Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Future Sport Cars
Make your life with high class performance.The ladys will fall in love with you.
05/04/2009 - Chevrolet's excellent new Camaro still has wet paint out of the factory, but the performance-tuned aftermarket new Camaro models are rolling in, along with some high-performance show cars from the Bowtie itself.
BMW GRAN TURISMO
02/15/2009 - BMW disappointed with the announcement that its BMW Gran Turismo Concept, which slotted in right around the 7 Series, would not be seeing production. A similar, smaller idea resurfaces with the first glimpses of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept.
HONDA MUGEN
02/09/2009 - Hybrid four door sedans don't exactly have much of a reputation for tuning potential. Will the new 2010 Honda Insight change all that? Japanese Honda tuner MUGEN thinks so, as they are offering up an exterior and powertrain tuning program.
NEW ASTON MARTIN
12/29/2008 - The Aston Martin One-77 GT supercar and Rapide uber-sedan are getting closer and closer. Here's what we know about these two exciting new Aston models so far
HYUNDAI GENESIS SEDAN
11/11/2008 - No less than six factory-commissioned tuner Hyundai Genesis cars were on display at SEMA this year, each showcasing different elements of the new RWD Hyundai sedan and coupe's performance potential. Photos galo
MITSUBISHI LANCER
10/16/2008 - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Race Car debuts at Silverstone, where the track tuned WRC rally Evo X sport compact demonstrated reliable performance, endurance and speed. Lancer Evo X pushes limits.
CHEVROLET ENTICES
07/07/2008 - 2009 Chevrolet Corvette S-Limited. Chevrolet is banking on high American supercar interest in that country with the brand new Corvette S-Limited, the first Corvette tailored specifically to Japanese sports car lovers’ tastes.
2012 Tesla S pictures revealed
Tesla has today revealed pics of its sleek 2012 ‘S’ sedan showing the four-door in motion.
The Tesla S is set to rival other EVs such as the Fisker Karma as well as conventionally powered luxury rivals including the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Designed by Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla says the front end styling of the ‘S’ will be the future face of the electric automaker. Short front and rear overhangs not only give the sedan a clean, sporting look, but also allows for the maximum interior space.
The Tesla S rides on 21-inch alloys while inside features include a highly customisable, 17-inch touch screen for HVAC, audio and navigation controls as well as 3G wireless internet; digital and satellite radio and a panaoramic sunroof.
The ‘S’ has seating for five adults, plus optional rear-facing seats for two small children in the cargo area.
In keeping with the brand’s green theme, Tesla uses chrome-free vegetable tanned Italian leather on interior, and 100 per cent recycled PET carpeting.
The electric sedan can travel up to 480 kilometres on a single charge with a “QuickCharge” taking only 45 minutes to complete. If that’s not quick enough, the battery can be changed for a fully-charge unit in under five minutes.
To further increase efficiency, the door handles retract at speed making a cleaner aerodynamic shape.
With a tare weight of 1490kg and a single speed variable transmission the ‘S’ makes the 0-100km/h run in 5.6 seconds and can run to 400m in 14 seconds flat. Top speed is estimated at 193km/h.
Braking comes courtesy of six-pot Brembos up front, and fours on the rear. An all-wheel drive model is also planned in the near future.
The ‘S’ will be Tesla’s second model joining the Roadster sports and is due for production late 2011 with a retail price of US$49,900 (after the US$7500 electric vehicle tax credit).
Friday, August 21, 2009
More Details On 2011 BMW 5-Series
With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift now on sale and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class starting to hit showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions now just months away from launch speculation about their final design has been heating up.
The new 5-series Sedan is expected to arrive early next year as a 2011 model but we can already gather a number of details from disguised prototypes seen testing around the streets of Munich. Most of the planned changes for the 2011 BMW 5-Series, however, are skin-deep.
Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the X6 and new 5-series GT is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbodiesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is also expected to launch two hybrid versions of the new 5-Series: a ‘mild’ hybrid gasoline-electric version similar to the recently revealed ActiveHybrid 7 as well as a diesel-electric version.
The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox, however a new eight-speed unit from ZF is also expected to be available. New EfficientDynamics technologies will also be available, such as specially designed aerodynamic wheels and brake-energy regeneration systems.
Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a mix of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models will possibly include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
MECs choose cheaper cars
Gauteng's top politicians appear to have heeded the call by Premier Nomvula Mokonyane to curb spending on luxury cars.
It has taken The Star a month to get a complete list of vehicles being driven by Mokonyane and her 10 MECs.
