The all-new Honda City will make its European debut at the Istanbul Motor Show in October 2008.

The compact sedan is a radical departure from the previous generation car, with a totally new exterior style, featuring some visual elements of the stylish Accord. The restyled exterior is joined by a new 1.4 i-VTEC engine, which gives the Honda City significantly more power and better performance.

The new engine, which is also shared with the new Honda Jazz is fitted with Honda's acclaimed i-VTEC system, which provides excellent performance and flexibility, without compromising fuel economy or emissions. The new engine gives the Honda City 100PS, a healthy 17 PS increase over the previous model. This extra power helps the new Honda City complete the benchmark 0-100 km/h in just 11.8 seconds for the manual version, an improvement of 1.6 seconds. The automatic version hits 100 in 14.7 seconds, almost half a second quicker than before.
The manual transmission for Honda City is a modified version of the current gearbox, with carbon synchromesh for smoother changes, improved refinement and a new set of optimised gear ratios. The Automatic transmission is all-new and adds the option to shift gears with steering wheel mounted paddles for the first time. With a sport mode, improved shift logic and ratios the new transmission better compliments the new car's more powerful engine.
The all-new model has been further enhanced over its predecessor with a higher quality of materials, improved aesthetics and functionality. Increased storage capacity around the cabin including a bigger glove box improves practicality, while a new design of seats improves passenger and driver comfort.

The design changes are complimented by several improvements to the Noise Vibration and Harshness technologies applied to the car. A host of new features in the body, interior, suspension, engine and mountings have been included to bring further refinement to Honda's newest sedan. The NVH enhancements allow customers to make the most of the new audio system which offers iPod connectivity and better sound quality.

The new Honda City is based on the platform of the award winning new Honda Jazz, and benefits from the many of the technologies seen in the new hatchback. The longer wheel base gives a significant improvement in interior space as well as the associated ride and handling benefits. Safety performance is also enhanced with the adoption of the ACE Body Structure (Advanced Compatibility Engineering), which better protects occupants of both cars in the event of a collision between vehicles of different heights.

Labels: honda city

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2004 Nissan Terminator 350Z by Craig Lieberman Specifications

Chassis
Brakes F/R:ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R:R19

Engine

Type:V6
Displacement cu in (cc):213 (3500)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM:n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM:n.a.
Redline at RPM:n.a.

Exterior
Length × Width × Height in:n.a.
Weight lb (kg):n.a.

Performance
Acceleration 0-62 mph s:n.a.
Top Speed mph (km/h):n.a.
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km):n.a.
Base Price: 2004 Nissan Terminator 350Z by Craig Lieberman - n.a. (last update: 2/20/2007)


Terminator 350Z
The car features custom built 19" HRE Wheels, Falken Tires and a VeilSide Version 3 body kit. For audio/video, the Terminator theme was integrated into the car which now features an assortment of Bazooka products. Other electronics include racing compass and switchgear by Ignited. The final touch was a 100 shot of nitrous, courtesy of Nitrous Express.

Labels: nissan 350z

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PHOENIX (AZ) - After a pair of testing sessions on 1/8 mile tracks, the Garrett Turbochargers/Bothwell Racing Team were ready to step up and race the brand new Garrett GT Mustang. The venue would be the Pacific Street Car Association's Outlaw 10.5" Tire class. It would be a test of the new engine program, the Garrett GT55R, a new platform and rear-wheel drive racing against competitors who have had all season and, for some, years to shake down their cars. The freshly-wrapped hauler pulled into the parking lot at Firebird Raceway and unloaded a stunning 2006 Mustang GT sporting a matching blue and red vinyl wrap. Immediately, competing racers were stopping by to question the newcomers and find out what the team was bringing to the table.
What the Garrett GT Mustang brought was a number one qualifying position with an ET of 7.568 seconds at 180.50 mph during the second round of qualifying in which driver Ron Lummus gained his PSCA license. Two competing cars would take notice and push themselves past Ron's time in the final round of qualifications, but Ron would still enter Sunday's eliminations mid-pack at the #3 spot.

The first round would pit Ron against the yellow Camaro of driver S. Zeinaty, the #4 qualifier. Ron would dispatch the competition with an ET of 7.722 seconds at 180.26 mph to Zeinaty's 7.794 seconds at 193.10 mph.

Round two scheduled Ron for a battle against top qualifier Ron Weems and his Pontiac Grand Am. When Weems failed to make the call due to mechanical issues, Ron took the bye run and powered the car down the track in 7.872 seconds at 176.21 mph to take him to the finals against R. Zehring and his super-consistent Camaro.

