Thursday, December 31, 2009
Audi S3 'Black Performance Edition' by MR Car Design
The individualization of MR Car Design for Audi S3 series underlines the unique character of the „sportster" in a distinctive way. Another evidence thereto is given by actual S3 retrofitting on the base of S3 2.0 T-FSI: equipped by quite a lot of performance, a more vigorous design and complete matt foliation of the car body.
The stage III performance kit includes not only new MR Car design engine control software or sports exhaust allowing to uprate engine performance up to 337 hp with 450Nm of torque. Engine overhaul also includes a downpipe incl. sports cat, sports exhaust system with optimized dynamic pressure, the suction way optimization with a big intercooler and, as already mentioned, engine control software - additionally the TÜV-certified hand weld 2-flute high-grade steel sports exhaust system with optimized counter pressure.
8x19" Emotion-Wheels (Strada) hyper-black alloy rims by their long-curved spokes guarantee better airing of the wheel house and the view on huge serial braking system (against upcharge with StopTech braking system). Wheels with Dunlop Sportmaxx high performance tyres 235/35 ZR19.
In addition the darkish look of the complete matt foliation by Cover EFX (CFC styling station Erftstadt/Germany) gives the car body overtaking prestige on the highway.
By its tried and trusted V3 coilovers with pressure and tension phase adjustment KW Automotive contribute to the speedway suitable setup.
Audi R8 by Senner Tuning
Senner Tuning Ingelheim, located near Mainz, Germany, offers for Audi vehicles what they really deserve – finest tuning and unique individualization for Audi R8 4.2 V8 FSI. Super Sport Concept is particularly remarkable for its technique, that has been thoroughly tested by mile-long test distances. At the same time car appearance is of utmost importance.
Super Sport Concept Program consists in uprating, exhaust system modification, body adjustable sport suspension and in special 20″ wheel set.
For those who like power Senner Tuning also offers engine performance tuning. Thanks to new engine management, the use of special sport air filter inserts (double performance air filter kit with frontal inlet for mounting into serial air filter casings) as well as high quality exhaust system of finest high-grade steel with valve control (together with serial exhaust pipes), engine power increases up to 458 hp. At the same time maximum torque reaches breathtaking 470 Nm.
For R8 wheel upgrading Senner Tuning offers rims of special configuration. 9×20″ or 11×20″ diamond/black/polished two-part twin spoke alloy rims are completed by high performance (SportMaxx) 235/30-R-20 or 305/25-R-20 Dunlop tyres respectively. Perfectly tuned sport suspension springs get Audi about 25 mm closer to the asphalt on the front axle and 15 mm on the rear axle.
Super Sport Concept retrofitting including engine performance tuning and wheelwork is available for only 14′900.00 Euros.
Furthermore, Senner Tuning offers other carbon mouldings for inside and outside installation on R8 series vehicles.
The Cargraphic Airlift Suspension for the Audi R8
Audi R8
The Audi R8 sets benchmarks and has the situation under control all the time. Its supremacy is, however, deceptive as even a high curb or a steep garage drive can limit the R8’s territory. With the Airlift Suspension from vehicle tuner Cargraphic, however, the R8 driver can literally leap over the boundaries which have existed to date, without ruining the expensive front spoiler in the process.
For “existing damage” Cargraphic also offers attractive replacements and complete R8 aerodynamic packages in a carbon design as part of its collection.
The pneumatic height compensation system Airlift Suspension, which has been developed in-house, elevates the vehicle at the front spoiler by up to 72 mm. In order to protect the suspension, the process lasts just 15 seconds. “This also results in a cool show effect”, says Cargraphic General Manager Michael Schnarr, “particularly in connection with the radio remote control.” But show alone is not the remit of the “Performance company”. As a result the Airlift behaves completely neutrally with regards to its driving dynamic qualities. Walter Roehrl proved this on the Hockenheimring in 2009 with a correspondingly equipped Cargraphic Porsche 997 Turbo (video stream at www.cargraphic.de). But how is this possible, as after all “air” is not supposed to be part of the good basis of a high-end driving dynamics solution.
