Ferrari 360 Modena

Ferrari 360 Modena was unveiled at the 1999 International Geneva Motor Show. Styled by Pininfarina, the all-aluminium 360 Modena has been designed to represent the ultimate in performance, lightness and advanced engineering and is the result of four years intensive research and design. This 'small' Ferrari incorporates superb handling due to a revised suspension system, excellent interior space with an exceptionally refined cabin layout. Powered by a normally aspirated, 400 hp, 3.6-litre, 40-valve, 8-cylinder engine the 360 Modena was available with the second generation of the highly successful F1-type gearbox as well as the conventional six-speed manual transmission.

This car had a significant part to play in the Ferrari model mix and will sit alongside the Ferrari 550 Maranello, the Ferrari 456M and the Ferrari F355 Spider. Offered as a two-seater sports car, the Ferrari 360 Modena replaced the highly successful and internationally acclaimed Ferrari F355. This addition to the Ferrari range was expected to account for 65% of Ferrari's annual production of around 3500 cars. The Ferrari 360 Modena initially went on sale in some of Ferrari's 42 key markets in Spring 1999. The car was available throughout the international Ferrari sales network by the Summer.
Many of the technical features and the build processes to create the Ferrari 360 Modena are unique to Ferrari and this car promises to be one of the fastest and most powerful GT road cars ever to be produced at Maranello. Luca di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari SpA, said: "In the past six years, Ferrari has launched no less than 10 different models and variants. This is a fantastic achievement and reflects Ferrari's continual efforts to be at the leading edge of technology and engineering design. "The Ferrari 360 Modena again represents a major step forward for us. It incorporates all of the traditional elements of the Ferrari marque but sets new and significant standards for high performance cars. The Ferrari 360 Modena is one of the most technically advanced cars that we have ever produced.".

Equipped with a 400-bhp 90° V8 engine, the Ferrari 360 Modena and the Ferrari 360 Spider are a winning concentration of high technology, style and performance. The extruded aluminum chassis, the special attention paid to detail in ensuring a roomy and comfortable interior and, in the Ferrari 360 Spider, the innovative soft-top opening system are some of the key reasons for the cars' success.

Audi S6

Athletic character, quiet understatement and richly appointed - Audi is remaking the Audi S6 and S6 Avant. Both models are sports cars for everyday use, offering uncompromising practicality. Their new engine, a four-liter, twin-turbo V8, combines ample power with low fuel consumption in keeping with the times.DriveThe Audi S6 and S6 Avant use the 309 kW (420 hp) version of the new 4.0 TFSI. The twin-turbo V8 provides a constant 550 Nm (405.66 lb-ft) of torque from 1,400 to 5,300 rpm. It accelerates the S6 from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.8 seconds and the S6 Avant in 4.9 seconds. With both models, the electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph) is just a formality.The 4.0 TFSI brings Audi's downsizing strategy to the high-performance class. Compared to the engine in the previous model, the free-breathing, 5.2-liter V10, it offers even sportier performance while reducing fuel consumption by as much as 25 percent. Average fuel consumption is just 9.7 liters per 100 km (24.25 US mpg) in the Audi S6 and 9.8 liters (24.0 US mpg) in the Audi S6 Avant, well below that of the competition.A number of technologies contribute to this top result, including the recuperation and start-stop systems as well as the new "cylinder on demand" cylinder management system.

When the V8 deactivates four cylinders under part load, the Active Noise Cancellation system (ANC) is activated. Four microphones integrated into the headlining record the noise in the cabin, which is then analyzed by a computer. If the computer detects intrusive sound elements, it broadcasts an antiphase sound through the speakers of the sound system. This sound combines with the intrusive sound and largely cancels it out.Independent of this, active, electronically controlled engine bearings use targeted counterpulses to attenuate low-frequency vibrations. A sound actuator, flaps in the exhaust system, the engine shroud and a newly developed two-mass flywheel with a centrifugal force pendulum in the seven-speed S tronic also contribute to the sonorous sound and smoothness of the engine.When it comes to power transmission, the S6 and S6 Avant further extend Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik. The engine power flows through a fast-shifting, seven-speed S tronic transmission. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system uses the self-locking center differential and torque vectoring. If desired, Audi complements quattro with the optional sport differential, which actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.ChassisThe two new S models come standard with the adaptive air suspension sport. The tautly tuned air suspension with variable damping lowers the body by 10 millimeters (0.39 in).