Zehring's times had been faster than the Garrett Mustang's all day by half a second. Zehring was having difficulty making the staging lanes, but the Garrett/Bothwell team, always good sports, decided to wait for their opponent and have the Outlaw 10.5 class conclude the event rather than make a run without a competitor. Finally, Zehring's rust-colored Camaro was pulled to the line. As the Garrett GT55R spooled on the line with the sound of a jet fighter preparing for launch, the team knew it would be a tough race. Though Ron got the holeshot, it would not be enough to fend off Zehring's charge as last year's class champion raced past to finish in 7.147 seconds at 200.41 mph. Ron lifted and cruised to 8.284 seconds at 127.71 mph.

All in all, it was a great weekend.There is much more to learn about the new racecar and the Bothwell team is sure to examine the data and test ways to improve speed, traction and power before the next event in Fontana, CA on October 20. Making the finals at the first race is a promising start for the Garrett GT Mustang!

Labels: Garret GT

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2009 Nissan GT-R (Skyline) Specifications

Drivetrain
Transmission: 6 Speed DSG Manual
Layout:Front Engine, AWD
Final Drive Ratio: 3.70:1
Differential: 1.5 Way Mechanical Limited Slip
Brakes: Brembo 4 Wheel Disc - 15 in. Front and Rear

Engine
Horsepower: 480 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 430 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm
Displacement: 3.8 liters
Engine Type: Twin Turbo 24V V6

Exterior
Length: 183.3 in
Width: 74.6 in
Height: 54 in
Wheelbase: 109.5 in
Performance: Acceleration 0-60 mph s3.3 sec
Drag Coefficient: 0.27
Base Price: 2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R - $69,850

The Evolution of Skyline: 2009 Nissan GT-R
The 2009 Nissan GT-R, the first Skyline GT-R model to be released in the United States, offers performance unlike any Nissan sports car in the history of the Japanese automaker. The "Skyline" moniker has officially been dropped, but the 2009 GT-R, which was delivered to its first US customers in July 2008, represents a new era for the Skyline GT-R, the most storied sports car in Japanese automotive history.

With exterior styling that is a departure from Nissan Skyline GT-R models of the past 20 years, the 2009 Nissan GT-R places performance function on the level with styling. Classic Skyline GT-R touches are found in the taillights and rear end, as well as in the flared rear fenders embracing 20 x 10.5 in. rear wheels.

No stock Skyline GT-R model in Nissan's history can touch the performance ability of the brand-new 2009 model. The Skyline, like other critical darling sports cars such as the BMW 3-Series, has always been about outputting greater performance than spec sheets and dyno numbers would indicate. The 2009 GT-R offers some of the most sophisticated electronic engine and drivetrain management found on any sports car in the world. Offering a stellar bang-for-the-buck ratio with a base price a hair under $70,000, the 2009 Nissan GT-R is already commanding siginificant price gouging over MSRP. All the official details appear below, direct from Nissan..

Labels: nissan GTR

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HKS S.SQV KIT BLOW OFF VALVE

The HKS Super Sequential Blow-Off Valve (SQV) is a dual stage pull type relief valve. Unlike other blow off valves that are push type, the SQV will not leak under high boost conditions or under vacuum at idle. Being of a pull type valve structure, the SQV cannot physically leak under any level of boost because boost pressure also keeps the valve closed against its seat. The SQV is actuated by pressure alterations only, not by the rate of pressure or vacuum in the line, which ensures a quick valve response and complete closure during idle. On typical blow-off valve designs, a large valve is utilized in order to accommodate high boost / high horsepower applications. However, these large valves tend to react slowly and require high activation pressure to open, therefore are not able to activate and prevent compressor surge at light-load conditions. On the other hand, smaller, fast reacting valves do not discharge the airflow capacity required for high horsepower applications and tend to creep open and leak as the boost pressure overpowers the spring on these push type valves. For maximum performance, the HKS SQV incorporates both a small primary valve for ultra quick activation, along with a larger secondary valve for additional discharge capacity. The SQV is engineered to initially open the small primary valve at light throttle and load conditions, then sequentially opens the secondary valve for additional relief capacity under high boost and load conditions. The SQV is constructed of polished billet aluminium, which ensures long-term durability and visual appeal. The mounting base utilizes a circular mounting flange that provides exception flow and complete secure mounting via a C-clip snap ring and O-ring gasket. The triple-fin discharge port design produces a powerful and unique aggressive blow-off sound along with added visual distinction. The HKS SQV is available as a universal unit for custom applications and also by vehicle specific kits for bolt-on applications. Vehicle specific HKS SQV kits come complete with all needed mounting flanges, brackets, and miscellaneous hardware for a bolt-on installation. For Universal SQV applications, weld-on flanges are available in steel and aluminium for custom installation.

