cars performance content

2008-09-04T14:03:00.001+07:00

แอร์ Auto, วิทยุ-เทป, เครื่องเล่น CD, ล้อแม็กซ์, เบรค ABS

เครื่องยนต์เบนซิน, (ออก S.E.C), ไฟ Bi-Xenon, จอ DVD Navigator, Sun Roof, พวงมาลัย Multifunction, Cruise Control, แม็ก 18 นิ้ว, เครื่องเสียง ALPINE ชุดใหญ่ มูลค่ากว่า 2 แสนบาท, คู่มือการใช้งาน Book Service ครบ

2008-09-04T13:32:00.002+07:00

เครื่องยนต์เบนซิน, (ออก S.E.C), ไฟ Bi-Xenon, ชุดแต่ง GTR แท้รอบคัน, เบาะ GTR 4 ตัว, แม็กซ์ Volk ขอบ 19 นิ้ว, คู่มือการใช้งาน, Book Service ครบ
แอร์ Auto, วิทยุ-เทป, เครื่องเล่น CD, พวงมาลัยเพาเวอร์, ล้อแม็กซ์, เบรค ABS
เหลือง

Lamborghini's 'Fighting Bull'

2007-12-10T10:36:00.000+07:00

By Brian Laban
The aerodynamic Reventon makes its presence felt in Tokyo.

Given that it’s only been six weeks since Lamborghini revealed the spectacular 650-hp V12-powered Reventon in Frankfurt, we shouldn’t be particularly surprised that they didn’t have any new follow-up here.

But what they did have was the news that Reventon, in spite of being the most expensive production Lamborghini ever, with a pre-tax price of around €1 million ($1.43 million U.S.), has already sold its entire planned production run. The other side of that coin, of course, is that the whole run will add up to only 20 cars, even at that price all were snapped up immediately — by “selected” customers, apparently including one based in Tokyo.

Named in an old Lamborghini tradition, for a fighting bull, the Reventon’s fighter-jet-inspired styling grabbed the eye here just as much as it did in Frankfurt. Its body is constructed mainly in CFC carbon-fiber composite. And in a nice illustration of Lamborghini’s attention to detail, the fuel filler cap is machined from a solid aluminum block.
Like an aircraft, Reventon’s instruments use TFT liquid-crystal displays with multiple display modes; and at the center of the display, whatever the mode, it features a g-force meter that shows longitudinal acceleration, deceleration and lateral forces on a graduated 3D grid, which can be useful information in a car with a maximum speed of 340 kph (211 mph) and 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds.

They talk of the brand being edgy, uncompromising and extreme, which is hard to argue against. And they talk of it being “truly Italian,” which may be true in terms of passion, but what’s finally brought the brand from Sant’Agata to this level of excellence is money and engineering excellence from Germany. It’s a great combination.

In the words of Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini SpA, “the Reventon is the most extreme Lamborghini of all, a true automotive superlative.”

World Debut of M3 Sedan

2007-12-10T10:31:00.000+07:00

By Alexander Popple
Also joining the BMW stand are the sporty 1-series tii concept, CS Concept and X6 Active Hybrid

BMW may be a global brand, but it sells in respectable rather than huge numbers in Asia. So it’s appropriate that the news on its modestly sized Tokyo stand was all from the smaller end of its range.
Most keenly awaited is undoubtedly the world debut of the M3 sedan, which joins the already released coupe version. The celebrated M3 offers the promise of a superlative combination of precisely engineered power, sportiness, dynamic ability and practicality. Its 420-horsepower (309 kW) V8 delivers 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds — that’s blisteringly faster for a five-seater sedan. And it’ll do 29.4 mpg.
Although it may look like a fairly standard 3-series, only the doors, roof, windows, trunk lid and rear lights are shared with the standard car. The M styling treatment inside and out is subtle but comprehensive, with the power bulge, air scoops, flared wheel arches giving a distinctive and special appearance.
1-Series tii and Others
Less predictable was a new concept, the 1-series tii. The idea behind this is to offer a race-themed ultra-sporty version of the smallest car in BMW’s lineup. It’s specifically designed to appeal to the aesthetics (and presumably pockets) of younger drivers.
This brasher, rawer approach may mean it doesn’t qualify for the M-moniker, but there’s no doubting what this car’s sporty intent is all about with its contrasting color carbon-fiber hood and mirrors, sports wheels, side vents, racing stripes, and mix of black and white backed instruments.
Also on show for the first time in Asia is the BMW CS Concept. The company confirmed that it will “definitely” build a 4-door Gran Turismo car based on this elegant, large coupe. Likewise, the 6-series convertible got its first Asian outing.
The story wasn’t just about performance. The X6 Active Hybrid that was spotlighted at Frankfurt is here too, illustrating BMW’s commitment to reduce emissions while also improving driving pleasure. “The BMW hybrid is special, because it delivers far more driving dynamics than any other hybrids,” said Stefan Krause, BMW’s board of management member for Sales and Marketing.
Meanwhile, at the MINI stand, the Clubman got its Asian premiere. This wagon-like MINI, with its idiosyncratic door arrangement (twin side-hinged rear doors and additional rear door on the right-hand side) will go on sale in Japan in March 2008

