Saturday, May 28, 2011

Yamaha R15

The Yamaha R15 in a brand new avatar was seen coming for quite some time now with spy shots of the motorcycle surfacing as early as late last year. But Yamaha India remains as tight lipped as ever with a terse, “we have no plans of launching the new R15″ being the standard reply to emails to their customer care department. In what appears to be the clearest images yet, the new Yamaha R15 has been scooped by a BikeAdvice reader, from what looks like a Yamaha production facility. 
Replete with new headlamps and tail lamps, with a raised rear like it’s elder brother, the legendary Yamaha R1, the new Yamaha R15 looks very sharp indeed. Some speculations put the power figure from the 150cc, four valve, DOHC liquid cooled engine to be 22 PS, which for now must be taken with a fistful of salt as there exists no confirmation for the bumped up power figure. The latest set of images definitely seem to indicate an R15 instead of the R15, due to the change in exhaust muffler and position of the front disc brake.

Ferrari FF

By Wayne Armstrong

The Ferrari FF represents a number of firsts for Ferrari, and no, FF does not stand for Ferrari Firsts, although, perhaps it should. The FF actually stands for Ferrari Four. The car is a four seater, which is replacing the outgoing Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. However, Ferrari have made a number of four seaters before so that's not it. No, the second F stands for Four Wheel Drive. This is the first time that Ferrari has used four wheel drive on a road going production car.

Four wheel drive is not the only first for this car though. You cannot fail to notice the design of the FF as it is a radical departure from cars that have gone before it. The design is called 's
hooting brake' and could be seen as a cross between a coupe and an estate car. The other way of looking at it is - it's a hatchback! The interior space that this creates allows for up to 400 litres of luggage, but, wait for it, the rear seats also fold down allowing for this capacity to be doubled. Can you imagine doing you DIY shopping and being able to fit everything in the back of your Ferrari!
However, this is no Ford Focus. This hatchback has a mighty V12 engine sat up front which produces a heady 660 bhp and 504lb ft of torque. That's good enough to propel the Ferrari FF from zero to 62mph in 3.7 seconds, thanks in part to the 7 speed dual clutch transmission already in use in the Ferrari 458 Italia and the California. The top speed is not to be sniffed at either - 208mph. By the way, the engine at over 6.2 litres is the most powerful engine Ferrari have ever put into a production car and you may find it quite remarkable that such a unit returns a rather respectable (for this sort of car) 18mpg.
The bodywork design is from Ferrari's favourite style house, Pininfarina, but you wouldn't think so to look at it, such is the departure from previous designs. To be honest I think it is going to be a love it or hate it design but one thing is for sure, it certainly will turn heads.
It is quite clear too, that Ferrari is trying to increase the size of their target market with this car too. The four wheel drive system for example means that it will be driveable in many more variable road conditions, including rain and snow. The shooting brake design means that the car is also practical to use every day as you no longer need to make a choice between bringing the kids or the shopping back from the supermarket.
If this is the shape of things to come from Ferrari then I can't wait to see what the replacement for the 599 will look like.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6279305

Supercar Profile - Ferrari California

By Wayne Armstrong

The Ferrari California was first unveiled to an unsuspecting bunch of car enthusiasts at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. It is a 4 seat (to be honest it is more a 2+2) grand tourer sports car which lays claim to a number of firsts for the Italian supercar manufacturer.

For example, the Ferrari California is the first Ferrari to feature a folding metal roof. It had to come eventually I suppose, but Ferrari have taken their time to introduce this to their lineup. The beauty of designing such a feature is that Ferrari managed to achieve never before matched aerodynamic properties for a convertible. In fact, they spent a lot of time and money to get the aerodynamics right on this car. So much so, that
which a drag co-efficient of only 0.32, this is the most aerodynamic production road car Ferrari have ever produced.
Also, another first for a Ferrari is the fact that the Ferrari California features a V8 engine mounted up front. All previous front engined Ferraris have been V12s.
Thirdly, the California features a 7 speed dual clutch transmission, another first for a Ferrari production road car.
The extra engineering involved in the folding roof mechanism among other things makes the Ferrari California relatively heavy when compared to say, a Ferrari F430. You would think this would affect performance, and you would be right, except for the fact that dual clutch gear change mechanism improves acceleration so much that the California matches the F430's sprint time from zero to 62mph in less than four seconds. This is even more impressive when you consider that the up front V8 produces 30 horse power less than the F430's mid mounted unit.
Another first for a Ferrari road car is multi link rear suspension, which makes for superb handling.
One of the things that may not appeal to Ferrari customers is the look of the car. It is a bit of a departure from previous cars in the Ferrari stable. It's not an immediately likeable shape. Part of the problem is the need to incorporate the metal roof when it is folded, but opinion is divided. Some say they could have made a slightly greater effort to make the California prettier to look at.
The California is built in Maranello in a new production line at the side of the other cars in the Prancing Horse stable. Around 6000 Ferrari California's are built every year

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6279580

Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M

By Passione Rossa

Limited to only 499 passionate customers, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M is the convertible version of the 430 Scuderia and it is born to commemorate Ferrari's 16th victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship. The 430 Scuderia 16M is one of the best performing spider Ferrari has ever produced thanks to its superior performance and technological solutions derived from Formula One. Performing
0 - 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, the car is designed for fast and tight driving conditions and has a set up ideal for sport driving. Its performance at the Fiorano race track registered remarkable lap times lower than any other Ferrari spider models intended for the road. The 430 Scuderia 16M engine is an evolution of the F430's 4.3 liter V8 and features several modifications from its derived. Such innovations allow to boost performance and achieve a power of 118 CV/l for a total power output of 510 CV and, at the same time, to comply with the Euro4 and LEV2 standards exhaust emissions regulations. Significant changes have been done in regards to the body, chassis and the intensive use of carbon fiber.
The 430 Scuderia Spider is equipped with the F1-SuperFast2 gearbox, one of the latest evolutions from the F1 racing experience allowing reducing gear change time to 60 milliseconds. The E-Diff is now integrated with the vehicle's stability control systems and the torque is intelligently distributed to the wheels bringing considerable advantages in terms of performance, stability, safety and driving pleasure. The E-Diff, in particular, allows the driver to modify the car set up according to the road and driving conditions from the manettino mounted on the steering wheel. The 430 Scuderia Spider features the racing version of the Manettino, further enhanced options for a sportier driving. The F1-Trac provides ease of driving even in extreme conditions, maximum traction on exiting corners, constant performance and drive comfort.
Carbon fiber and aluminum line the cabin, whether the carbon-framed seats are covered in weight-saving cloth. There is a diamond-plate-style aluminum on the floor, accented by exposed welds. The Ferrari 16M weighs in around 3300 pounds, about 200 fewer pounds than an F430 Spider, or just over 200 more pounds than a 430 Scuderia.
Improved brake performances are provided by the Brembo braking system with carbon ceramic discs: the front discs, in particular, have a larger diameter allowing an improved rolling radius and breaking efficiency. The brake pedal remains consistent even on extreme race track situations and has been optimized for all driving conditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5848667