HKS Super SQV 2(Super Sequential Blow Off Valve)

Uses a unique sequential valve structure and a differential pressure control system, which allows for a broad operation range from low boost to high boost. (Latest Model)

Blitz Blow Off Valve

Labels: blow off valve

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Without a wastegate, the amount of boost that a turbocharger creates varies with the pressure of the engine's exhaust. This happens because exhaust pressure varies with relation to the engine's speed (measured in RPM's). This implies that as an engine reaches higher RPM's, increasing amounts of boost will be created by the turbocharger. The problem with this is that an engine can only accomodate a given amount of boost. Most stock engines are only meant to take about 10 PSI if not less. In order to regulate the amount of boost that comes into the engine, a wastegate acts as a door only allowing a given amount of exhaust to hit the turbocharger's exhaust turbine. Once the engine starts producing more exhaust pressure then the wastegate system will allow, a flap is opened to redirect excess exhaust away from the turbine blades. In turn, this is where a wastegate gets it's name. It's a gate to carry away waste. In order to regulate when a wastegate opens, a boost conroller can be used.

There are two types of wastegates. The first one is an internal wastegate (right). An internal wastegate is a component on the turbo unit itself. The gate is opened via an actuator which is a diaphram type system (see left picture). Excess exhaust is then fed directly into the exhaust system. We also have what is called an external wastegate (left), unlike an internal wastegate, it is seperate from the turbo unit and does not require an actuator. Excess exhaust can either be fed into the exhaust system or it can be vented straight out and into the atmosphere. High performance set-ups typically follow the latter alternative. Most stock systems come with an internal wastegate as this set-up is better suited for low boost applications. However most aftermarket systems perform better with an seperate external wastegate assembly making it an ideal choice for those generating boost in the range of 20-30 PSI.

Labels: wastegate

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I've seen and heard of many strange things in all my years. You know that our highways are no stranger to being the final resting place for many dead mammals and reptiles, but have you ever seen a fish? Yes, a fish. I once saw a tilapia on the side of the road on the way to work; if I were in a comic strip there'd be "WTF" written all over my face.

Then a week after my encounter with the dead tilapia on Jalan Kuching, the boss tells me over a cigarette that he saw a monkeyummm "doing the Lambada" with a dog on his way in. Hrrmmm. It would be cool to see what a dog and monkey cross breed would look like.

But even that couldn't prepare me for what I was about to encounter with the pink Myvi being featured here: smiley face tyre valve caps. I bet the girls would LOVE these.

Another strange thing is that I'm writing this feature about an undeniably feminine looking car, Slipknot is going full blast on my headphones. (Can't have heavy metal blasting on the speakers at the office now, can we?) Heavy metal and a pink car just do not go together. Not at all.

When I first laid eyes on this Myvi from Redzone Motorsports, I was shocked. I was told it was a pink car, but I was not expecting a shade of pink as shocking as this. I'm not saying that I don't like the car, oh no, far from it. This is one of the best looking Myvis I've seen so far.

(The rest of the article can be found in Hypertune Vol. 59)
Text: Mark
Photos: Kenny Yeoh

Perodua Myvi 1.3(A) Specification

Engine K3-VE, 1.3 litre, DVVT, 4-cylinder, Redline air filter, SQV NA air compressor, Hurricane cold air intake, D1 VSD 16 volt boost up unit, D1 grounding cables and volt stabilizer, titanium and carbon exhaust muffler
Transmission Stock 4-speed automatic
Electronics Pivot Turbo Timer, 60mm black faced vacuum, RPM, and voltage gauges

Labels: Perodua Myvi

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"Size does not matter. It's how you move it. It's how it follows your moves".

The demands of average drivers compared to those who are more serious are expectedly different. At a pure business standpoint, volume will always take precedence over niche demands to rake in the profits, if not for statistical benefits. Comparisons of Proton's Savvy to Perodua's Myvi have been going on for quite a while with each camp throwing their points on the table. Debate is still on though at a lesser degree and i still can't believe people are wasting time with the issue. Of course the Savvy wins hands down!