Lexus LF-Xh Concept

2007-12-10T10:09:00.000+07:00

By Mike

MeredithIts aerodynamic design makes the SUV look like a two-seat sports car.

Click image to enlarge

Lexus LF-Xh Concept Photo: Rod Hatfield

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The Lexus LF-Xh SUV concept takes the L-finesse design language with a powerful and dynamic exterior design, combined with an elegant interior and the latest hybrid technology for outstanding performance — both driving performance and environmental performance.

Powered a V6 gasoline engine and a high-output electric motor hybrid system with all-wheel drive, the LF-Xh provides what Lexus calls "a sophisticated fusion of superior environmental and power performance" to achieve quiet operation, high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

Earlier in 2007 the automaker launched the LS 600h and LS 600hL in Japan as the top of the line Lexus brand and shows the direction for future premium vehicles. With the LF-Xh, it offers a look at the future of other premium SUVs from Lexus.

With obvious ties to current Lexus SUVs, the L-finesse design gives the LF-Xh a very dramatic and aggressive look that is still elegant and refined. The shoulder line is high and combined with the long, sweeping roofline that leads to a narrow and long side glass. The C-pillar flows to the edge of the liftgate and the roofline ends with a spoiler above the steeply raked rear glass. The headlights and the taillights both add dramatic design elements and the upper edges of the grille flare into the headlights.

It's interesting to compare the design of the LF-Xh with the latest version of the LF-A, the two-seat sports car concept from Lexus that was also displayed in Tokyo. While the LF-Xh looks like an SUV, you see design elements from the LF-A sports car and recognize the LF-Xh as a different type of vehicle from the same family. Powered by a potent V10 engine, the LF-A promises a level of performance and driving excitement that has never been offered by Lexus.

The first Lexus "F" premium sports car is the IS F, launched for the Japanese market at the Tokyo Motor Show. A high-performance version of the IS series, the IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 417 horsepower with an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission.

Ford Harley F-150

2007-11-12T15:24:00.001+07:00

After six special-edition Harley-Davidson Ford F-150 and Super-Duty pickup trucks, the all-American alliance gives the bad-boy treatment to the new-generation F-150 for the first time. After a disturbing effort with a pumpkin-colored Super-Duty, we’re glad to see Ford is back in black. For 2006, the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab is given a black monochrome treatment, with red and blue stripe accents and obligatory badging. The truck is dressed with a distinct lower valance, custom billet grille, blackout headlamps and taillamps, chrome side steps, and massive 22-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, the Harley truck has all the leather, embroidery, and chrome expected, transforming the dash, captains chairs, center stack, and even doors. Buyers will have a choice of 4x2 and AWD configurations, marking the first all-wheel-drive application on the F-150. Under the hood on all examples will be a 5.4L/300-hp V-8 boasting 365 lb-ft of torque. Bristling with attitude, this truck shows that Ford has the formula down pat.

Ford Fusion

2007-11-12T15:22:00.001+07:00

Ford is finally crashing the family sedan party that the ubiquitous Camry, Accord, and Altima sedans have long dominated. Based on Mazda6 running gear, the Fusion will be offered with a 2.3-liter 160-hp inline four or a 3.0-liter 210-hp V-6 mated to a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The front suspension resembles that of a Mercedes E-class, using a control arm, a lateral link, and a leading link to reduce the effective scrub radius for improved steering feel and accuracy. Along with a multi-link rear suspension, this setup promises best-in-class handling. Four-wheel disc brakes will be standard on all models; ABS and traction control are options. The look is broad-shouldered and confidently American outside and the interior fit/finish and materials are first-rate. One area where Ford invites unflattering comparison, however, is in its interior space: most major dimensions fall short of the Asian bogeys, some by up to two inches.