Thrustmaster Ferrari F430 Force Feedback Racing Wheel - Don't Buy Until You Read This Review

By David Doolin

If you've ever imagined yourself behind the wheel of a real Ferrari, this is the racing wheel for you! Officially licensed by Ferrari, the Thrustmaster Ferrari F430 Force Feedback Racing Wheel is modeled after the real thing, meaning the same passion, performance, quality and innovation have gone into the production of this replica as the real thing. Great attention to detail is evident. From the large 11 inch wheel and Manettino dial function control to the wheel mounted gear box, the Thrustmaster F430 rocks! Aside from a minor gripe, this is as close as most of us will get to sitting behind the wheel of a real Ferrari.
Need to adjust to track or weather conditions? No problem, the Manettino dial allows you to adjust on the fly. Change the braking force, power steering, traction and more as you scream down the straights and skid around the curves. The large 11 wheel quickly responds to your touch allowing you to recover from those crucial situations in the "nick of time".
Some features on the Thrustmaster F430 worth mentioning are:
  • Official Ferrari licensed product
  • 5-position Manettino dial
  • May be configured as Manual or Automatic
  • Aluminum, sequential, Ferrari style, wheel-mounted gearbox
  • Powerful Force Feedback with Touch sense technology
  • 8 direction D-Pad and 10 easy access action buttons
  • Exact replica of the steering wheel of the Ferrari F430
  • Streamlined, elegant design
  • Adjustable braking force distribution, traction and power steering
  • Extra-large 11 inch wheel
  • "Best Wheel for the Money!" according to some reviews.
Now to the minor gripe:
  • The wheel on the Thrustmaster Ferrari F430 is extremely sensitive. While some racing wheels provide a full 900 degrees of turning to get from lock to lock, the Thrustmaster F430 gives about 200. What that means is a ninety degree turn on other racing wheels would take about 2.5 turns. On the Thrustmaster F430 it takes a little over half a turn. Not necessarily a disadvantage if you can get used to its quick response. It certainly gets you out of a jam quickly if you can learn to control it. May be a bit too sensitive for some likes though. Just depends on your personal preference.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5657485

Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned: F430 Coupe and F430 Spider Specifications

By Passione Rossa


The F430 introduced a new generation of Ferrari V8 engine berlinetta cars thanks to the engineering researches applied by the Ferrari Gestione Sportiva F1 Racing Division. The car contributed to launch two important innovations in the production cars segment: the E-Diff and the manettino.
The E-Diff is the electronic differential Ferrari developed for its F1 single-seaters and designed to make the most of the engine's torque in order to optimize traction. The manettino is handily mounted in the steering wheel and it directly run the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics. The name of the car comes from its compact 4,308 cc engine completely new compared to the previous V8 Ferrari models. The rear, longitudinal, 90 degree V8 engine punches 483 hp delivering a specific power output of 112 hp/l
and 343 lb/ft of torque. The F430 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4 seconds flat and has a maximum speed exceeding 196 mph.
Ferrari F430 Technical Specifications:
Engine: Rear, Longitudinal, 90 degree V8
Bore and stroke: 92 x 81 mm
Unitary Cubic Capacity: 538.5 cm2
Total Cubic Capacity: 4308 cm3
Valve Gear: Twin Overhead Camshafts
Number of Valves: Four per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Ignition: Bosch Motronic ME7 Electrostatic
Coolant: Water
Maximum Power: 483 bhp at 8500 rpm
Specific Power: 112.4 bhp/liter
Transmission: Rear Wheel Drive
Clutch: single dry disc
Gearbox: six gears and reverse, F1 or Manual
Chassis: Aluminum Space Frame
Brakes: CCM disc
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Length: 177.6 in
Width: 75.7 in
Height: 47.8 in
Curb weight: 3196 lbs
Top Speed: over 196 mph
As the convertible version of the F430, the F430 Spider boasts all the technology of its coupe predecessor and exploits the Ferrari F1 racing division knowledge and expertise. The model features a compact, fully automatic electric top allowing the engine to be seen at all the times. The rear window is made of exceptionally flexible polycarbonate which easily folds away and can be simply and rapidly replaced.
Ferrari F430 Spider Technical Specifications:
Engine: Rear, Longitudinal, 90 degree V8
Bore and stroke: 92 x 81 mm
Unitary Cubic Capacity: 538.5 cm2
Total Cubic Capacity: 4308 cm3
Valve Gear: Twin Overhead Camshafts
Number of Valves: Four per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 11.3:1
Ignition: Bosch Motronic ME7 Electrostatic
Coolant: Water
Maximum Power: 483 bhp at 8500 rpm
Specific Power: 112.4 bhp/liter
Transmission: Rear Wheel Drive
Clutch: single dry disc
Gearbox: six gears and reverse, F1 or Manual
Chassis: Aluminum Space Frame
Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, gas dampers
Rear suspension: Independednt, double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, gas dampers
Brakes: Disc
Steering: Rack and pinion
Front tires: 225/35 ZR 19
Rear tires: 285/35 ZR 19
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Front track: 65.7 in
Rear track: 63.6 in
Length: 177.6 in
Width: 75.7 in
Height: 47.8 in
Curb weight: 3351 lbs
Top Speed: over 192 mph

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6071681

Ferrari 430 Scuderia: Uncompromising Performances

By Passione Rossa

The 430 Scuderia is a Ferrari high performance mid-engine coupe with an 8 cylinder engine. The model is based on the F430 but features some extraordinary characteristics which turn it into a unique supercar. One of strongest and purest Ferrari in terms of uncompromising sportiness and has an appearance as well as sound of immense impact. It is one of the best cars for the most passionate and sporty customers who love driving

their Ferraris in a race track environment and that are looking to constantly experience the limits of performance.