The surprisingly fast to mount Cargraphic Airlift is not an air suspension system, but merely consists of air bellows and a separate compressor. The former sit on the upper spring cup of an ideally tested BILSTEIN B16 CSC coil over suspension system and are only used to compensate the height. In inactive condition the bellows form a rigid frictional connection, so that the coil over suspension system alone is used – above 50 km/h the system lowers automatically. The small boot remains untouched by the conversion and the vehicle weight is increased by a mere 3 kilos including the compressor. Effective and efficient, just the way customers of Cargraphic like it. Unlike similar hydraulics solutions, there is also no danger of the insides of the car being ruined by an oil leak. After all, the reputation of the Audi R8 can’t receive a black mark on its white vest. Another considerable advantage is: the Airlift is delivered complete with a TÜV/technical component report and does not limit the choice of wheel/tyre combination. Thereby the customer can draw on the attractive R8 alloy program of Cargraphic without limitation, in which the company from Landau offers plenty of designs in 19 and 20 inch, one-piece or three-piece designs. Sonorous stainless steel exhaust systems which are produced in-house by Cargraphic – with or without a valve control system – are also available to round off the design melodiously.
Bentley Hunaudieres Concept
The 1999 Bentley Hunaudieres Concept is a four door luxury car and also one of the high performance cars made by Bentley.
The body of the Bentley Hunaudieres is made of carbon fiber and the car features muscular and sporty looks.
The Bentley Hunaudieres features W16 engine with 64 valves, the bore measures 84 mm and the stroke measures 90.3 mm. The capacity of the engine is 8004 cc and it delivers an output power of 623 bhp at 6000 rpm and 561 lb-ft torque at 4000 rpm. The top speed in the Bentley Hunaudieres is about
The Bentley Hunaudieres features five speed manual transmission and the gear shifts can be done easily and quickly at higher speeds. The Bentley Hunaudieres features 20-inch alloy wheels and the front tires measure 265/30 and the rear tires measure 335/30.
Specifications
Vehicle Type: - 4-door Luxury car
Configuration: - Mid Engine
Engine: - W16
Capacity: - 8004 cc
Torque: - 561 lb-ft at 4000 rpm
Horsepower: - 623 bhp at 6000 rpm
Transmission: - 5-speed Manual
Length: - 174.5 inches
Width: - 78.1 inches
Height: - 46.9 inches
Top speed: - 217.5 mph
2007 Bentley Arnage
Bentley Motors continues the intensive development of its flagship Arnage range with the introduction of a major programme of powertrain and chassis enhancements for the 2007 Model Year. The Arnage’s renowned 6.75-litre V8 engine now develops up to 500bhp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission benefiting performance, driving dynamics and refinement.
2007 Bentley Arnage
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
WELCOME HERE
To Classic Alfa - Classic Alfa Romeo Parts & Spares Worldwide
Classic Alfa Bodyshells Now Available - Click Here
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| A range of small, hard to find, detail parts and a stock of cleaned, used parts for those items which are no longer available new | ||
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I have owned, used and restored classic Alfa Romeos for 15 years (currently a 1960 Giulietta Spider Veloce and a 1972 Bertone 1750GTV) and know the cars inside out. My passion for the last twelve years has been sourcing and supplying parts for classic Alfa Romeo cars, initially rare used parts and then new Giulietta & 105 Giulia parts and spares since 1999. Whilst I specialise in cars from 1955 to 1978, I also supply spares for all Spiders until 1993 as they share many parts in common.
Electrifying – A Green Car Geek Drives the Alfa 8C Competizione!
If you ever found yourself in one of those situations where you were in the right place at the right time, than you will understand my weekend. I write about electric cars these days, and together with a friend, I decided to investigate a little startup called I-DriveGreen that promotes the idea that we can drive green regardless of what we drive. As we were driving in, I was surprised to see a Maserati GT, and even more surprised to see the glorious Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione right next to it. Next to the Alfa was a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Corvette C6 Callaway and a Ferrari 430 Scuderia. I felt it was a cruel thing to show us these beauties when we were to drive boring old modern, soulless sedans. Little did I know what fate had in store for me!