Mercedes-Benz E350

2007-11-12T15:19:00.003+07:00

Saying they will replace current E320 models in dealerships soon, Mercedes-Benz debuted a new 2006-model E350 sedan and wagon in Chicago. Powered by a new-generation 3.5-liter/268-horsepower V-6 engine that features four valves per cylinder and variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, this also marks the first time Mercedes has used double overhead camshaft technology on its V-6 engines. The E350 sedan boasts a new seven-speed transmission which helps improve acceleration and also allows greater flexibility in adjusting shift points as needed for lower engine speeds (reducing fuel consumption and minimizing noise), skipping gears as required –- up to three gears at once when downshifting rapidly. The current E-Class lineup represents about 25 percent of total Mercedes sales in the United States.

2006 Honda Civic Si

2007-11-12T15:17:00.000+07:00

Honda displayed a Civic Si concept in Chicago, calling it a “strong indication of the styling and performance direction for an all-new production Civic Si” that will make its real-world debut at SEMA in November. A sneak peek of the sixth-generation Si, the concept features the latest generation of “intelligent” I-VTEC technology, as well as a 200-horsepower, 16-valve DOHC engine mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. A helical-type limited-slip differential helps improve launch traction and cornering performance, and 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in 225/40R18 tires and four-wheel disc brakes with cross-drilled rotors and four-piston Brembo calipers improve handling. “The 2006 Civic Si Coupe will be the most powerful, fastest, and fun-to-drive Si we’ve ever put on the street and the Civic Si concept sets the direction in terms of its styling, package, and performance,” says John Mandel, Senior Vice President of American Honda. The 2006 Civic lineup will include a sedan and coupe, as well as fuel-efficient Hybrid and natural-gas powertrains when it comes to market in the fall.

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

2007-11-12T15:15:00.001+07:00

At its debut in Chicago, Mercedes-Benz touted its new S65 AMG sedan as the quickest four-door sedan in the world -- thanks to its hand-built 6.0-liter/604-horsepower twin-turbo V-12 engine – and promised 0-60-mph times of about 4.2 seconds. The S65 AMG sedan is equipped with an ABC active suspension that uses special AMG struts with firmer damping, as well as reworked ESP stability control and ASR traction control systems. To handle the awesome potential of the AMG engine, the sedan features high-performance internally ventilated and perforated 15.4-inch eight-piston fixed-piston brakes up front, with 13.7-inch internally ventilated and perforated four-piston fixed calipers in back. Staggered-size twin-spoke light-alloy AMG wheels (8.5x19 front, 9.5x19 rear) are wrapped in high-performance (245/40ZR19 front, 275/35ZR19 rear) tires for handling to match the output. AMG designers also blessed the sedan with subtle body enhancements, including a front apron with large cooling air intake and clear-lens foglamps, AMG sideskirts, chromed twin tailpipes, and chrome “V12 Biturbo” badging, for a distinctive appearance.

2006 Chevrolet Impala

2007-11-12T15:13:00.000+07:00

The Impala sedan is reborn for ’06, with dramatic new sheetmetal giving the four-door a more international appearance. The basic formula continues, though improvements can be seen throughout, from major components to details. The interior is equally redone, with a cleaner, more modern arrangement. Like the updated Monte Carlo, the Impala offers dual-zone climate control, remote-start with climate presets, steering wheel cruise controls, heated power seats, Generation 6 OnStar system, and an uplevel MP3/CD-radio configured for XM Satellite Radio. Significant structure fortifications and suspension tuning promise a more refined, more controlled ride, balanced by an improved steering system. In total, three suspension packages are available (FE1, FE2, and FE3), with 16- and 17-inch wheels available. The most exciting feature set is undeniably the powertrains, with the base 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 210-hp. Next step is a 3.9-liter/240-horsepower V-6. And the enticing top offering is a 5.3-liter OHV V-8 fitted with GM’s fuel-saving Displacement on Demand technology, allowing 303 horsepower and 323 lb-ft of torque to be available with V-6-grade mileage.

2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2007-11-12T15:11:00.003+07:00

To the casual observer, everything about the new Z06--its rolling chassis, engine, and composite skin--looks like standard C6 Corvette fare. But give this beast a double take and you'll discover that it's Chevy's 200-mph supercar; its Dodge Viper/Ford GT slayer. The chassis is all aluminum, hydroformed in similar dies to those used to build the standard steel C6 frame. Magnesium and carbon fiber parts are also used to help contain the total curb weight to less than 3150 pounds. The carbon fiber front fenders are flared to accommodate 275/35ZR18 tires and the rear quarter panels are widened 1.5 inches to clear massive 325/30ZR19s. The big news, though, is the 427.6-cubic-inch small-block LS7 engine, good for 500 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 475 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. Titanium connecting rods, intake valves, and valve springs permit 7000-rpm revving, for this, the ultimate small-block. Expect to pay at least $75,000 when the Z06 hits the road this fall.