The engine is a development of the 4308 cm3 90° V8 engine mounted in the F430 which benefits from a series of modifications to enhance the automobile performance. The power output is increased from the 114 CV/liter of the F430 to the 118 CV/liter with an overall power output of 510 hp.
Adjustments have been made to the air intake system which has been optimized to reduce load loss whether the use of carbon fiber air filter box has allowed minimizing weight. New, specifically designed pistons have been used on this car to increase the compression ratio to 11.88:1. The overall outcome of these modifications is demonstrated by the torque and power output curves.
The sound of the engine and exhaust is one of the distinctive features of all Ferraris and the 430 Scuderia does not make any exceptions. Specific devices have been introduced into the air intake system to modulate and emphasize the engine's sound which is clearly heard inside the car, becoming particularly powerful and invigorating when the accelerator is pushed. The overall performance of the Scuderia can be compared to the Ferrari Enzo, which is known as the supercar with the best performance of any other car designed for road usage. Like the Ferrari Enzo, the 430 Scuderia performed an impressive time of 1:25 at Fiorano race track.
The results was achieved thanks to the car engine's improved performance output, its lightness, its improved aerodynamics efficiency as well as braking system with larger-sized carbon ceramic brake discs. Several chassis developments and specific front tires with enhanced levels of grip also contributed in achieving 430 Scuderia outstanding performance. The integrated E-Diff in the gear change is probably the most significant feature in making the Ferrari drive like a racing car. After the F430, the 430 Scuderia is the first on road car with top performances to feature an electronically controlled differential unit. The E-Diff is regulated thru the manettino on the steering wheel and allows varying the set up accordingly to the driver demands as well as road conditions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5712427

Ferrari 458 Italia: Combining Heritage With Innovations

By Rossa P

The 458 Italia represents a farewell to the past, a leap forward into the future: the new Ferrari is so innovative that can be considered a milestone in the Maranello's design, construction and innovation standards. As far as the name nomenclature, "458" refers to the number of cylinders and displacement, whether "Italia" pays homage to the car extraordinary Country of origin and its ability to create innovations.

Ferrari 458 Italia evokes the tradition of the historical 8-cylinders cars in the company's history, such as the 158 F1 in 1964, the Ferrari 308 GTB in 1975 and the F40 in 1987 but, at the same time, the Ferrari 458 Italia personifies unique innovations and a leap into the future. Ferrari 458 Italia is in fact a completely
new car from every point of view: engine, gearbox, chassis, suspensions, electronic controls, aerodynamics, design, instrumentation and ergonomics. All delivered with exceptional fuel consumption and emissions levels, considering its 570 hp.
Like every Ferrari, the 458 Italia guarantees unique driving pleasure and derives most of its technology from the Formula One experience. The benefits from such races heritage are immediately seen and felt when driving the new Ferrari: the immediacy and precisions in responding to the driver inputs are simply unprecedented and revolutionize the relationship between the driver and the car. The 458 Italia is designed around the driver's body becoming his/her natural extension thanks to a perfect human-machine interface, almost at the levels of complicity among the two.
458 Italia is a two-seater berlinetta with a mid-rear mounted V8 engine, a configuration for which Ferrari is well renowned and acknowledge around the world. Designed to fulfill the expectations and ambitions of our sportiest clients and closely tied to the marque's tradition, the new V8 Ferrari is powerful, light, and compact as well as designed for frequent track usage where it is at its finest. On the race track, the 458 Italia electronic control system exceeds any expectations providing superb versatility and handling in complete safety as well as a surprising ease of driving. Born for the track, the Ferrari 458 Italia is built for the road and it is suitable for everyday use by sporty driving enthusiasts.
With the 458 Italia, Ferrari has pushed the boundaries of sports car engineering once again. The engine is a 90 degree V8 with a displacement of 4,499 cm3 mounted in a mid-rear position. The engine's entirely new concept architecture has been designed with the aim of delivering a maximum of 9,000 rpm, a compression ratio of 12:5:1 and a maximum power output of 570 hp.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6139392

Interior of Ferrari 308

By Sandra A Williams

Ferrari 308 is a series of two seats, exotic sports cars for road use. Since its start in 1975 with Ferrari 308 GTB these cars have defined the image of Ferrari in the minds of general public as well as enthusiasts.
Although Ferrari 308 is primarily sports oriented and a luxury car as such, it does not mean that the luxury and comfort aspects of the car are neglected. The interior of Ferrari 308 makes it completely clear.

Ferrari 308 established new standards by the design of its interior. Before 308, no two seated performance oriented car had as comfortable and roomy interior as this one. Very few of them had adjustable seats.
There have been several changes in the interior design of Ferrari 308 series cars over the years but all of these follow the finest traditions of Italian design and provide a sense of luxury and comfort. In its original version 308 had adjustable, leather covered thin shell seats that were very comfortable and supportive. The height of central console was parallel to the seat and it did not extend up to the front bulkhead. The binnacle in front of the steering wheel was dominated by speed and tachometer and also supported gauges for fuel, oil pressure, engine oil temperature etc. Additional gauges were on the lower right of the main binnacle. The console also contains a chromed gear stick and various other controls.
With time 308's interior changed along with other things like engine, suspension etc. These changes included a flat black binnacle facia, instead of the brushed aluminum. Oil and temperature gauges are moved to the central console that contained the gear shifter stick. The stitching pattern of the leather seats were changed as well.
There were additional changes in the interior of later models such as 308QV. These included an improved tighter stitching of seat cover, a tidier central console and a modernized mono steering wheel with thicker and reshaped spoke and rim. The map pockets in each door were made a little larger as well.
Throughout these changes Ferrari 308 has maintained the degree of quality and design that people has come to expect of Ferrari cars as well as the particular theme set by original Ferrari 308. All things considered 308 series cars have one of the best interior design for the cars of its class.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5926947

Ferrari California: Performance and Style

By Passione Rossa

Ferrari California performances are electrifying, and the car handling and responses are accurate and unerring. The California completes the Ferrari's portfolio by reaching those people who might have always wanted a Ferrari without the extreme Ferrari experience, who enjoy the driving pleasure but they quality of life onboard is what really matter. At low speed the Ferrari California emits a silkier, more sonorous sound than its 430 brother. The ride quality is extremely comfortable in terms of compliance and suspension's ability to
absorb surface imperfections.

The California name invokes memories of its late-'50s forebear, which is widely held to be perhaps the most beautiful Ferrari of them all. The new California is a complex looking automobile, with two competing lines on the door that harmonize as they sweep up into those sinuous rear wheel arches. The California's nose is low and aggressive, and the front arches and the bonnet air intake are muscular indicators of the potent powerplant that lies beneath. The roof features an all-aluminum mechanism with a series of complicated looking spars that slide the roof panels on top of each other before folding down into the boot compartment. The whole process is cleverly engineered and carried out in an impressively 14 second's time frame.
The Ferrari California sees the debut of some highly and significant new technology. The 4.3 liter V8 engine features direct fuel injection into the combustion chambers. Power output is 460 CV, peaking at 7,750rpm with 485 Nm of torque produced at 5,000 rpm. The other major technical innovation is the California's seven-speed dual clutch transmission ensuring a minimal torque interruption during gearshifts as well as delivering seamless progress. Additional highlights include a new multilink rear suspension set-up with extremely clever elastokinematics. Upper and lower wishbones are used in the front suspension with improved bushing to further increase compliance.
The Ferrari California also features a variety of ingenious aerodynamic solutions to improve airflow and maximize down-force. The engine is linear, revs with a powerful energy and smoothness allowing top speed of193 mph with 0-60 mph acceleration in just less than four seconds. The California chassis is made entirely in aluminum and it moves with stunning poise and precision. The "Manettino", the steering wheel mounted control switch, governs stability and traction control systems. It features three settings: comfort, sport and CST. The California features carbon ceramic discs (CCM) as standard to ensure shorter stopping distances and significantly improved resistance to fade. The Ferrari California design is supremely comfortable with excellent seats and logical arranged controls: the instrument panel features both analogue and digital dials and a central rev counter with LED display dominates

