Friday, September 27, 2013

Audi R8.

Sharpening up the sporty spearhead.
Source: http://cdn.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013-Audi-R8-Track-Review-Philip-Island-07-e1363869424426.jpg

Source: http://cdn.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2013-Audi-R8-Track-Review-Philip-Island-08.jpgAudi is making its R8 high-performance sports car sharper and more attractive than ever. The S tronic makes its debut in the model series, which is now topped by the new R8 V10 plus. The all-LED front headlights and the new dynamic turn signals in the back are standard with all models; distinctive design details set accents. The R8 V8 Coupé weighs just 1,560 kilograms (3,439.21 lb) thanks to the Audi ultra lightweight construction principle.

The updated R8 showcases the full extent of Audi’s expertise in ultra lightweight construction. The aluminum Audi Space Frame (ASF) of the Coupé weighs just 210 kilograms (462.97 lb), that of the Spyder 216 kilograms (476.20 lb) The body, which in the model with manual transmission includes a load-bearing engine frame made of magnesium, is the basis for the dynamic handling, the vibrational comfort, the crash safety and the precision fabrication. It is the primary reason that the R8 V8 Coupé with manual transmission (without driver) tips the scales at just 1,560 kilograms (3,439.21 lb); for the Spyder this figure is 1,660 kilograms (3,659.67 lb).

The R8 V10 plus, available only as a Coupé, has a curb weight of just 1,570 kilograms (3,461.26 lb), 50 kilograms (110.23 lb) less than the R8 V10. A lot of effort went into this weight reduction. Weight savings were extracted from the alloy wheels, the insulating materials, particularly in the area of the bulkhead between the cabin and the engine compartment, and from the seats. The ceramic brakes, the newly developed running gear, the front splitter and the rear diffuser also contributed to the weight reduction. The new top model has adjustable bucket seats with folding backrests and a chassis made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP).

Audi has been the leading brand in lightweight construction since the development of the first A8 in the 1990s. In ASF technology, the body's supporting structure is made up three wrought aluminum components; each component combines high strength with low weight. In the R8 Coupé, extruded sections comprise 69 percent of the body-in-white. Vacuum-cast nodes comprise eight percent, and the aluminum panels that close and stiffen the framework make up 23 percent. The R8 Spyder has a higher proportion of extruded sections (75 percent) and fewer panels (17 percent).

Just 42 kilograms (92.59 lb): the top of the Audi R8 Spyder





























Source: http://img.caricos.com/2013_audi_r8_18.jpg

Audi R8 popularity forces the top European tuners to create different customisation options for that extreme car. Both interior and exterior design of the car could be changed in order to better the vision and make the car even more unique. Moreover packages to increase the overall performance are also available that enables the car to reach a maximum speed of around 40 km/h more than the non-tuning version. Also handling and braking are improved significantly.

Most popular tuning packages are:
  • Audi R8 Toxique
  • Audi R8 Supersport Edition
  • Audi R8 V10 Biturbo





So, which colour would you get?

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Chevrolet Corvette

American Sports Cars - Chevrolet Corvette


The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors (GM) that has been produced in seven generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after the type of small, maneuverable warship called a corvette. Originally built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette is currently manufactured in Bowling Green, Kentucky and is the official sports car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
external image Chevrolet-Corvette-Crossed-Flags-collection2-623x389.jpg

There are Seven Generations of Corvette

1953-1962 The First Generation - C1

The first generation Corvette was introduced late in the 1953 model year. Originally designed as a show car for the 1953 Motorama display at the New York Auto Show, it generated enough interest to induce GM to make a production version to sell to the public. To keep costs down, GM executive Robert F. McLean mandated off-the-shelf mechanical components, and used the chassis and suspension from the 1952 Chevy sedan. The drivetrain and passenger compartment were moved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. It had a 102-inch wheelbase. The engine was the same inline six that powered all other Chevrolet models, but with a higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, and a more aggressive cam. Output was 150 horsepower. Because there was currently no manual transmission available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed automatic was used. 0-60 mph time was 11.5 seconds. To keep tooling costs in line, the body was made out of fiberglass instead of steel. First production was on June 30, 1953.