In one of my correspondences with a Hypertune reader, he described the other car “is for aunties” and he was right. What's not to love about Savvy's brilliant handling? The engine might be a little too lightweight for most drivers liking but that's what the rigid chassis is for, max out the engine speed and take a corner like a roadrunner possessed. The Campro engine just makes the sure the driver won't too easily overpower the car itself, sort of like a built-in safety mechanism.

Unfortunately, the same Campro engine, or any Campro engine for that matter is practically impossible to tune. Average Sunway tuners might be interested to try but they are probably too busy fixing bolt-ons and finding more space to store their carbon fiber. So i guess it all depends on R3 then, which in a way prompted for a feature on this ride.

Not to say that its' powerplant has been tinkered with but also bear in mind that the motorsports division is known to keep a tight-lip on their R&D efforts, especially when the public is not asking. In an interview i had with them published some issues back, they are indeed looking at ways to wring more performance from the Neo. Let's not forget about their Gen.2s in rally and track cars too.

This car actually belongs to R3's media manager, Amin and does prove a point that it does not take much to turn the standard Savvy to a groovy Savvy. Their in-house bodykit is an instant and effective method in bringing out the true character of the car. The Zerokit body appendages makes the profile lower while at the same time accentuates the flared wheel arches tellingly. What i love most about it is the front part with a forward pointing lower lip that gives the 'plouging ahead' term a whole new meaning. A Zerokitted Savvy should really be featured in the coming 'Transformers' movie but probably my suggestion to the production house came in a little too late.

Proton Savvy Specs:

Engine: Standard 1.2 kiter, 4-cylinder 16-valve D4F

Performance: Maximum Power: 74 hp (55 kW) / 5,500 rpm

Maximum Torque: 105 Nm / 4,250 rpm

Fuel System: Multi-point fuel injection

Suspension : Front: MacPherson strut coil spring & stabilizer bar

Rear: Torsion beam axle

Brakes: Front: 13" ventilated disc Rear: Drum

Tires : Yokohama AVS Sport 195/45/15

Alloys : Enkei RS Class M

Labels: Proton Savvy

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In the very closest of contests, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia emerged victorious as Car of the Year 2009 with 321 points against the 320 for the Ford Fiesta. The Volkswagen Golf took third place with 223 points.(See the Voting Grid)

OPEL/VAUXHALL INSIGNIA

The Insignia is the first Opel to win in 22 years but General Motors’ European company has been runner-up four times – and in 2007 the Opel Corsa lost by just two points to the Ford S-Max. Ford has won the award five times but this is the second occasion it has lost by one point.

This year’s narrow victory emphasizes the high level of this year’s competition, which has 37 initial candidates and seven finalists. Of the 59 car of the Year jurors representing 23 European countries, 20 gave the Insignia top points, while 19 put the Fiesta in first place.

Opel has defined Insignia design as artistry with German precision: premium values at an affordable price. Many Jury members appreciated the looks and visual quality of this model but the new C/D car from Russelsheim is much more than style. Active and passive safety, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines characterize this model. The richness of equipment can be increased with sophisticated options such as the ‘Opel Eye’, that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting.

Technical data of 2009 car of the year:
Body: 4/5-door saloons, Sports Tourer wagon
Size: 4.83 X 1.86 X 1.50 m.
Front and four wheel drive
Petrol engines: 1.6 to 2.8 V6 Turbo (115 - 280 hp)
Diesel engines: 2.0 Turbo (110 - 190 hp)

Labels: car of the year

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If you’re the type who likes to drive around and impress people with your car, you’ve probably got a sports car, like a BMW roadster or an executive car, like the good old Cadillac or Buick. But whatever car you choose to drive, the exterior appearance of your car will be a giveaway. Nothing commands more attention to the casual driver, pedestrian or your friends than your tires. The brand of your tires may be expensive but having a dealer mags or a regular look for your tires won’t do.

inch alloy wheels

Alloy wheels make your car sexy, sporty and extremely gorgeous. Plus the fact that they shine when you’re on the move, people can’t help but stare at the car from the tires, the body to the driver. It’s your time to shine no matter what car you drive, alloy wheels gets their attention all the time. There are a lot of designs to choose from and you can choose to go wide or narrow. It’s all the same, really sexy.
source : www.cartuningcentral.com

Labels: inch alloy wheels

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The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the Trident carmaker’s history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The introduction of the Maserati GranCabrio – the Trident’s third prong – completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

The Maserati GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars. It’s a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance. The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance. A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated – manner. Like all the made in Maserati open-top convertibles: special cars aimed at refined connoisseurs.