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5682813

Ferrari Approved Certified Pre-Owned: 599 GTB and 612 Scaglietti Specifications

By Rossa P

The Ferrari 599 6-liter V12 was developed from the Ferrari Enzo engine: it boosts 612 hp at 7600 rpm and combines Alcoa all aluminum chassis and aluminum bodywork for a power to weight ratio

of less than 6 lb/hp. The innovative SCM Magnetorheological suspension control is only one of the technological features used for the first time on a high performance car. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano represents the suitable application of Ferrari racing technology road production GT, as demonstrated by the F1 Superfast gearbox, the F1-Trac road-holding, safety and stability system, the steering wheel-mounted manettino,
the advanced down-force and aerodynamic efficiency styling.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano Technical Specifications:
Engine: Front, Longitudinal, 65 degree V12
Bore and stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm
Unitary Cubic Capacity: 499.92 cm2
Total Cubic Capacity: 5999 cm3
Valve Gear: Twin Overhead Camshafts
Number of Valves: Four per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Ignition: Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 Electronic
Coolant: Water
Maximum Power: 612 bhp at 7600 rpm
Specific Power: 101.6 bhp/liter
Transmission: Rear Wheel Drive
Clutch: double disc
Gearbox: six gears and reverse, F1 or Manual
Chassis: Aluminum Space Frame
Brakes: disc
Wheelbase: 108.3 in
Length: 183.7 in
Width: 77.2 in
Height: 52.6 in
Curb weight: 3726 lbs
top Speed: over 205 mph
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti represents the first time for Ferrari in manufacturing a 12 cylinder model with the space frame chassis and body panels in aluminum, built entirely in the dedicated Scaglietti facility in Modena. Among the benefits of the 612 assembly methods there are a 60 per cent increase in structural rigidity
and significant weight savings of 132 lbs compared to the previous model, the 456M 2+2, despite of the new car's larger dimensions.
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti Technical Specifications:
Engine: Front, Longitudinal, 65 degree V12
Bore and stroke: 89 x 77 mm
Unitary Cubic Capacity: 479 cm2
Total Cubic Capacity: 5748.3 cm3
Valve Gear: Twin Overhead Camshafts
Number of Valves: Four per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 11.2:1
Ignition: Bosch Motronic ME7 Electronic
Coolant: Water
Maximum Power: 532 bhp at 7250 rpm
Specific Power: 92.7 bhp/liter
Transmission: Rear Wheel Drive
Clutch: single dry disc
Gearbox: six gears and reverse, F1 or Manual
Chassis: Aluminum Space Frame
Body: Four seater coupe
Front Suspension: Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic dampers
Rear suspension: Independent, double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic dampers
Brakes: Disc
Steering: Rack and pinion
Front tires: 245/45 ZR 18
Rear tires: 285/40 ZR 19
Wheelbase: 116.4 in
Front track: 66.5 in
Rear track: 64.6 in
Length: 193 in
Width: 77.0 in
Height: 47.8 in
Curb weight: 4057 lbs
top Speed: over 195 mph

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6071680

Which Car Leasing Option to Choose?

 By Anthony Warner

There are many car leasing options you can come across and it is sometimes difficult to choose the right one. You must do enough research to find out which car leasing option suits your kind of work, business or personal circumstances.
Contract Hire
Contract hire, contract purchase, leaseback and finance lease are the main types of car leasing options available. Contract hire is a kind of long term rental arrangement which can be opted for by business people and personal users. This kind of car leasing is suited best for those who prefer to pay small payments initially every month, there is no risk of depreciation or the problem of disposing of the
car, for the user.
It is the finance company which provides the contract hire service, it buys the car, takes on the risk of any possible depreciation or loss and takes the responsibility of disposing of the vehicle at the end of the term of the contract. The contract is between 2 and 5 years, and the customer has to take a credit check. So you must be reasonably confident that your credit file is up to scratch. Every customer can have a tailor made contract to suit his individual needs and VAT registered business can claim half the VAT charges. Vehicles for pure business use can claim all the VAT charges. Monthly rentals can also be offset with profits which are taxable.
Contract Purchase
Contract purchase is a form of car leasing opted for by businesses or organizations. They hire expensive cars and wish to be given the choice of either handing over the car at the end of the term of the contract, or to buy the car at the end of the period. This kind of contract does away with the risk of any depreciation. Here, an initial payment is made and is followed up by monthly installments. In this form of car leasing, the car is shown as an asset in the account books of the business. At the end of the term of contract, the business can buy the car with a balloon amount and claim ownership of the car, or it can return the car and go in for a new contract for another car.
Leaseback
Leaseback is a form of car leasing and is used by businesses. Companies which wish to free the capital generated from the sale of the vehicle at market value to a finance company, generally go in for this kind of contract. The finance company then leases back the same vehicle to the company which sells it, and this is done with VAT in mind. This time round, the contract option is the contract hire kind.
Finance Lease
Finance lease is a kind of commercial leasing and is made use of by companies which lease out a vehicle for a fixed time period, from a finance company that owns the car. The client has to pay monthly installments with interest and this covers the costs. When a finance lease is taken, the company which goes in for the contract, has to pay for the cost of insurance, taxes and services. Finance leases can be conditional sales, or a kind of hire purchase. Depreciation and resale risks may be borne by the customer. All this should be checked before deciding on the right alternative for yourself or your company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6305219

Monday, May 23, 2011

Porsche Cayenne

by: Danny Lambert 

Frankly speaking, it is the Cayenne that compels me to use the word vehicle in conjunction with Porsche. Before the introduction of the Cayenne, Porsche only used to manufacture cars. Thus, this model signifies a significant shift in the designing paradigm of Porsche. The Cayenne has the first V8 engine built by Porsche since the discontinuation of the 928 in 1995.


The model range

The Cayenne range, although relatively new, can be divided into two stages of development. The range manufactured from 2002 to 2006 is called the 1st generation Cayenne while the vehicles since have been known as the 2nd generation. The differences between the two are listed below.

