1999 film The World Is Not Enough, James Bond piloted this bad little Beemer before it was officially produced by BMW. Apparently, those are the kind of perks that accompany a license to kill. During filming, the crew actually used a series of working mock-ups of the Z8 that vary a bit from the official production car. After the first model rolled out of the factory, all 5,703 of the original BMW Z8’s sold out, going for a starting price of $128,000.
002: the Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is among the latest James Bond sportscars, as featured in the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace. This one, however, isn’t driven by 007– but a chase scene rival pitted against Bond’s Aston Martin. During the production of the film, the set was closed down due to a third and terrible accident where a stuntman driving the 159 crashed into a wall. The stuntman was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he lay in a coma for days– the same hospital in which he was treated for injuries in shooting the same scene days prior. If you perform your own stunts and want a piece of the Bond villainy action, you can get your hands on an Alfa Romeo 159 for around $33k before import costs…
003: the 1971 Mustang Mach-1
In 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, 007 took to the streets of Las Vegas in a Ford Mustang Mach-1– in hot pursuit of the Las Vegas Police. Diamonds was Sean Connery’s last film, but also the first film in history to feature the now-famous “two-wheeled stunt”, where a car is lifted off the ground, balancing on two wheels on one side of the car. The ‘71 Mach-1 featured plenty of muscle in its 429hp V8 option, which will fetch you around $25,000 well-restored on today’s market.
004: the Aston Martin DBS
Bond’s Aston Martin finally got itself a facelift. Like the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DBS was featured in a Bond film before it hit the public. This $265,000 Aston Martin features a 6.0L V12 pushing 510 horses to hit 62mph in 4.3 seconds. The DBS was pitted against that Alpha Romeo 159 above, and this one didn’t escape without bruises either. During filming, a stuntdriver reportedly lost control of the Aston Martin– which wound up in Lake Garda in Italy…
005: the Toyota 2000GT
Produced between 1967 and 1970, the Toyota 2000GT was built in very limited numbers, designed to show that Japanese autos could compete with the sportscars of Europe. Apparently James Bond took notice, as the 2000GT was famously featured in 1967’s You Only Live Twice. However, Bond’s 2000GT had a slight problem– Sean Connery was too tall to fit in the Toyota, so a convertible version was made to compensate. While the original 2000GT sold in the U.S. for $6,800, it can be found at auction today for as high as $200,000.
006: the Lotus Esprit
In 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me featuring Roger Moore, the Lotus Esprit became one of Q’s most impressive sportscar mods. In a long chase scene between 007 and the infamous Bond-villain Jaws, Bond’s Lotus Esprit makes a cunning escape by transforming into a fully-diveable submarine. While a submersible version featuring that bikini blonde above are not available today, a similar Lotus Esprit could be originally purchased for around $16,800 at the dealer in 1977.
007: the Aston Martin DB5
Last but certainly not least– the original Bond-mobile, the 1963 Aston Martin DB5. In the 1964 film Goldfinger, 007 was provided with a weaponized DB5 by Q Branch himself. Aston Martin, however, wasn’t so keen on the deal. After much negotiating, Aston Martin finally agreed to a product placement deal that made automotive history for the brand. The DB5 was the latest-and-greatest sportscar to be produced in the UK, initially selling for $13,000. Its inline six engine produced 282hp to hit 62mph in 8.1 seconds. Bond’s version, however, was outfitted with an array of gadgets from smokescreens to heavy machine guns. Its not the weaponry that makes the Aston Martin DB5 a legend– it is its design which symbolizes the class and cool that has made James Bond the legend he is today. If there is one car that fully explains what StyleCrave is about, you’re looking at it, front and center.
001: the BMW Z8
In the 1999 film The World Is Not Enough, James Bond piloted this bad little Beemer before it was officially produced by BMW. Apparently, those are the kind of perks that accompany a license to kill. During filming, the crew actually used a series of working mock-ups of the Z8 that vary a bit from the official production car. After the first model rolled out of the factory, all 5,703 of the original BMW Z8’s sold out, going for a starting price of $128,000.