I had been talking to the co-founder, JP Libert, and some race drivers the night before. We chatted about cars and of course, my love of Alfa Romeos. Next morning, before our first run, JP was talking about how we should drive our everyday mules with as much care as we would these exotics. It was becoming very painful to think about treating these floating sofas as anything but special, but I tried. He then turned to me, with a certain smile and said something like: “Nick, you like Alfas? Why don’t you take the 8C for a spin.” It would be hard to describe what went on inside at that moment. It was something like a slow dual reaction of disbelief and complete exhilaration. Take the 8C for a spin? Did I just snooze and started dreaming or is the automobile God smiling at me?
Off we go to the cars. Trepidation, impatience, exuberance… does it even convey what I felt? I don’t think so. It was more of an impossible dream come true. Walking around the car, you cannot help but get a sense how it is unlike anything else on the road. Its subtle lines are reminiscent of a glorious Alfa Romeo past, a little retro hint here and there, a touch of the beautiful 33 Stradale, it has all the ingredients to satisfy any worthy aficionado.
Opening the door, it becomes clear this hand-made Alfa does its best to keep its curb weight down with ample use of carbon fiber. Sitting inside was a pleasant experience. Much like any Alfa Romeos, everything is where it should be, right at hand’s reach. The tachometer and other instruments are neatly nestled inside the arms of the steering wheels. Yes, Alfa thought this one out. Everything is digital, which takes a little time to comprehend. The interior is mostly red, but not overwhelming. The hand sewn leather seats are firm yet comfortable. They hold you well in place and will accommodate most sizes. If the outside hints at the past, the inside is resolutely modern.
The engine comes to live with an enthralling roar. The accelerator pedal is hard but gives you a good sense of how much power you are calling forth. As I start to move the car, I am surprised to feel how heavy it is at very low speeds. Once the car picks up speed, it is another story. It reminds me of a clumsy albatross walking on the ground, but how the same bird glides effortlessly when it takes to the air. We warmed up the engine for a few minutes on the curvy Sonoma back roads. The car is easy to drive and makes for a perfect daily driver. It effortlessly swallows bumps and curves as it reveals the condition of the road. This is one of the things that impressed me: Alfa Romeo did a splendid job at making the suspension firm enough to relay what was going on on the road but at the same time, it was a pleasant ride that was not tiring. But by the time I had the sense of the car, it was time to see what Alfa had placed under the hood.
With a quick and precise sequential gearbox derived from the Ferrari unit, it is easy to take advantage of the car’s full potential. The paddle shifts are logically located on the steering column, which makes them easy to find in any position. In all honesty, I never felt much urge to use the 6th as the engine’s thrilling roars makes you want to stay in third, fourth and sometimes fifth.
Under 3,000 rpm, the 8C is a very well behaved GT cruiser. In many ways, it is the perfect “wine discovery” GT as it effortlessly cruises up and down, left and right on those tight roads. But pass the 3,000 rpm mark and it is an entirely different story. The engine roars alive with a symphony of guttural sounds that begs its locked-up power to be delivered to the street.
At higher speed, the steering becomes a little more firm and gives your forearms a bit of a work out. The car is razor sharp precise. Throw it into any turns and it will oblige. It will stay on course. Pushing the 8C into its last corner would probably give you a trigger happy end but the car does not seem to be vicious in any way. A correction from the steering wheel or just letting go of the gas will get it back on track. The car is obviously well designed and refined. It feels very balanced, and as I try to send it from one corner to another, it responds positively. I finally got to see how it felt on open straight roads. It gave me the impression of being polyvalent, equally at ease on narrow, windy roads or open straightaways.