It provides for highly precise handling without compromising comfort. The powerful disc brakes, internally ventilated front and rear, have matt black calipers with S6 logos. Audi offers carbon fiber-ceramic discs as an option.The Audi S6 and S6 Avant come standard with cast aluminum wheels in a unique five parallel-spoke design. The 8.5 J x 19 wheels are shod with 255/40-series tires. Seven different 19- or 20-inch wheels, four of them from quattro GmbH, are available as options. The 20-inch titanium-look wheels with a five-arm rotor design impart a particularly exclusive appearance.The Audi drive select driving dynamics system comes standard in the two new S models. Among others, it modifies the characteristic of the gas pedal, the shift points of the S tronic, the servo boost of the electromechanical steering and the characteristic of the adaptive air suspension. The driver can adjust the operation of these systems in five stages. The optional sport differential and the dynamic steering, which varies its ratio as a function of speed, can also be integrated into the system.Body and designThe car bodies play a large part in the dynamics of the Audi S6 and S6 Avant. They are unusually lightweight because they are roughly 20 percent aluminum. The Audi S6 has a curb weight of just 1,895 kilograms (4,177.76 lb), the S6 Avant 1,950 kilograms (4,299.01 lb). Both are much lighter than their direct rivals.At 4,931 millimeters (16.18 ft), the Audi S6 is 16 millimeters (0.63 in) longer than the A6; with the 4,634-millimeter (15.2 ft) Audi S6 Avant, the difference is 8 millimeters (0.31 in) over the A6 Avant. Their single-frame grille sports aluminum applications and chromed horizontal double bars. Another chrome strip adorns the front bumper. The exterior mirrors feature aluminum-look housings, and the side sills are distinctively shaped.The Audi S6 sedan has a spoiler on the trunk; the Avant has a roof spoiler. With both models, the diffuser on the rear bumper is platinum gray with an aluminum-look offset edge. The four chrome-tipped tailpipes are elliptical. The S models are available in a choice of eight colors, including the exclusive shades Estoril Blue, crystal effect and Prism Silver, crystal effect. The body is decorated with S6 and V8T badges.InteriorThe interior of the Audi S6 and S6 Avant is also characterized by sporty elegance. There are S6 badges on the key, the leather sport steering wheel with colored stitching and aluminum shift paddles as well as the instruments. The illuminated door sill trims and both displays (MMI and driver information system) greet the driver with the S6 logo. A red ring adorns the start-stop button, an aluminum clasp the selector lever. The footrest, the pedals and the soft keys of the MMI operating system shine in an aluminum-look finish.Decorative inlays are available in a choice of four materials. Matt brushed aluminum is standard, with carbon, fine grain ash natural brown or layered Beaufort oak as options. Customers can choose from three colors - black, lunar silver and goa beige (only for the seat upholstery) - for the headlining, instrument panel, carpet and seats. The standard seat upholstery is a mix of Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara, with Milano and Valcona available as options.Height-adjustable sport seats with power lumbar supports and embossed S logos are standard. Audi offers two other versions as options: the power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function and the power-adjustable S sport seats with integrated head restraints. These also are embossed with the S logo.EquipmentThe new Audi S6 and S6 Avant will be rolling into dealer showrooms with a generous list of standard equipment in spring 2012. This includes xenon plus headlights with an all-weather light, LED rear lights, an electromechanical parking brake and the driver information system with color display. The MMI radio plus includes a Bluetooth interface, and the Audi sound system has ten speakers.All of the high-end options in the model series are also available for the new S models. These include LED headlights, adaptive light, the ambient lighting package, convenience key, head-up display, the parking system plus with 360° camera, power rear hatch, optionally with sensor control, and climate-controlled deluxe seats with massage function.The list of options for the Avant, which offers up to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft) of luggage space, also includes the panoramic glass roof.The tightly networked driver assistance systems are all state-of-the-art. These are the various versions of the Audi pre sense safety system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, Audi side assist, active lane assist, the speed limit display and the night vision assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians.Topping the range of infotainment systems is MMI navigation plus, which features a large hard drive, an eight-inch monitor and the groundbreaking MMI touch input system. The system can be combined with the Bluetooth online car phone, which brings special Internet services to the car and features WLAN connectivity for mobile devices. The 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System impresses with its excellent sound.