•Porsche Cayenne 1st generation

Engine(s) 3.2 L 250 hp VR6
4.5 L 340 hp (254 kW) V8 (S)
4.5 L 450 hp (336 kW) V8 (Turbo)
4.5 L 521 hp (389 kW) V8 (Turbo S)
Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Wheelbase 2855 mm (112.4 in)
Length 4780 mm (188.2 in)
Turbo 4783 mm (188.3 in)
Width 1928 mm (75.9 in)
Height 1700 mm (66.9 in)

•Porsche Cayenne 2nd generation

Engine(s) 3.0L 335 hp (250 kW) V6 Turbo Diesel
3.6L 290 hp (216 kW) VR6
4.8 L 385 hp (287 kW) V8 (S)
4.8 L 405 hp (302 kW) V8 (GTS)
4.8 L 500 hp (370 kW) V8 (Turbo)
4.8 L 550 hp (410 kW) V8 (Turbo S)
Transmission(s) 6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2855 mm (112.4 in)
Length 4798 mm (188.9 in)
Turbo 4795 mm (188.8 in)
Width 1928 mm (75.9 in)
Height 1700 mm (66.9 in)

In today’s market the Cayenne is available in six different variants with two more to be launched shortly. These variants are –

•Cayenne (base model)
•Cayenne S
•Cayenne GTS
•Cayenne Turbo
•Cayenne Turbo S
•Cayenne S Transsyberia

Two new models, the Cayenne hybrid and the Cayenne diesel are eagerly awaited and are expected to hit the markets in 2009.

If you are looking for a luxury SUV, the Cayenne is the vehicle for you. To have a look at the vehicle and check out the variants, drop by the website www.porschemelbourne.com.au. This is the website of Porsche Melbourne, which is the premier dealership of Porsche in Melbourne. Get in touch with them and get your hands on your dream car. 

Porsche Boxster Body Kits

by: Louie Liu

The Porsche Boxster was introduced to the market in the late 1990s and brought with it a new era of more reasonably priced Porsche convertible cars. It soon featured amongst the best selling cars in the luxury roadster class thanks to its meticulously balanced mid-engine layout, smooth handling and steering and an engine which was a tested and consistent in delivering good performances, amongst other things. It seamlessly fit into the Porsche image of great cars with a respectable reputation.



Even though there is an array of big companies vying to bite into the Boxster market, the car is able to maintain its niche because of its brilliant overall performance. The company makes sure that the car is up to date with the latest technological evolutions that have taken place over time by introducing upgraded versions of the car with attention to the minutest of details. This gives it an edge over its rivals.


It is a strong, purposeful sports car whose designing intended it to be used for hard and fast driving. It might sometimes demand the driver’s full attention but is equally rewarding in the experience which is nothing short of exhilarating with sharp feedback and control. The Boxster is styled very polished but after more than a decade in production, the car has proved to be more than just a looker. To make your car personalized you can use the Porsche Boxster body kits. Body kits are basically components which are used to modify the car’s exterior. This helps you to reflect your own style and personality in the car by making changes to it. This can be done by choosing a different color other than the ones already made available by the manufacturers and also by adding external features such as front grills, spoilers and side skirting, to name a few.
 

Porsche 911 Turbo Historical Overview From 1974 to Now

by: Ruel Run

The production of the 911 Turbo began in 1974. The car was also called the Porsche 930 in the USA; the number 930 is in reference to the car's internal type number. In Europe, it was called the Porsche Turbo 911. One of the most distinctive features of the 911 Turbo is its wide wheel arches, so done to house the wide tires. The car also has a unique rear spoiler; it was called the whale tail on the early models and the tea tray on the latter cars.

The Porsche 930 developed a reputation for absolute acceleration, and difficult handling and drag. The first models came with a 3 liter engine spitting out 256 BHP. In the late 1976, a racing version of the Porsche 911 Turbo was introduced, called the Porsche 934. It became a favorite of many competitors in Le Mans and other races due to its power and handling.

The 1989 911 Turbo (930) was the only model to feature a 5 speed gearbox.

Porsche 964 Turbo (1990 - 1993)

In 1990 Porsche launched a Turbo version of the 964 series. For the 1991 and 1992 model years it used a 3.3 liter engine, similar to the one used on the Porsche 930, the engine provided 320 PS. Porsche then introduced the Carrera 2 and 4 in 1993, with a 3.6 liter engine and a 360 PS to the rear wheels.

Today the 964 Turbo is rear commodity; it was eventually superseded by the Porsche 993 Turbo (1995 – 1998).

Porsche 993 Turbo (1995–1998)

In 1995 Porsche launched a Turbo version of the Porsche 993. It was revolutionary in more ways than one; the 993 Turbo was the first standard Porsche to use twin exhaust turbochargers and the first 911 Turbo to have permanent all wheel drive. [Side Note: If you wanted to remove the AWD, you would have to refer to the more powerful and race homologated GT2 or another option is to remove the drive shaft leading to the front differential].

It was 1997 and Porsche decided to introduce a limited run of 200 units of the Porsche 993 911 Turbo S; the Turbo S delivered an even higher performance. The new car had a few additions as well, among these are an additional 24 PS (17.7 kW), this was over the regular Turbo 400 PS (294kW) and modifications to the car's body.

The Porsche 993 Turbo still command a premium price, due mainly to its reliability, raw power, and the fact that it is the last air cooled 911 Turbo cars.

Porsche 996 Turbo (2000 - 2004)

In the year 2000, Porsche introduced the 966 Turbo, which is as the name suggests a turbo version of the Porsche 966. It was equipped with standard four wheel drive and a 3.6 liter engine, which was derived from the 911 GT1 engine. It also came with twin turbocharged and inter-cooled producing a whopping 415 BHP (309 kW), which meant the car could go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. In 2002 the 996 Turbo received an upgrade known as X50 or Turbo S, this increased the car power to 444 hp (336 kW). The 996 Turbo also had air vents in the front and rear bumpers.

Porsche 997 Turbo, 997 GT3 (2006 - Now)

The 997 GT3 or 997 Turbo debuted in 2006, and like previous models it gave Porsche the opportunity to homologate aerodynamic features for racing, and add a model for customer racing. The car used the same 3.6 liter engine as the Porsche 996 Turbo, but with the exception that it had more power; 480 PS. It gets from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds (using Tiptronic Transmission). The Porsche 997 Turbo is more driver friendly relative to its predecessor.

Advice And Tips For Buying A Used Porsche

by: Xander Palmer

Looking at buying a used Porsche? A used Porsche can be a fantastic purchase and give you years of pleasure but if you buy a complete turkey it can lead to problem after problem. Buying a used car rather than a new one can save you a serious amount of money and if you are careful and know what to look for, the difference in new and used can be nominal. Here are a few handy tips if you are considering splashing out on a used Porsche.


Don't get hung up on used Porsche original bodywork. A lot of people will consider a vehicle having all original bodywork to be a highlight however the older the car gets the more likely it is to have required new parts either due to simple wear and tear or minor scrapes. As long as the work has been carried out to high standards then there should be no problem in this area, it doesn't mean that the car hasn't been well looked after and cared for. If however it has had major surgery then it may have been involved in a serious collision and this can cause underlying problems to axles and other major areas so it may be best to avoid.