1963–1967  The Second Generation - C2
Chevrolet Corvette C2 #5Chevrolet Corvette C2 #12
(Source: http://www.corvettefever.com/featuredvehicles/corp_1010_1967_chevy_corvette_sting_ray/viewall.html)
The second generation (C2) Corvette, which introduced Sting Ray to the model, continued with fiberglass body panels, and overall, was smaller than the first generation. The C2 was later referred to as mid-years.The car was designed by Larry Shinoda with major inspiration from a previous concept design called the "Q Corvette," which was created by Peter Brock and Chuck Pohlmann under the styling direction of Bill Mitchell. Earlier, Mitchell had sponsored a car known as the "Mitchell Sting Ray" in 1959 because Chevrolet no longer participated in factory racing. This vehicle had the largest impact on the styling of this generation, although it had no top and did not give away what the final version of the C2 would look like. The third inspiration was a Mako Shark Mitchell had caught while deep-sea fishing.

1968-1982 The Third Generation - C3


(Source: http://www.corvettefever.com/featuredvehicles/corp_1010_1967_chevy_corvette_sting_ray/viewall.html)


The third generation Corvette, patterned after the Mako Shark II concept car, was introduced for the 1968 model year and was in production until 1982. C3 coupes featured the first use of T-top removable roof panels. It introduced monikers that were later revived, such as LT-1, ZR-1, and Collector Edition. In 1978, the Corvette's 25th anniversary was celebrated with a two-tone Silver Anniversary Edition and an Indy Pace Car replica edition of the C3. This was also the first time that a Corvette was used as a Pace Car for the Indianapolis 500.

1984-1996 The Fourth Generation - C4
Chevrolet Corvette C4 #3
The fourth generation Corvette was the first complete redesign of the Corvette since 1963. Production was to begin for the 1983 model year but quality issues and part delays resulted in only 43 prototypes for the 1983 model year being produced that were never sold. All of the 1983 prototypes were destroyed or serialized to 1984 except one with a white exterior, medium blue interior, L83 350 ci, 205 bhp V8, and 4-speed automatic transmission.After extensive testing and modifications were completed, it was initially retired as a display sitting in an external wall over the Bowling Green Assembly Plant's employee entrance. Later this only surviving 1983 pro
totype was removed, restored and is now on public display at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. It is still owned by GM.

1997-2004 The Fifth Generation - C5
Chevrolet Corvette C5 photo 10
Production of the C5 Corvette began in 1997 and ended with the 2004 model year. Chevrolet used cars like the Nissan 300ZX and Mazda RX-7 as benchmarks for quality and styling due to criticisms the C4 Corvette received when compared to Japanese rivals. The C5 had a top speed of 181 mph (291 km/h) and was judged by the automotive press as improved in nearly every area over the previous Corvette design, thanks to the car's much increased structural rigidity and much more curvaceous design. 

2005-2013 The Sixth Generation - C6
Chevrolet Corvette C6 photo 06
(Source: http://www.corvettefever.com/featuredvehicles/corp_1010_1967_chevy_corvette_sting_ray/viewall.html)Chevrolet Corvette C6 photo 09
(Source: http://www.corvettefever.com/featuredvehicles/corp_1010_1967_chevy_corvette_sting_ray/viewall.html)

The C6 Corvette retained the front engine and rear transmission design of the C5, but was otherwise all-new, including new bodywork with exposed headlamps (for the first time since 1962), a larger passenger compartment, a new 6.0 liter engine and a reworked suspension geometry. It has a longer wheelbase than the C5, but its overall vehicle length and width are less than the C5, to widen appeal to the European market. The 6.0L (364 cu in) LS2 V8 produces 400 bhp (300 kW) at 6000 rpm and 400 lb·ft (540 N·m) at 4400 rpm, giving the vehicle a 0–60 time of under 4.2 seconds. It has a top speed of 190 mph (310 km/h).

2014 The Seventh Generation - C7



(Source: http://www.lepoint.fr/auto-addict/salons/corvette-la-septieme-generation-s-appellera-stingray-14-01-2013-1614434_656.php)

The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette uses an LT1 6.2 L V8 (376 cu in) making 455 bhp (339 kW) or 460 bhp (340 kW) with the optional performance exhaust. The LT1 engine (the "LT1" designation was first used by GM in 1970) is in the Gen 5 family of small block engines, which will be used in GM vehicles as the new small V8 option. It features three technologies new to the GM V8, though widely available on other engines in the marketplace: direct injection, variable valve timing, and an active fuel management system. Fuel injectors are located under the intake manifold. The Corvette remains rear-wheel drive with the transaxle located in the rear. Transmission choices include a 7-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The new interior includes wide-bottom seats as standard, with sportier versions with high side bolsters optional. The Corvette's flag logo has been revised for the new car and a small casting of a stingray has been added to the car's ornamentation.

Nissan GTR


A supercar for anyone, anywhere, anytime.



(Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/14TDI_GTRb051_V2-copy.ashx)


The legend is real.

Strap yourself in. Press start. Feel that roar. That's a twin turbo V6 engine, which produces an incredible 404kW and 628Nm of torque. This makes the GT-R one of the fastest out there. So quick, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in only 2.7 seconds. But don't try this at home.




(Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/GT-R_pos02_modF_07.ashx)

Red & black is the new black


The 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium Edition takes style to a whole new level with a choice of either two-tone - amber red and black - or all black interiors.
The new amber red and black luxury interior trim option sports hand stitched coloured leather over the front and back seats, armrest, door trim, glove box, park break and gear selector.


(Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/GTR_924x520_0004_01.ashx)

Ready to race. Ready to fly.


Take your Nissan GT-R for a hot lap. Select R Mode and the responsiveness of the gearshift and steering become sharper, the improved traction adds speed.

The transmission shifts the gear ratio into top speed mode, the damping force of the shock absorbers is fixed, and the VDCR maximises the torque distribution in the front and rear. You’ll feel the difference.



(Source:http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/GT-R_pos03_modI_09.ashx)

Some very cool(ing) aerodynamics.

As well as creating downforce, the Nissan GT-R’s aerodynamics work to cool the engine, transmission and brakes.

Two flows of air are created: one cools the entire layer above the undercover, the other creates downforce. This keeps you on the road when you should be flying. How cool is that?

(Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/GT-R_pos06_modI_19.ashx)

How Premium Midship design cheats gravity.


It doesn’t matter how fast a car goes. It needs to stay on the road. This is where Premium Midship design challenges convention. Prevailing theory dictates that sports cars need to be light.

However, we actually use the vehicle’s weight as an advantage, rather than a hindrance. This is how the GT-R handles beautifully at very fast speeds.


(Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/GT-R_pos11_modI_37.ashx)

(Source: http://www.nissan.com.au/~/media/Images/Nameplate%20Overview%20Media/GTR/GT-R_pos08_modB_26.ashx)






Thursday, September 19, 2013

The GOLF.


THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY APPRECIATE A VOLKSWAGEN IS TO EXPERIENCE ONE YOURSELF.

Unmistakable Golf.
Bigger may mean better, but it can also mean beautiful. At least, that’s what our product designers think. This is why they’ve kept the distinctive Golf look in the Wagon, with its signature powerful lines and distinctive front. Like its brother, there’s the powerful and broad lower air intake, decorated with a slim line radiator grille and framed by upward angled headlights. And even though the boot is bigger it’s still got those elegant rear light clusters, subtle full body coloured bumper and exposed dual exhaust tail pipes. 



All the creature comforts
We’re not sure how you’ll feel about the Golf Wagon. Maybe you’ll first need to feel the ergonomically designed, height adjustable driver’s seat. Or the dual zone climate control air conditioning*, which keeps you comfortable any time of year. Perhaps you want the hands-free communication from the optional Bluetooth phone connectivity and tactile, sculptured steering wheel. And music lovers will enjoy the MP3 compatible RCD310 audio system. "We’re hoping you’ll feel good about the Golf Wagon - because when you do, we do too."





Extra Wagon space
We’ve spent countless hours perfecting the Golf Wagon’s flexible storage options. Such as the easy-to-access luggage compartment with large tailgate. You can keep your items secure in the luggage area with strong tie down points and convenient luggage partition net, and make even more space by folding down the 60/40 split rear seat or utilising the hidden under floor storage. We’ve spent the time to save your time. 



Safety.
Keep your steering in check
To help you navigate through critical situations and avoid accidents, we’ve incorporated innovative Volkswagen technology into the Golf Wagon’s steering. If your wheels lose grip when driving in extreme conditions, the Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) will control the spin of your wheels, so the Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) can help you control your steering.



Brake when you need to

Emergency braking isn’t something we take lightly. And it’s not something the Golf Wagon does either. In fact, when you suddenly brake, the Wagon’s Brake Assist system increases pressure to trigger the ABS, allowing you to maintain control while decelerating. Meanwhile, the Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) regulates the braking power to ensure you don’t swerve while still braking fast, and hard – not lightly at all. 

Protect your passengers
The Golf Wagon can transport many things securely, including your passengers. In the event of an accident, the Wagon’s safety features work together to give maximum protection to you and your occupants. The rigid and reinforced body structure creates a solid passenger cell, absorbing the energy of the impact. Belt tensioners and six airbags (twin front, side and curtain) are then deployed to help reduce the risk of severe head and chest injuries.