The 8C is the perfect GT car. If the Maserati GT is beautiful, I would not want to drive it in sporty mode on such narrow roads. If the Ferrari 430 is an all-out car, it is a little too obvious and flamboyant. The 8C is the perfect middle ground between those two. It is equally happy in traffic and will not let you down if you feel the need to raise your adrenaline level. With only 200 of them made, and just 75 delivered in the U.S., I feel fortunate to have driven it in these circumstances. The car delivers exactly what an Alfa Romeo should be like, elegant, very sporty, crisp and sharp, and all around well behaved.
Yes, I still have that smile thinking about it, and to think the GTA is coming out soon…
Welcome to Alfaholics
... the most intoxicating place on the web for classic Alfa Romeo enthusiasts worldwide!
Run by respected classic Alfa Romeo UK specialists Richard Banks, Max Banks and Andrew Banks, Alfaholics offers the complete, quality parts service for owners of 105 series Alfa Romeo. Customers have access to the best advice available; from Richard Banks's 30 years multi concours winning restoration experience, to our 10 year multi race winning knowledge and race product development. Whether mechanical, trim or bodywork, parts are available for immediate despatch from our huge stocks.
With over 30 years experience of owning, restoring and racing all models of classic Alfa Romeo cars in the Giulia range, our hands-on experience of all aspects of these superb cars is second to none, allowing Alfaholics to give you an unrivalled level of technical backup with our efficient parts service.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Honda May Bring Acura TSX Wagon To American Showrooms
2009 Honda Accord Euro Wagon
Enlarge PhotoSince the advent of customized vans in the late 1970s -- and subsequently SUVs in the early 1990s -- wagons haven't gotten a lot of attention from consumers. True, many companies continue to produce them, but they typically lack the snazzy, front-page appeal of crossovers and other sporty people-carriers. However, hot on the heels of General Motors' announcement that it's considering aCadillac CTS-V SportWagon and Mercedes-Benz's official report on its E-Class Wagon comes news that Honda is also looking to try its hand at an upscale wagon -- one badged as an Acura and based on the Acura TSX.
In point of fact, that vehicle already exists: a wagon variant of the TSX is sold elsewhere in the world as a "Honda Accord Touring". So if Honda's marketing data indicates that such a model would prove popular with buyers, we're fairly certain it'll make its way to the U.S. in short order, because the technical hurdles are likely minimal.
This news comes via Acura's senior manager of product planning, John Watts, who proves there's truth to the old adage that what once was old is new again: "Boomers, and [the older among] Gen X, who hadwagons as kids don’t want one, but the new kids do."
2009 Acura TSX
| Trim | Transmission | Drive | Engine | Doors | Seats | Horsepower@rpm | Torque@ft-lbs | MPG | Invoice | MSRP |
| TSX 5-Spd AT | 5-Speed Automatic | FWD | 2.4L 4 Cylinder | 4 | 5 | 201@7,000 | 170@4,300 | 21/30 | $26,638 | $28,960 |
| TSX 6-Spd MT | 6-Speed Manual | FWD | 2.4L 4 Cylinder | 4 | 5 | 201@7,000 | 172@4,300 | 20/28 | $26,638 | $28,960 |
| TSX with Technology Package | 5 - Speed Automatic | FWD | 2.4L 4 Cylinder | 4 | 5 | 201@7,000 | 170@4,300 | 21/30 | $29,481 | $32,060 |
| TSX with Technology Package | 6 - Speed Manual | FWD | 2.4L 4 Cylinder | 4 | 5 | 201@7,000 | 172@4,300 | 20/28 | $29,481 | $32,060 |
The Acura TSX come standard with perforated leather-trimmed sports seats, 17" aluminum-alloy wheels, a 7-speaker sound system with USB interface, and XM® Satellite Radio.
The Acura TSX with the Technology Package includes an upgraded sound system, a navigation system with rearview camera, voice-recognition, 2-zone climate control and Bluetooth® interface.
Car Spoilers for Acura TSXSave Money by Buying Your Spoiler After the Purchase!Spoilers from $120.00 unpainted or $166.00 painted
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