Don't be dissuaded by colours that are not popular today. If you are buying a 20 year old used Porsche then its colour may have been the height of fashion in 1980 but may not be popular today. If you are open minded about colour then you are more likely to find a good car as it widens your options. At the end of the day, it's a Porsche, if it's in good condition – it's going to look great!

If you know nothing about cars then it can help to take along a friend who knows a bit about them however don't rely on this too much as most problems can be hidden from a basic inspection if the dealer is determined enough to deceive buyers. Somebody with knowledge of cars probably won't be able to tell if there are major engine problems around the corner or if the car is likely to break down in the near future so trust your instincts when dealing with the seller. If something doesn't add up or you have a bad feeling then walk away. The main benefit of buying from a private used Porsche seller is that the price is likely to be cheaper than buying from a used Porsche dealer however there is likely to be no comeback if problems with the car appear a week after the purchase. Buying from a used Porsche dealer you should be able to negotiate a warranty, the longer the better.

Porsche Used Cars- The Beautiful 911

by: Sean Traynor

Porsche used cars like there 911 model is the one vehicle I think everyone thinks of when dreaming of the Porsche Brand. With so many other models born from the 911 brand, this article will take a look at these other cars (which are less famous than there older brother the Porsche 911) but still very sleek and really fast. When researching older Porsche 911’s from 2005, the turbo had a 480-horsepower twin turbo engine and this vehicle handle’s excellent in high speed performance situations.


Porsche 911 used cars:

Porsche decided that wanted to get a little flashier with its 911 brand so they introduced the 911 GT3. You will notice that most of these 911 GT3’s have loud paint jobs, meaning you see a lot of them in orange, bright yellows and lime green to mention a few. These also came in all-wheel drive and the glass roof was standard in the 911 GT3. The Porsche Motor Company realized that the GT3 wasn’t fast enough, so the following year they unveiled the GT2 and this now had a 530 horsepower, twin turbo engine. These Porsche 911 GT2’s also offered loud paint jobs.

Both the GT3 and the GT2 come with a six speed manual transmission, there is also an option to have the famous Tiptronic S which are paddle shifters you see in a Formula One race car.

I could only find one stat for the fuel economy of the Porsche 911 GT2. The GT2 has an 18.8-litre, per 100kms for city driving and 8.9-litre, per 100kms for highway driving. Not exactly your favourite green car to drive around in the city, but imagine most 911 GT2 owners couldn’t care less.

Let’s look at some pros and cons of the different 911 models:

1- It has been mentioned that are problems with the pistons.

2- There is an issue with anti flood system.

3- There are problems with the seals for the engine oil.

4- There have been complaints with the transmission not working properly when you change gears.

I could not find any reports on safety crash tests done on either the GT2 or GT3. The Porsche 911 family are very expensive cars even if you buy second hand; they seem to hold their value for a long time. They are also an expensive car to maintain so if you do decide to buy one used, don’t be shocked when the mechanic gives you the bill.

If you’re Canadian and looking to find great savings in Porsche used cars please check out YouPaidWhat.ca they provide Canadians with an alternative option in buying American used cars. With the Canadian dollar being so high, it only makes sense to buy American used cars for sale.

How Team Ferrari Can Accelerate Your Success

by: Christopher Green

Picture the scene:
It’s the Monaco Grand Prix and the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher is in pole position. The warm-up lap has been completed and Schumacher revs the engine, waiting for the lights to flash in sequence: Ready. Set. GO!
The race begins. Schumacher uses his supreme skill to drive the car to its limits and successfully overcome the challenges presented by the tricky street circuit.
At each third of the race, the perfect opportunity to bring the car into the pits to maintain maximum advantage is determined. Each time the Ferrari makes a pit stop, an efficient pit
crew will get to work. The car will be jacked up. Tires will be changed, fuel will be added, visors cleaned, spot checks made.
All completed within 10 seconds. Each team member performs their duties at lightening speed to ensure no time is wasted so the car can maintain or improve the lead.
And as the race progresses, a team of analysts will act on feedback received from the Ferrari’s on-board computers and from the driver. The race strategy will be constantly reviewed and changes will be made if necessary to ensure the car has the best chance of winning the race.
Driver, engineers, mechanics, designers, strategists, technicians – all working together to ensure the car has the best possible chance of victory.
So how can “Team Ferrari” help to accelerate your success?
As you pursue your goals and ambitions, you’ll encounter many trying times. You will face challenges, obstacles, sticking points and setbacks. Your motivation levels will drop, you may feel burned out, stressed, frustrated.
At such trying times, you’re going to need support to help you “stay in the race”. Just like Michael Schumacher, you can’t do everything all by yourself and when you face challenges and problems, these are the times when you’ll need to go into the pits.
It is so important – no, VITAL – that you can turn to positive, success-minded, enthusiastic people. People who’ve done something with their lives, who’ve faced challenges, who know how to overcome fears and obstacles and who can keep you on track to win.
They are the people who we’ll refer to as: “TEAM YOU”.
Unfortunately, many people who pursue a dream turn to people who live life in fear, who haven’t done anything with their lives and who hold a negative view about life.
Guess what happens when you turn to such people when you need support?
You’re right! They increase your fears, they focus on the problems, they offer no solutions, in short, they make it harder and harder for you to win your race.
Would Ferrari’s pit crew consist of people who want to give up at the first obstacle? People who believe the race is lost before it’s started? People who’d retire the car after 10 laps because the race was too hard?
You know Team Ferrari wouldn’t have such people anywhere near their car!
So why have negative people in Team You? OK, I know you may find it hard to find like-minded, positive people to create your success team. So here’s a technique I use to create my own success team, a team I can rely on when I need to make a pit stop:
Throughout history, there have been many people who have achieved great success and who overcame many major challenges. The help they can give you is priceless. So read about them. Study them. How did they meet their challenges? How did they deal with setbacks? You can find out by reading biographies and autobiographies. Use the Internet too.
You can read about presidents and ministers, kings and queens, warriors and pacifists, sporting heroes, entertainers, inventors, explorers, tycoons, personal development experts, philosophers and spiritual leaders – whoever you admire, whoever inspires you, whoever excites you, read about them. These are people who’ve achieved great things. Study them. Learn from them.
These are the people who can join “TEAM YOU”. Why not pick the best to help you win your race?

Ferrari Hype builds up with 599 GTB Fiorano

by: Jenny McLane

Ferrari has recently adopted the latest technology using the tested all-aluminum construction for the body and chassis. This was incorporated in the 599 GTB Fiorano Ferrari, which was officially presented to the public last February 28 at the Geneva Motor Show. Said construction gave the latest model of Ferrari the elegant yet aggressive façade.