The list shows that none have bought new cars since the infamous R920 000 Mercedes-Benz purchased by former agriculture and rural development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
So far, no departments have indicated plans to splash out on new vehicles, and the MECs are driving their predecessors' cars or hiring from the government's fleet (G-Fleet).
Mokonyane is using a 2007 BMW 750 which belonged to earlier premiers Mbhazima Shilowa and Paul Mashatile. Her office has said that "a decision has not been taken" on whether to buy a new car. She is assigned two alternating drivers by the police's VIP Protection Unit.
All but one of Gauteng MECs are driven around in BMWs, with Roads and Transport MEC Bheki Nkosi using an Audi Q7. At least five departments hire from the G-Fleet, with some contracts due to run until 2011.
G-Fleet's Thando Zungu said MECs pay about R23 500 a month to hire their cars. The vehicles are replaced when they have done 120 000km, and are fully owned by the fleet. At this rate, an MEC would spend about R280 000 a year on his or her transport.
According to the ministerial handbook, a minister or MEC is allowed to buy a car costing about 70 percent of his or her annual remuneration package.
In the case of Nkomo-Ralehoko, the purchase of her Mercedes-Benz fell within the rules. However, she was dismissed after it turned out that the car had not been insured before being hijacked less than 24 hours after it was collected from the dealership. There have also been allegations of fraud within the department surrounding the deal.
The "WaBenzi frenzy" has struck several ministries, with the latest being Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, who bought a pair of matching Mercedes-Benzes worth a total of R1.4 million.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has come under fire for his two BMW X5s worth R1.3m, including R200 000 for extras. The DA estimates that the total spent on new government vehicles was almost R20m. The party has dubbed the scandal "cargate".
But DA Gauteng leader Jack Bloom on Sunday congratulated Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu for setting a good example by driving her 2006 BMW 5 series. The car is on loan from G-Fleet.
"I think this is an appropriate vehicle, recognising her status but not extravagant when money is desperately short to fix our hospitals and clinics," Bloom said. "I hope her colleagues take note."
Cars used by other MECs include a BMW 530, a BMW X5, a BMW 520, a BMW 520d, a BMW 550i and an Audi Q7.
o This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on August 17, 2009
It has taken The Star a month to get a complete list of vehicles being driven by Mokonyane and her 10 MECs.
The list shows that none have bought new cars since the infamous R920 000 Mercedes-Benz purchased by former agriculture and rural development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko.
So far, no departments have indicated plans to splash out on new vehicles, and the MECs are driving their predecessors' cars or hiring from the government's fleet (G-Fleet).
Mokonyane is using a 2007 BMW 750 which belonged to earlier premiers Mbhazima Shilowa and Paul Mashatile. Her office has said that "a decision has not been taken" on whether to buy a new car. She is assigned two alternating drivers by the police's VIP Protection Unit.
All but one of Gauteng MECs are driven around in BMWs, with Roads and Transport MEC Bheki Nkosi using an Audi Q7. At least five departments hire from the G-Fleet, with some contracts due to run until 2011.
G-Fleet's Thando Zungu said MECs pay about R23 500 a month to hire their cars. The vehicles are replaced when they have done 120 000km, and are fully owned by the fleet. At this rate, an MEC would spend about R280 000 a year on his or her transport.
According to the ministerial handbook, a minister or MEC is allowed to buy a car costing about 70 percent of his or her annual remuneration package.
In the case of Nkomo-Ralehoko, the purchase of her Mercedes-Benz fell within the rules. However, she was dismissed after it turned out that the car had not been insured before being hijacked less than 24 hours after it was collected from the dealership. There have also been allegations of fraud within the department surrounding the deal.
The "WaBenzi frenzy" has struck several ministries, with the latest being Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, who bought a pair of matching Mercedes-Benzes worth a total of R1.4 million.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has come under fire for his two BMW X5s worth R1.3m, including R200 000 for extras. The DA estimates that the total spent on new government vehicles was almost R20m. The party has dubbed the scandal "cargate".
But DA Gauteng leader Jack Bloom on Sunday congratulated Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu for setting a good example by driving her 2006 BMW 5 series. The car is on loan from G-Fleet.
"I think this is an appropriate vehicle, recognising her status but not extravagant when money is desperately short to fix our hospitals and clinics," Bloom said. "I hope her colleagues take note."
Cars used by other MECs include a BMW 530, a BMW X5, a BMW 520, a BMW 520d, a BMW 550i and an Audi Q7.
o This article was originally published on page 3 of The Star on August 17, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2010 North American Car of the Year: And the Nominees Are...
NACTOY logo
Enlarge Photo
Each fall, 50 journalists from the most respected automotive media outlets get together to choose NACOTYs--in long form, the North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year.