GM Refuses to Repair 400,000 Chevrolet Impalas

On June 29, a woman named Donna Trusky filled a class-action lawsuit against General Motors in Detroit. The subject was a defect in the suspension rods of the 2007-2008MY Chevrolet Impala, which caused the tires to wear prematurely – in Trusky’s case, after only 6,000 miles. As it turns out, GM had warned police departments about the issue and fixed the defective rods, but it did not do the same on the civilian cars.
General Motors seeks to dismiss the lawsuit, which could cost it millions of dollars as it potentially affects more than 400,000 cars. The company's argument is that the warranty claim was honored by its predecessor, General Motors Corp, which is now called Motors Liquidation Co – or “Old GM”, after its 2009 bankruptcy and the subsequent bailout by the US government.
The “New GM”, the company claims, didn’t assume responsibility to recall the Impala, only to make repair “subject to conditions and limitations stated in express written warranties”.
In other words, the “New GM” says that Trusky is after the wrong company: the one she should be after is the now bankrupt “Old GM”. This argument held in court earlier this year in a case about the OnStar navigation system.
John Penn, former president of the American Bankruptcy Institute and currently a partner at Haynes and Boon in Texas, comments: “The question of successor liability is common for companies that go through bankruptcy.” He is also not surprised by Trusky’s predicament: “This type of issue was widely discussed during GM’s bankruptcy. The court will need to evaluate the claims to see if they fit within any cubbyhole of liability that New GM assumed”.

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Chevy to Stage European Premiere of New Malibu at Frankfurt Auto Show

[North American 2013 Chevrolet Malibu featured in the pictures]

The all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will continue its world tour after its parallel premiere at shows in the U.S.A. and China earlier this year, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
This will be the first time European buyers will get to see the new Malibu sedan in the flesh as the model series was not previously available for sale in the continent. In Europe, Chevrolet's newcomer will be the firm's flagship saloon model when sales start next year.
To better suit the needs and tastes of customers, General Motors will offer the Malibu with specific powertrain options in each continent.
In Europe, the mid-size sedan will be available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit that generates 164-horsepower and 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine with 169-horses. Power will be channelled to the front wheels through a manual gearbox or an automatic transmission.
In North America, the Malibu will be available at launch with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit matched to a six-speed auto and an electric motor-generator, with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to be added to the range in the summer of 2012. A more powerful V6 is also said to be in the cards.
During the world premiere of the Malibu in April, GM noted that international versions will eventually get a new 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, with details on output and availability to be released at a later date.

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Chevrolet Malibu ECO 2013

Chevrolet has celebrated Earth Day in 2011 New York Auto Show with the introduction of a brand new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu ECO fuel midsize sedan in its 100 year history. And eAssist ™ "electrified light" technology, which is designed to provide about 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway without sacrificing performance. The clusters are constantly reacting ECO driving indicator, encouraging the guidance of fuel, while the tachometer auto stop indicator informs the driver when the engine is in start-stop mode.

ECO is based on the new Malibu sedan in 2013, which will be sold in nearly 100 countries on six continents. Sales of the new Malibu from the ECO in the United States in early 2012. Level of Malibu LS, LT and LTZ offers to join the ECO in the summer of 2012. Prices will be announced later.

"Example of the Chevrolet Malibu ECO hard to use technology that offers high-quality, gas-friendly performance," said Scheidt. "In fact, Malibu ECO compact sedan offers fuel consumption of a medium-sized." "Chevrolet Malibu ECO is a smart choice for customers who want excellent fuel economy, without the price of hybrid sedans popular," said Rick Scheidt vice president, marketing, Chevrolet. "Echo Malibu 38-mpg highway estimate is comparable to the hybrid."

Chevrolet Malibu ECO also has an aerodynamic exterior - including underbody aerodynamic improvements - and electronically controlled shutters on the lower front grille that closes at high speed to push more air in and around the vehicle. These improvements will increase the aerodynamic efficiency to increase fuel economy. Malibu is the eAssist system uses a state of the art lithium-ion battery and an electric motor-generator to provide power-assisted braking and start-stop function. Is the effective size, weighs only 65 pounds (29 kg).