Aside from the appearance, 599 GTB Fiorano Ferrari has also
adopted advanced aerodynamic solutions to attain high performance of the car. The latest from Ferrari is a symbol of its advanced production as well as its classics. It replaces the line of berlinettas which was introduced a decade ago.

Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari’s Vice General Manager described the birth of the latest model which was developed in Maranello. “The new car is a concentration of Ferrari’s most innovative and technologically advanced engineering solutions applied to a mid-front engined two-seater coupé. The result is a new benchmark for performance, driver involvement and design. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano boasts class-leading power thanks to its 5,999cc V12 - derived directly from the Enzo Ferrari supercar – which produces no less than 620hp at 7,600 rpm for a weight/power ratio of just 2.6 kg per horsepower,” Felisa said.

Fiorano has the most powerful V12-engine from Ferrari. It also has a magnetorheological suspension system. By applying an electronically controlled magnetic field, the latter can adjust the dampers. The interior seat features of 599 GTB Fiorano are composed of the traditional horizontal perforated pleats with bespoke built-in luggage on the back shelf. It also has vertical headlamps for a stronger appeal and expression. Moreover, the most interesting area is the separate composite rear buttress. The latter is designed to allow the cabin glass to flow in a droplet shape.

In a nutshell, 599 GTB Fiorano has a classic look of Ferrari auto parts with its innovative aerodynamic elements, gorgeous curves and significant shutlines. These are the reasons why Ferrari lingers with power.

 

The Ferrari Enzo Supercar

by: Bradley George Lindemann

One of the world’s top sports car manufacturers is Ferrari, whose symbol of a black prancing horse on a yellow shield-shaped background is perhaps one of the most easily recognizable car logos in the world. Based in Maranello, Italy, this Italian sports car manufacturer is responsible for the existence of some of the most powerful and at the same time most elegant sports cars the world has ever seen.


Every single Ferrari ever manufactured, from the 250 GTO to the 206/246 Dino, is a feat of engineering and design. One such Ferrari is the Enzo Ferrari Supercar, which was named one of the top sports cars of the new millennium by Sports Car International magazine in 2004. Named in honor of Enzo Ferrari, who founded the company in 1929, the Enzo Ferrari supercar is indeed super in many respects.

Built in 2003, the Enzo Ferrari supercar was designed using Formula One technology. Its body is made of carbon-fiber, its brake discs are carbon-ceramic, and it has an F1-style sequential shift transmission. It has 6.0-liter, 660-horsepower V-12 engine, the first Ferrari motor to have continuously variable exhaust valve timing. The Enzo engine has four valves per cylinder and a variable-length induction system.

As befitting the “supercar” tag, the Enzo Ferrari boasts of extremely quick acceleration. The Enzo Ferrari is capable of reaching 62.5 mph in 3.30 seconds and can accelerate to 100 mph in 6.60 seconds. This particular breed of Ferrari can also complete the quarter mile from a stop in approximately 11.1 seconds at 133 mph. Its estimated top speed of 217 mph is further proof of its Formula 1 heritage. So unless you’re an active driver in the Formula 1 circuit, there’s no way you can hit the top speed on a regular road and get away with it.


So far, the Enzo has proven to be stable when cornering. Its powerful engine, however, sometimes makes the car a bit difficult to control. Fortunately, it has rack-and-pinion power steering, pushrod actuated coil-shock units, a four-wheel independent suspension stabilized by front and rear anti-roll bars, and four Bridgestone Scuderia tires, which have been designed and tuned specifically for the Enzo Ferrari supercar.

So far, Ferrari has only produced 400 of these supercars, and only a select few have managed to acquire one. As a matter of fact, just being able to afford its US$643,330 price tag is not enough to get your hands on one. Propsective owners still have to send applications to Ferrari for the privilege of purchasing one of these supercars.

A number of famous people are or have been proud owners of an Enzo Ferarri supercar, including Nicolas Cage, Eric Clapton, Tommy Hilfiger, Rod Stewart, and of course, Michael Schumacher, the man responsible for bringing virtually countless honor for the company as the most famous Formula 1 driver for Scuderia Ferrari, Ferrari’s racing division. 

Sunday, May 22, 2011

British Number Plates

By Timothy Wheeler

Car number plates have been a feature of British motoring since 1903 when the first ever vehicle registration number was issued. This car number plate was A 1 issued in London. At this time it was the role of councils to issue vehicle registration numbers the alpha characters were used to represent the issuing office, the numerical characters 0-9 being the random component.
The vehicle registration index in England, Wales and Scotland excluded the I & Z's characters. The I & Z characters were used in Northern Ireland who had their own unique system for car registration numbers. G, S & V and their double letter combination characters were originally to be used exc
lusively for Scotland. This had to be abandoned due to increased demand although I and Z were only used in Ireland.
Dateless Number Plates
The term dateless referrers to registrations that have no age indicator. The earlier car registration numbers were all dateless. There are still thousands of dateless registration numbers on the road today in the United Kingdom. These however are now private number plates. They are a great way for there owners to make a statement about themselves and their personality. Some dateless registrations are used to display the owners initials others reflect a name, hobby, football team, company, qualification, children, grand children or whatever is personal to the owner.
Suffix Number Plates.
The dateless registration number was limited to the amount of possible combinations could be issued. As popularity of the motor vehicle increased the DVLA had to come up with a new scheme to accommodate the volume of new vehicles being registered. Hence the suffix registration was born in 1963. The Format of the registration was three letters excluding I,Q & Z, this represented the issued office. Followed by three numerical characters 0-9, this was the random part or the registration number. The final component was the Suffix character, a single alpha character to represent the first year the vehicle was registered. Each year a new suffix letter was issued reflecting vehicles first registered. This worked really well for many years with motorists seeing who could be first to get a new vehicle on August the 1st, the first day of the registration year. Today private number plates in the suffix style are increasing in popularity.
Prefix Number Plates
By 1983 the Suffix registration number system was exhausted and the DVLA yet again have to rethink the vehicle indexing system. Having had this problem previously they were well equipped with what to do.
As with dateless numbers when the need to increase the available numbers they had reversed them. Essentially that is what happened to suffix DVLA number plates, introducing the prefix car registration numbers. The first Character was an alpha character, representing the vehicle age. Followed by three numbers, 0-9, this was the random component in the vehicle registration number. Then the alpha block, three letters excluding I,Q & Z that reflected the registering office.
The motor trade were delighted in August when there sales rocketed as motorists rushed to get a new registered car, for 12 months everyone would know that had a brand new car quiet a status symbol.
The problem for them was this huge peak in their selling calendar and for years the motor traded lobbied for a change. In 2001 they got their way and since then there has been two registration number changes a year March 1st & September 1st.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6286419