002: the Alfa Romeo 159
The Alfa Romeo 159 is among the latest James Bond sportscars, as featured in the 2008 Bond film Quantum of Solace. This one, however, isn’t driven by 007– but a chase scene rival pitted against Bond’s Aston Martin. During the production of the film, the set was closed down due to a third and terrible accident where a stuntman driving the 159 crashed into a wall. The stuntman was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he lay in a coma for days– the same hospital in which he was treated for injuries in shooting the same scene days prior. If you perform your own stunts and want a piece of the Bond villainy action, you can get your hands on an Alfa Romeo 159 for around $33k before import costs…003: the 1971 Mustang Mach-1
In 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, 007 took to the streets of Las Vegas in a Ford Mustang Mach-1– in hot pursuit of the Las Vegas Police. Diamonds was Sean Connery’s last film, but also the first film in history to feature the now-famous “two-wheeled stunt”, where a car is lifted off the ground, balancing on two wheels on one side of the car. The ‘71 Mach-1 featured plenty of muscle in its 429hp V8 option, which will fetch you around $25,000 well-restored on today’s market.004: the Aston Martin DBS
Bond’s Aston Martin finally got itself a facelift. Like the BMW Z8, the Aston Martin DBS was featured in a Bond film before it hit the public. This $265,000 Aston Martin features a 6.0L V12 pushing 510 horses to hit 62mph in 4.3 seconds. The DBS was pitted against that Alpha Romeo 159 above, and this one didn’t escape without bruises either. During filming, a stuntdriver reportedly lost control of the Aston Martin– which wound up in Lake Garda in Italy…005: the Toyota 2000GT
Produced between 1967 and 1970, the Toyota 2000GT was built in very limited numbers, designed to show that Japanese autos could compete with the sportscars of Europe. Apparently James Bond took notice, as the 2000GT was famously featured in 1967’s You Only Live Twice. However, Bond’s 2000GT had a slight problem– Sean Connery was too tall to fit in the Toyota, so a convertible version was made to compensate. While the original 2000GT sold in the U.S. for $6,800, it can be found at auction today for as high as $200,000.006: the Lotus Esprit
In 1977’s The Spy Who Loved Me featuring Roger Moore, the Lotus Esprit became one of Q’s most impressive sportscar mods. In a long chase scene between 007 and the infamous Bond-villain Jaws, Bond’s Lotus Esprit makes a cunning escape by transforming into a fully-diveable submarine. While a submersible version featuring that bikini blonde above are not available today, a similar Lotus Esprit could be originally purchased for around $16,800 at the dealer in 1977.007: the Aston Martin DB5
Last but certainly not least– the original Bond-mobile, the 1963 Aston Martin DB5. In the 1964 film Goldfinger, 007 was provided with a weaponized DB5 by Q Branch himself. Aston Martin, however, wasn’t so keen on the deal. After much negotiating, Aston Martin finally agreed to a product placement deal that made automotive history for the brand. The DB5 was the latest-and-greatest sportscar to be produced in the UK, initially selling for $13,000. Its inline six engine produced 282hp to hit 62mph in 8.1 seconds. Bond’s version, however, was outfitted with an array of gadgets from smokescreens to heavy machine guns. Its not the weaponry that makes the Aston Martin DB5 a legend– it is its design which symbolizes the class and cool that has made James Bond the legend he is today. If there is one car that fully explains what StyleCrave is about, you’re looking at it, front and center.
9 Cool Movie Cars
Here are 9 of the coolest cars that graced movie screens over the years.
Aston Martin: A long association between 007 and the marque began on screen with the silver DB5 that appears in 1964’s GoldFinger. Although Bonds company car was replaced by a BMW for a bit, the Aston Martin made a strong return in Casino Royale and now the new DBS can be seen in the upcoming “Quantum of Solace.”
Station Wagon: Remember the days before SUV’s and Cross-Overs where in every driveway? Station wagons were coined with the term “Grocery Getter”, but what really put this car on the map was it’s amazing ability to fly 100 feet through the air while seating 7 comfortably in the 1983 classic “Vacation!”
Mini Cooper: Although the original Mini Cooper has a loyal fan base, the new Mini has really taken off in America with its appearance in the modern day iteration of the classic “The Italian Job”
Shelby Mustang: Ok, so Touchstone’s 2000 movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” made this car popular to the masses, not the 1974 Movie. Why? Because the 1974 movie did not sport a Shelby or Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, Ford is spitting out Shelby Mustangs like horny rabbits and completely killing the elite-ness of what a Shelby Mustang truly is.