Opel Says Second Generation Ampera Will be Cheaper

Even though deliveries of Opel’s extended-range hybrid aren’t expected to begin until early 2012, the company is already planning the successor to the Chevy Volt’s European alter-ego.
According to British magazine Autocar, the second generation of the Opel / Vauxhall Ampera is scheduled for release in 2015 and, if sources from within the company are reliable, it feature a more radical design and a lower starting price than the current model.
In the UK for example, the Vauxhall Ampera, which is already available to order, costs a rather steep £28,995 –and that is after the government’s £5,000 rebate. Opel engineers say that the battery pack alone costs around £7,000 but improvements in technology in the next four years will enable the company to reduce the cost by 50%.
However, that’s not enough. Opel CEO Nick Reilly said the price of the Ampera will be further reduced by economies of scale due to increased demand and more localized production: “We have an education job to do on the technology of the Ampera, but that will come in time. We hope that it will establish itself as a market leader and we’ll be able to capitalize on that with a cheaper, more expressively designed second generation model”.
Economies of scale could also come from fitting the Ampera’s extended-range powertrain in other Opel and Vauxhall models. If this happens, then the cost of tooling and manufacturing would drop significantly further lowering the costs.
Nevertheless, GM has to first assess sales of the model before it goes ahead with any decision, such as manufacturing its next generation in Europe, as it currently builds it alongside the Volt at its Warren, Michigan plant in the US. So far, things are looking good since 7,000 of the 10,000 units allocated for 2012 are already presold, with 75% of the sales going to fleet customers.
Opel would also like to give the next-gen Ampera a more aggressive style that will be more in line with the other models in its range.
The German firm's designers didn’t have a lot of freedom in the first generation because of the restraints forced on them by the car being a rebadged Volt. If they get the green light, the 2015 model will follow the company's new design “language” , recently previewed in the brand-new Opel Zafira Tourer.

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Electric Cars Chevrolet Corvette C1 1953

C1 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car produced from 1953 to 1962. This is the first generation of Chevrolet Corvettes built and marketed by Chevrolet. Although the style of the car can be as important for some of the way the car runs, automobile manufacturers have started to pay attention to car designs until 1920. Until 1927, when General Motors hired designer Harley Earl, that automotive style and design has become important to American automobile manufacturers. What Henry Ford did the automobile industry principles, Harley Earl was the design of cars. The majority of GM's flamboyant "dream car" designs of 1950 are directly attributable to Earl, leading one journalist to comment that the designs were "the American psyche made visible." Harley Earl loved sports cars, and people returning GIS after serving overseas World War I brought home from MGS, Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, and so on. Earl convinced GM that they needed to build a sporty two-seater. The result was the 1953 Corvette, unveiled to the public that the Motorama show car.

The original Corvette emblem incorporated an American flag in its design, it was later abandoned when connecting the flag with a product that has been deprecated. The name of the corvette, a small fight maneuverable frigate (the credit for the nomination goes to Myron Scott), the first Corvettes were virtually hand-made in Flint, Michigan in Chevrolet Centre customer delivery, is now a building University Kettering University. The outer body was a revolutionary new composite material called fiberglass, selected in part because of steel quotas left over from the war. This radical new body were standard Chevrolet components, such as "Blue Flame" engine truck line six-cylinder two-speed Powerglide automatic transmission, drum brakes and the usual line of Chevrolet vehicles. Despite the engine's power is increased somewhat, thanks to a triple carburetor intake exclusive Corvette, the car's performance was decidedly mediocre.

In comparison with British and Italian sports cars of the time, the Corvette was insufficient, requires much effort and clear the way to a stop, and even lost a transmission of "good" manual. Until then, the Chevrolet division of GM entry-level brand, known for good cars, but no frills. Nowhere was more evident than in the Corvette. A compressor Paxton became available in 1954 as a dealer-installed option, which improves performance Corvette in a straight line, but sales continued to decline.