In fact the Maserati GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top cars, joining models that have played such an important part in the Modena carmaker’s history such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, 1960 3500GT Vignale Spyder, 1964 Mistral Spyder, 1968 Ghibli Spyder and 2001 Spyder designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car that marked Maserati’s return to the United States. In the footsteps of tradition, the Maserati GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models ever been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory. Four proper seats, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 litre V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market. The Maserati GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed starting next winter, and experienced by customers the world over from the following spring.

Labels: MASERATI

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TECHART Porsche Boxster and Cayman

Labels: porsche

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For those who want S5 performance but would rather use diesel fuel Audi tuner MTM are offering their tuned version of the 3 litre V6 TDI A5. Boasting an impressive 300PS and 580Nm at a mere 1300 rpm the MTM A5 is certainly powerful, the BMW 650i has a mere 490Nm of torque in comparison.
All that power and torque transfers safely and easily through the excellent 6 speed gearbox into the well respected Quattro four wheel drive system. As with the S5 oversteer can be provoked when conditions allow and with such a surge of power so low down the MTM A5 is a really enjoyable drive. MTM’s refined suspension and 21” wheel package makes the handling not only razor sharp but exceptionally capable too. There are very few cars that have as much grip as this MTM A5, fewer still that weight about 250kgs under 2 tonne!
The grip, handling and power from the MTM tuned V6 TDI mean that this diesel A5 is actually a quicker car than the S5 on most roads. A twisty B road will see the S5 efficiently outpaced by the MTM TDI, although at the end of the journey the S5 driver will have had a far more comfortable trip, MTM’s wheel and up-rated suspension result in an exceptionally stiff and passenger unfriendly ride.

Labels: Audi, MTM, tuning

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354PS is more than enough for an enjoyable drive almost anywhere. If this 354PS comes from a V8 engine fitted in the front of Audi’s reasonably new coupe it means you are driving the mightily impressive Audi S5. Disparagingly called a larger version of the TT the A5 has proven to be a good coupe and the S5 is a very good sports coupe.
Internally there is ample space and the cockpit layout is very much driver orientated with good comfort levels. The dashboard is clean and clutter-free mirroring the exterior styling. Only subtle spoilers differentiating this S5 from its lower spec A5 siblings.
Precise steering and solid handling combine with the highly impressive V8 and 6 speed gearbox resulting in a car that is both quick and enjoyable on B roads, A roads, motorways and even the odd track day too. Normal, everyday driving is not a chore, the S5 handles town traffic, bumpy roads and traffic jams perfectly. Once free from mundane real world road worries the S5 comes alive, its 4 wheel drive system providing massive amounts of grip but allowing oversteer when desired. When the S5 needs to be slowed the brakes prove to be more than capable, bringing the Audi to a halt quickly and efficiently.
If you want a Bavarian performance coupe then the Audi S5 is a good choice and offers good value for money. Audi {link} have created a car that is not quite in the same league as the BMW M3 but it is certainly better than the Mercedes CLK 500 and Alpina B3.

Labels: Audi

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As this is typed 20 orders have been taken for the Ruf CTR 3. It could be seen as the most dramatic incarnation of the Porsche Cayman yet it is so much more. For a start Ruf, who have been producing modified Porsche’s since 1963, have given the CTR 3 an ample 700PS twin turbo flat 6 power plant. Combined with a heavily improved chassis and suspension system and the CTR 3 is clearly a very fast and stable vehicle. The sequential six speed ‘box is light and easy to use, it does take a little time to get used to any sequential ‘box in a road car and the CTR 3 is no different. Once the driver has mastered pulling (to go up the ‘box) and pushing (to go down the ‘box) the sequential ‘box is as east to use as an H pattern gearbox in current production.
Ruf have created an exceptionally rapid sports coupe but they have not sacrificed usability for outright performance, the clutch doesn’t require super human effort to master, nor will it snap your leg off as it feeds in. The CTR 3 it is suitable for the school run or a trip to the newsagent for a bottle of milk, ESP keeps the power nicely in check when required and the suspension copes admirably with all road surfaces encountered ~ there are none of the traditional super car lurches, bangs or crashes on normal everyday roads, the CTR 3 really is a accomplished daily driver.
When performance and the Ruf CTR 3 are mentioned there are a few figures that spring to mind. Firstly the already mentioned 700PS, secondly a top speed of approximately 230mph and thirdly 890Nm of torque. With the sprint to 62mph taking a mere 3.2 seconds it is clear that the CTR 3 is blisteringly fast, it is in the true super car league.
If the dynamics and performance of the CTR 3 are impressive so is the mating of standard Porsche with Ruf genius. The interior is clearly directly from Zuffenhausen, retaining all the features and comforts one expects from a Porsche, including cup holder and Sat Nav. Yes the rear view mirror has been replaced by a mini-camera but even that doesn’t strike one as being out of place.
At over £345,000 it is clear that many more than 20 customers will be hard to find for this über-Cayman, those that can afford the Ruf CTR 3 will have smiles as wide as America across their faces from now until eternity.