How Does A Power Inverter Work? Power Inverters Explained

By Iain K

A power inverter converts your car's direct current (DC) battery power into conventional alternating current (AC) power which can then run a range of household products such as microwaves, power tools, TVs, radios, computers etc when an AC outlet is not available. Particularly useful for camping or long road trips.
Just connect the inverter to your car battery, and plug your AC devices into the inverter and you've got power on the go. (Smaller inverters will connect directly via the car's cigarette lighter)

The Technical Bit...
Two factors determine how a power inverter works: wave output and wattage output. Wave output describes the physical appearance of electrical signals as they move across an oscilloscope. Square waves appear exactly as their name specifies: like squares on a grid. Pure sine waves, also called true sine waves, appear as visible waves on the screen.
How do I know which Inverter to choose?
The first step in selecting a power inverter is to match the inverter to the voltage of the battery you'll be using for power. In the majority of cases, you'll be using a standard 12-volt car battery, so you would want to select a 12-volt inverter.
The next step is to identify which devices you plan to power with the inverter. Each device should carry a label which that tells you the wattage it requires to operate. The wattage rating of your inverter must surpass the wattage of the highest wattage device or the total wattage of all the devices you plan to run simultaneously, or of the largest device.
Some devices draw a higher wattage than their normal operating wattage rating when they first start up. This is known as peak or surge, and this information should also be listed on the device's label. Most power inverters also have a peak rating, so make sure the inverter's peak rating is higher than the peak wattage of the device you intend to power. Microwaves are a special case. As an example, you may know that your microwave is a 400-watt microwave. This is actually the cooking wattage. The power wattage might be twice that amount. Again, check the label on the device to make sure.
Power inverters which run through your car cigarette lighter are designed for lower wattage devices - laptops, phone chargers etc. In fact, if you try to pass more than about 400 watts through a cigarette lighter connection, it will fail -- and it might even start a fire in your vehicle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6280292

Friday, May 20, 2011

2012 Honda CR-Z Mugen

Honda has released the first pictures of the CR-Z Mugen, ahead of its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

2012 Honda CR Z Mugen Rear View 495x355 2012 Honda CR Z Mugen
After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this ‘stage 1′ engine and with over 50 kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet Mugen’s original targets.

That achieved 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, and the team says the test version has already passed that, thanks to a hike in power to 200bhp and 245Nm of torque.

The regular 1.5 i-VTEC engine develops 113bhp, while Mugen's bolting on a supercharger and fettling the IMA hybrid system for nearer 200bhp and 181lb ft. And Mugen's dieticians have stripped out 50kg of unnecessary heft, to make the CR-Z more agile. The bonnet is made from carbonfibre while the wheels are lightweight Mugen alloys.

Mugen also has upgraded handling and performance, fitting adjustable shocks and large disc brakes, increasing track and reducing weight. Mugen GP 17-inch forged alloy wheels are part of an exterior package that includes front and rear airdams, side skirts and a rear wing.

2011 Nissan Qazana signals a New Design Direction for the Japanese

Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced U.S. pricing for the 2011 Nissan GT-R supercar, which is on sale now at select Nissan dealers.
 
 

For 2011, its third year of availability in the North American market, the Nissan GT-R features a number of enhancements and a simplified model lineup. The previous GT-R base model has been eliminated, leaving the GT-R Premium as the only available 2011 model. Other changes include slightly darker wheel center caps, double clear coat on the front and rear fascias and the addition of rear cooling ducts to improve cooling performance around the rear floor area.

The suspension has been retuned and the rear bushing strengthened to enhance ride comfort while still maintaining the GT-R's outstanding handling. In addition, auto on/off headlights and speed-sensitive windshield wipers are now standard, along with a USB iPod® interface, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® and DVD playback. The navigation system now includes XM NavTraffic® and NavWeatherTM capability.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)* for the 2011 Nissan GT-R equipped with standard 485-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and high-performance, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission is:

* Nissan GT-R Premium: $84,060 USD

Three options and one accessory are available for the 2011 GT-R: Cold Weather Package (no charge); special Super Silver paint ($3,000); Ultra-High Performance Tire Package (no charge); and carpeted GT-R logo floor mats ($280).

Nissan March

The Nissan March, or also known as the Micra in the UK, was designed to be a fuel efficient and space efficient in the streets of Tokyo and London. Jaski Auto Gallery brings you that efficiency to the Philippines. Nissan is known around the world for the quality and coolness of their air conditioning systems. This Nissan March is no exception to that. Equipped with a 1300cc engine, the Micra  promises less money spent when driving into a gas station. In addition, the March takes advantage of a full 4-Speed (with Overdrive) Automatic Transmission. This only means that driving in heavy traffic becomes more com
fortable. Built as an everyday vehicle, the Nissan March/Micra is no stranger to harsh weather. The rear wiper assures you, even during the heaviest of rain fall, you’ll still be able to back out of the driveway with no visibility problems. You’ll feel safe and unique when driving this used car in the busy streets of Cebu City or Manila, or just cruising around Iloilo or Dumaguete. Jaski Auto Gallery currently has this pre owned unit  in stock. Jaski delivers to any port in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  Jaski is the car dealer that delivers and cares.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Crutchlow: Not Fall, I Can Finish 6th

Le Mans - The look on the disappointment is still clearly visible on his face after diving Cal Crutchlow French Grand Prix on Sunday (05/15/2011). Tech 3 Yamaha Monster racer very disappointed, because in fact he believes can achieve maximum results at Le Mans.


Crutchlow performance during practice sessions ahead of qualifying until the race was pretty good. Rookie this season, it even managed to start the race from sixth, his best achievement in this season.


Unfortunately, apiknya achievement in qualifying race to end a bitter moment. The British rider was dropped from his motorcycle on lap six, while the middle fight with Ben Spies to compete for eight positions. Failure to touch the finish line for the first time this had made ​​him very disappointed.


"I am quite disappointed because, if you saw my appearance, I feel sure I can finish in the top six. Unfortunately, I fell in the middle of fun duel with Ben. I am quite able to keep up (Ben Spies) and had thought could achieve good results, until suddenly I did stupid mistake at turn 6, "complained MCN Crutchlow was quoted as saying on Tuesday (17/05/2011).


"I touched the curb to make me lose control on the front of the motor. After falling, I try to wake the motor and return to the track. But, there is a problem in the gas, so, it is impossible for me to continue racing. I am disappointed with this outcome, but, this is something that usually happens when you push yourself too, especially in highly competitive classes such as MotoGP, "he said.


Despite the bad result at Le Mans, Crutchlow began his first season in MotoGP with the fairly good. Won three races passed with quite good results (finish the 11, 8 and 8). In total, the drivers 25 is to collect 21 points and sits at number 11 of the standings. Not a bad achievement for a Rookie.