Dodge Challenger: Dodges Pony Car stormed on the scene in 1971 in the cult classic “Vanishing Point”. Delivery driver Kowalski had made a wager to deliver the car from Colorado to San Francisco in 15 hours which set the stage for one of the most intense car chases to hit the big screen.
Nissan Skyline: Although the Skyline made it’s big screen debut in the movie “2 Fast, 2 Furious”, Nissan’s flagship was made popular years earlier in Sony’s mega selling video game “Gran Tourismo” which is very much responsible for today’s “Now Sold in America” Nissan GT-R.
Dodge Charger: One of the most recognizable cars of all time finally made it’s big screen debut in the movie version of the popular television series “The Dukes Of Hazzard”. The Charger did make an appearance in the movie Bullitt, but was over shadowed by the next car on the list.
Mustang: Wow, Steve McQueen put Ford on the map when performance was all the rage in 1960’s America. The 1967 Mustang used in “Bullitt” was the first year ford used the “Big Block” in their pony car. Sporting 390 cubic inches, the Mustang was put to the test in one of the most memorable car chases in movie history. In 2001, Ford began production of the “Bullitt Mustang” for sale in the US in memory of the McQueen classic and even used movie clips to help promote the sales.
DeLorean: Made popular in the movie “Back To The Future”, this stainless steel, no paint needed car was not what it seemed. With it’s 170hp, getting the DeLorean to that 88mph mark needed to travel through time would definitely require a flux capacitor or at least a mile of real estate . Contrary to popular belief, the Gull Wing doors would not help the car fly.
Aston Martin: A long association between 007 and the marque began on screen with the silver DB5 that appears in 1964’s GoldFinger. Although Bonds company car was replaced by a BMW for a bit, the Aston Martin made a strong return in Casino Royale and now the new DBS can be seen in the upcoming “Quantum of Solace.”
Station Wagon: Remember the days before SUV’s and Cross-Overs where in every driveway? Station wagons were coined with the term “Grocery Getter”, but what really put this car on the map was it’s amazing ability to fly 100 feet through the air while seating 7 comfortably in the 1983 classic “Vacation!”
Mini Cooper: Although the original Mini Cooper has a loyal fan base, the new Mini has really taken off in America with its appearance in the modern day iteration of the classic “The Italian Job”
Shelby Mustang: Ok, so Touchstone’s 2000 movie “Gone in 60 Seconds” made this car popular to the masses, not the 1974 Movie. Why? Because the 1974 movie did not sport a Shelby or Angelina Jolie. Unfortunately, Ford is spitting out Shelby Mustangs like horny rabbits and completely killing the elite-ness of what a Shelby Mustang truly is.
Dodge Challenger: Dodges Pony Car stormed on the scene in 1971 in the cult classic “Vanishing Point”. Delivery driver Kowalski had made a wager to deliver the car from Colorado to San Francisco in 15 hours which set the stage for one of the most intense car chases to hit the big screen.
Nissan Skyline: Although the Skyline made it’s big screen debut in the movie “2 Fast, 2 Furious”, Nissan’s flagship was made popular years earlier in Sony’s mega selling video game “Gran Tourismo” which is very much responsible for today’s “Now Sold in America” Nissan GT-R.
Dodge Charger: One of the most recognizable cars of all time finally made it’s big screen debut in the movie version of the popular television series “The Dukes Of Hazzard”. The Charger did make an appearance in the movie Bullitt, but was over shadowed by the next car on the list.
Mustang: Wow, Steve McQueen put Ford on the map when performance was all the rage in 1960’s America. The 1967 Mustang used in “Bullitt” was the first year ford used the “Big Block” in their pony car. Sporting 390 cubic inches, the Mustang was put to the test in one of the most memorable car chases in movie history. In 2001, Ford began production of the “Bullitt Mustang” for sale in the US in memory of the McQueen classic and even used movie clips to help promote the sales.