TECH SPEC RUF CTR 3:~ 2 seat, 2 door Coupe. 3746cc 6 cylinder water-cooled flat six engine producing 700PS @ 7000rpm. 6 speed sequential gearbox. Rear wheel drive. Top speed 232mph. 0-62mph 3.2 seconds, 0-124mph 9.6 seconds.

Labels: porsche, RUF

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Renault Megane Sport Tourer Price

Labels: RENAULT

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A fuel cell produces electricity directly from the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. The only byproduct is water. A fuel-cell vehicle utilizes the electricity produced by the fuel cell to power motors at the vehicle's wheels. Fuel-cell vehicles are similar to battery-electric vehicles in that they are powered by electricity, but they do not have to be recharged like battery vehicles. Fuel-cell vehicles have onboard storage tanks that could be filled at hydrogen filling stations, similar to gasoline vehicle refueling.

What Are the Pros and Cons?Air pollution. Vehicles that run on pure hydrogen are true zero-emission vehicles. Some vehicle manufactures, however, are developing fuel-cell vehicles that can run on hydrocarbons, such as methanol (a liquid fuel derived most commonly from natural gas) or gasoline. Using hydrocarbons to operate fuel-cell vehicles would result in tailpipe air pollutant emissions, reducing fuel cells' overall environmental benefits.

Global-warming pollution. Run on pure hydrogen, fuel cells consume no fossil fuels and emit no heat-trapping gases (which contribute to global warming). However, it is extremely important to factor in any global warming emissions associated with the production of hydrogen. Pure hydrogen gas does not occur in nature in concentrated amounts, meaning that hydrogen must be produced. A number of various technologies exist to extract hydrogen from sources such as water, natural gas, coal, and biomass, among others. The different hydrogen sources and production methods determine the amount of heat-trapping gases and other environmental issues associated with hydrogen production. Advances in hydrogen production are needed to minimize and eliminate global warming emissions. Research needs to continue on producing hydrogen from renewable resources, including wind and solar power and more advanced technologies.

Cost. Today's fuel-cell vehicles are mostly produced as prototypes or in very small quantities. As mass production often correllates to cost competitiveness, current costs are quite high. But the interest of automakers worldwide in developing these vehicles signals their belief that fuel cells will be competitive with conventional-technology vehicles. Increasing experience with advanced hybrid-electric vehicle technology and production will help lower the cost of future fuel-cell vehicles. Hybrid-electric vehicles use electric motors and advanced battery technology, both of which will be beneficial in fuel-cell vehicle development.

Performance and range. As with other electric-drive vehicles, fuel-cell cars are quiet, smooth, and fun to drive. A remaining challenge for fuel-cell vehicle developers is storing hydrogen onboard the vehicle. Because hydrogen is a gas, as opposed to a liquid fuel, a larger volume of it is needed to travel the same distance as with a tank of gasoline. A number of hydrogen storage technologies are being pursued to provide fuel-cell vehicles with a driving range equivalent to today's cars. 

Market Availability. Fuel cells have moved remarkably quickly from laboratory to road. Fuel-cell transit bus demonstration projects were completed in both Chicago and Vancouver, and similar demonstrations are occurring in various cities boty nationwide and around the globe. In California, automakers, fuel companies, and government agencies are working in partnership to test fuel-cell vehicle technology and are expected to produce more than 60 demonstration vehicles over the next few years.  Also, the California ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) Program will require auto manufacturers to sell increasing numbers of zero- emission vehicles over the next decade, further encouraging the development of fuel-cell vehicles. Still, a number of durability, performance, and cost issues must be overcome before fuel-cell vehicles are ready for mass production. Most of the major automakers have stated their intention to begin selling fuel-cell passenger vehicles by the end of the decade.

Labels: fuel cell cars

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