In just a few years of existence, the NACOTY have become one of the most respected awards in the industry. Designed to recognize the outstanding new vehicles in their segments, the awards also have given car shoppers and car enthusiasts an inside tip on the vehicles driving the future of the auto industry--vehicles like the 2009 Hyundai Genesis, the 2008 Mazda CX-9, and the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.
The jury pool for the 2010 awards reads like a who's who of the automotive media. It includes editors from Edmunds, Road & Track, Automotive News, Kelley Blue Book and USA Today, as well as the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times, the Boston Globe, the Toronto Star and the Detroit Free Press. The jury also includes an experienced group of freelancers published across the Web, in print, and on camera.
I'm proud to report that this year, I've been selected as a member of the NACOTY jury. It's an honor that roughly equates to 20 years of weekends poring over media kits and sites, shooting cars at sunrise and dusk, praying for a sane driving partner on press events, and sitting in the middle seat on cross-country flights to preview next year's new cars and trucks. And it's pretty humbling, when you consider the experienced hands already on deck.
Along with the other newbies--Car and Driver editor Eddie Alterman and freelancer Ezra Dyer--I'm spending this month catching up on the vehicles introduced for the 2010 model year that made the list of nominees. You'll read about all of them in future posts across High Gear Media's network of Web sites. And later this fall, you'll get the earliest rundown of the finalists for January's 2010 NACOTY awards, coming to you from the 2010 Detroit auto show.
For now, take a look at this list and let us know which car and truck qualifies as your NACOTY. While you're at it, why not write about it for High Gear Media, too?
Enlarge Photo
Each fall, 50 journalists from the most respected automotive media outlets get together to choose NACOTYs--in long form, the North American Car of the Year and Truck of the Year.
In just a few years of existence, the NACOTY have become one of the most respected awards in the industry. Designed to recognize the outstanding new vehicles in their segments, the awards also have given car shoppers and car enthusiasts an inside tip on the vehicles driving the future of the auto industry--vehicles like the 2009 Hyundai Genesis, the 2008 Mazda CX-9, and the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado.
The jury pool for the 2010 awards reads like a who's who of the automotive media. It includes editors from Edmunds, Road & Track, Automotive News, Kelley Blue Book and USA Today, as well as the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times, the Boston Globe, the Toronto Star and the Detroit Free Press. The jury also includes an experienced group of freelancers published across the Web, in print, and on camera.
I'm proud to report that this year, I've been selected as a member of the NACOTY jury. It's an honor that roughly equates to 20 years of weekends poring over media kits and sites, shooting cars at sunrise and dusk, praying for a sane driving partner on press events, and sitting in the middle seat on cross-country flights to preview next year's new cars and trucks. And it's pretty humbling, when you consider the experienced hands already on deck.
Along with the other newbies--Car and Driver editor Eddie Alterman and freelancer Ezra Dyer--I'm spending this month catching up on the vehicles introduced for the 2010 model year that made the list of nominees. You'll read about all of them in future posts across High Gear Media's network of Web sites. And later this fall, you'll get the earliest rundown of the finalists for January's 2010 NACOTY awards, coming to you from the 2010 Detroit auto show.
For now, take a look at this list and let us know which car and truck qualifies as your NACOTY. While you're at it, why not write about it for High Gear Media, too?
Monday, August 17, 2009
BMW E39 5 Series - NEW STERN 18" Mesh Rims/ Wheels!
For your consideration, I'm selling brand NEW 18" BMW Mesh Wheels (Set of 4) rims. *** Note: These are DEEP dish with huge 2.5" Lip, stable & lightweight super strong wheels with the classy mesh design that's so popular on 5 series vehicles. I paid over $1200 for this set, which was an elegant upgrade for my 540i. The car is sold, so I have no need for this BRAND NEW set of 4 wheels, never mounted, still freshly packaged in the box. The wheel sizes are staggered for that aggressive racing look. x18" rims with the Rears are 9.5" x 18" rims, with offset of 15mm all around to provide that sleek stable wide stance. Bolt pattern for all wheels are 5x120 standard for the BMW 5 series. This would make an excellent upgrade for older 5 series beemers..... These wheels are guaranteed to fit your 525i, 530i, 535i, 540i, M5, from 1996 to 2003. Lower profile wheels improves handling and control while providing an aggressive looking wide stance. *** Email for further details or to make an appointment. Thanks for your interest.
* Location: Albany
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Fronts are 8.5"
PostingID: 1325127611
* Location: Albany
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Fronts are 8.5" PostingID: 1325127611
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