GM is seriously considering to shelve the project, leaving the Corvette to be little more than a history of car note, and would, if not two big events. The first introduction in 1955, the first Chevrolet V8 (265 in ³ {4.3 L}) since 1919, and the second was the impact of Soviet emigres GM's engineering department, Zora Duntov, ARKUS. ARKUS-Duntov simply took the new V8, and is supported by a three-speed transmission. This change is probably the most important car in history, helped turn the Corvette two-seat curiosity into a real artist. It 'was also ARKUS-Duntov rather imprecise, "Father of the Corvette." Nickname The first generation is commonly referred to as a solid axle, which is based on the fact that independent rear suspension (IRS) was not available until 1963.

The first generation began in 1953 and ended in 1962, with the notable addition of optional fuel injection in 1957. This new induction system first saw regular use of a gasoline engine two years before the Mercedes-Benz 300SL "Gullwing" roadster. Although the Corvette GM-Rochester fuel injection system used a style constant flow of fuel injection system, as opposed to the metering system of the diesel style nozzle Mercedes six-cylinder, the system still produces about 290hp. The number was reduced by the advertising agency for Chevrolet 283HP/283 ³ (4.6 L) of a CV by the slogan ³, making it one of the first mass-produced engines in history to reach 1 hp / in ³. In 1962, GM small block expanded to 327 in ³ (5.4 L) and produces a maximum of 360 hp (268 kW). Other early options included Power Windows (1956), the hydraulic power convertible top (1956), four speed manual transmission (mid 1957), and heavy brake and suspension options (1957).

Ebay news: Camaro Meets Batmobile

Fancying a GM classic with a little more, ahem, pizazz than your run-of-the-mill F-Body Chevrolet Camaro? Welcome to the wonderful world of eBay and the DreamRyder (that's how the owner spells the name of the car).
The DreamRyder is the creation of one Bill Logan who used a V8-powered 1984 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible as a base. Logan says he spent 13 years to complete all the customizations, which include a fiberglass body said to be inspired by a number of animals such as the bat ray and the eagle.
The DreamRyder is up for sale on eBay at an undisclosed reserve price, with the highest bid currently standing at $5,900. Head down for more photos, a video and the seller's description of the car.

eBay Seller's Description:
"Built on an "F" body 82-92 Camaro over a 13 year period, I consider it functional art.
So my work is an animalistic representation in the form of a sphinx like creature, crouching between its flanks, about to pounce. In the front is a face with a beak, fangs and eyes.
The roof is kind of a bat ray with an eagle like head and its body spread out behind it, embracing the rear window and ending in a sweeping transition into a creatures buttocks in the rear.
All the lights are functional and are fiberglass as is the rest of the body as are the side pipes.
I have built a set of molds so I can reproduce any part I might need. I am considering building an enhanced version eventually.
It is a driver and a traffic stopper and is very well received at shows."

VIDEO

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2011 KIA Sorento

The 2011 Kia Sorento compact utility vehicle (CUV) returned to the Kia line-up fully redesigned right down to the platform. The KIA Sorento also offers an impressive amount of safety features in addition to comfort and convenience, and was appointed a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shortly after its debut.

Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the KIA Sorento employs a unibody design with the ability to comfortably fit up to seven passengers, offering more space and ride comfort than the previous-generation model. Prominently displaying the signature tabbed grille and wraparound headlamps exhibited on all new Kia models, Sorento offers an aggressive stance and sleek profile.

Available in LX, EX and SX trim levels, pricing for the 2011 KIA Sorento begins at $22,3952 for the LX trim, offering standard convenience features, including air conditioning, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service3, MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth®4 wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. 
Moving around the vehicle, the 2011 KIA Sorento offers tasteful exterior features on all three trims, including 17-inch alloy wheels with 235/65R17 tires and wheel moldings, body-color heated outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signal indicators. The EX trim offers standard 18-inch alloy wheels outfitted with 235/60R18 tires, automatic headlamps, fog lamps (optional on LX trims) and a rear spoiler.

2012 KIA Rio 5-Door First Photos

KIA has revealed the first official photos of the 2012 KIA Rio 5-Door. The new KIA Rio will be available in 3- and 5- door body styles.
New KIA Rio has its own interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic sporty stance.

The new KIA Rio features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.
No picture available for interior now, but KIA says it will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 – alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car – during its press conference, taking place at 16.15 (CET) on the Kia stand in Hall 6. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia’s stunning Optima sedan, scheduled to go on sale in the US market later this year.