DeLorean: Made popular in the movie “Back To The Future”, this stainless steel, no paint needed car was not what it seemed. With it’s 170hp, getting the DeLorean to that 88mph mark needed to travel through time would definitely require a flux capacitor or at least a mile of real estate . Contrary to popular belief, the Gull Wing doors would not help the car fly.
Alfa Romeo Competizione
The Alfa Romeo Competizione is a sports car produced by Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was first presented as a concept car at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and later released for sale for the 2007 model year.
The car uses a modified Maserati platform and powertrain (Maserati 4200, GranTurismo) and features a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90 degree cross-plane dry-sump lubricated 4.7-litre V8 assembled by Ferrari.
The top engine performance figures may be summarized as a maximum power of 331 kilowatts (450 PS) at 7000 revolutions per minute, a peak torque of 480 newton metres (354 lbf·ft) at 4750 rpm (80% at 2500 rpm) with an engine redline of 7500 rpm and rev limiter of 7600 rpm.[7] The V8 engine has variable timing in intake valves and compression ratio of 11.3
The six–speed transaxle gearbox has computerized gear selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. The gearbox can shift in 175 milliseconds when using Sport mode. The 8C also has a limited slip differential.
It is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tyres: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium. The 8C brakes have been called "phenomenal" by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance of 32 metres (105.0 ft), when travelling at an initial speed of 97 kilometres per hour (60 mph).
The official top speed is announced to be 292 kilometres per hour (181 mph) but it might be higher, with estimations that it could be around 306 kilometres per hour (190 mph) according to the Road & Track magazine. An Alfa Romeo engineer also stated that it is faster than announced top speed.
The car uses a modified Maserati platform and powertrain (Maserati 4200, GranTurismo) and features a Ferrari/Maserati derived 90 degree cross-plane dry-sump lubricated 4.7-litre V8 assembled by Ferrari.
The top engine performance figures may be summarized as a maximum power of 331 kilowatts (450 PS) at 7000 revolutions per minute, a peak torque of 480 newton metres (354 lbf·ft) at 4750 rpm (80% at 2500 rpm) with an engine redline of 7500 rpm and rev limiter of 7600 rpm.[7] The V8 engine has variable timing in intake valves and compression ratio of 11.3
The six–speed transaxle gearbox has computerized gear selection by means of levers behind the steering wheel and may be used in Manual-Normal; Manual-Sport; Automatic-Normal; Automatic-Sport and Ice modes. The gearbox can shift in 175 milliseconds when using Sport mode. The 8C also has a limited slip differential.
It is fitted with specially developed 20 inch tyres: 245/35 at the front and 285/35 at the rear, fitted on perforated rims in fluid moulded aluminium. The 8C brakes have been called "phenomenal" by Road & Track magazine, with a stopping distance of 32 metres (105.0 ft), when travelling at an initial speed of 97 kilometres per hour (60 mph).
The official top speed is announced to be 292 kilometres per hour (181 mph) but it might be higher, with estimations that it could be around 306 kilometres per hour (190 mph) according to the Road & Track magazine. An Alfa Romeo engineer also stated that it is faster than announced top speed.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Honda FC Sport Design 2008
Hydrogen fuel cell-powered Honda FC Sport design study model shown at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show (November 19, 2008).The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain.
"The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."
The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.
The ideal placement of the Honda V-Flow fuel cell stack and related components demonstrates the benefits of a platform-specific, hydrogen-powered fuel cell powertrain. The FC Sport is configured to accommodate a custom-formed high-power fuel cell stack, located between the rear seats, and a battery pack placed low in the middle of the vehicle. The electric motor resides just forward of the rear axle. Two fuel storage tanks, visible from above, are located above the rear axle.
The optimal placement of fuel cell components for performance also allows for a relatively large passenger cabin by conventional supercar standards with enough space for three seating positions. The interior layout focuses primarily on the driver with a racecar-like center driving position. The enclosed canopy opens upward from the rear to allow for entry and exit. Two rear passenger seats flank the driver’s left and right side.
The sleek, low-profile body is designed to convey a high-technology appearance with sculpting that combines angular shapes in the front of the vehicle that taper into geometric, hex forms in the rear. The rear hex forms house cooling radiators for the fuel cell. Formula 1-style barge boards behind the front wheels enhance high speed aerodynamics and convey the vehicle’s racing pedigree. The hydrogen storage tanks, visible from the rear deck, showcase the FC Sports fuel cell technology in much the same way that a "naked bike" motorcycle showcases its engineering technology.
The glacier white body color conveys the FC Sport’s clean environmental aspirations while the dark wheels and deeply tinted glass provide a symbolic contrast befitting of the vehicle’s unique combination of clean power and high performance. Green construction techniques further contribute to a reduced carbon footprint. An organic, bio-structure theme is carried through to the body construction where exterior panels are intended to use plant-derived bio-plastics.
The Advanced Design Studio of Honda R&D Americas, in Pasadena, California, developed the FC Sport design study with the primary objective of using existing fuel cell technology as the basis for an ultimate Honda sports car. Designer Jason Wilbur led the design efforts.
Honda R&D Americas, Inc. began its operations in California in 1975 with local market research activities and has steadily grown its capabilities over the past 33 years to include all aspects of new vehicle design and development. Recent development efforts include trend-setting products such as the Honda Pilot, Ridgeline, Element, Civic Coupe and Civic Si.
In 2008, the company opened two new design centers in Southern California: the Acura Design Studio (Torrance), for the research and design of new Acura products; and the Advanced Design Studio (Pasadena), for the exploration and development of advanced design themes for both Honda and Acura.
The company operates 11 major R&D facilities in North America, including a full vehicle development center in Raymond, Ohio, and three design studios in Southern California. Honda R&D designers, engineers and support personnel are engaged in the development of Honda and Acura automobiles, powersports products, and power equipment for North America and global markets. The company’s main centers of operation include the Los Angeles Center (Torrance, California), responsible for market research, concept development and styling design; the Ohio Center (Raymond, Ohio), responsible for complete product development, testing, and support of North American supplier and manufacturing operations; and a dynamic test facility in Cantil, California. Read more in www.indiacon.com
Los Angeles Auto Show : Honda FC Sport 2008
Honda today revealed the Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Honda City 2009, Driving Experience
The all roads quite well, absorbing road irregularities to a level that is expected from a car like this, and striking a good balance between comfort and handling which is what a Honda buyer would expect. The steering and pedals are light and easy to use for a beginner driver. The City can take corners with confidence and even when you start sliding out of control it is very easy to correct. The combination of the electric power steering accuracy, weight and the lack of any excessive bodyroll except in the extremes makes the City a car that’ll keep the driver happy, that is until he is joined by passengers.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2009 Honda City Interior Design Picture
With the new City, you no longer get that airy feeling that was present in the old City. This is the result of the seating position being much more car-like rather than mini-MPV-like, thanks to Honda distancing the City from its boot-less Jazz sibling. While the Ultra Seats are gone, things like using the bottom of the rear seats to store an umbrella is a great idea. Never again do you have to place it in some random area on the floor of your car and get your whole carpet/mats soaked more than necessary.
Being someone about 181cm tall, I was quite happy in the driver’s seat of the City. Everything was quite ergonomic, from steering position to seat height and position. The storage compartments are also easy to use and the little storage area under the driver side air cond vent is quite usable for your Touch N Go card as its slant prevents the card from sliding out of the compartment. The fuel tank is located under the front seats so there’s not much room for you to install your aftermarket ICE amplifiers there.The raised floor caused by the fuel tank also juts out a little when you push the front seats nearly all the way back as I needed to do because of my height, so you are quite limited in where you can rest your leg if you want to fold it inwards towards you instead of placing it on the footrest.
Honda City 2009 Design, First Image
While the design of the City is not perfect, it’s way better looking than the odd hatchback with a boot slapped previous generation City. It’s also got a more classic sedan look to it with none of that A-pillar triangular window stuff. A sports sedan to be exact. I still like the shape as much as I did when I first saw it on the spyshots on the internet, especially the white one transported in China. It’s just too bad Honda isn’t offering the car in white here, in fact there are no white Hondas on sale except for the Type R, but I was told white is being added to the CKD paint process soon.The top of the line model gets foglamps but I kind of prefer the bumper without the foglamps as somehow it helps make the car look wider and shorter. Chrome for the door handles are a nice touch, while the fuel lid opens up with just a touch much like more pricey European cars.
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