Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Noble M600: British engineering at its best!








I really do like cars, especially fast cars, and there are so many I would like to have in my garage, such as an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Le Mans, a BMW 850CSi, a Ferrari F40, a Honda NSX-R GT, a Lotus Esprit V8, a Porsche 959 and a McLaren F1 to name a few. 

If I was after a brand new supercar, and money wasn't an issue, two cars come to my mind. Lexus LFA and Noble M600. Since we are talking about my dreamworld... I would like to have both, but again, I would be more than happy with just the M600.

According to the company's MD, Peter Boutwood, "F40 was the inspiration for the entire ethos behind the M600�.

�Put it this way,� he says. �Although we've got traction control and lots of other really sophisticated systems on the car, if you think the electrics are going to get you out of trouble if you do the wrong thing with the accelerator at the wrong time � like they will in an Audi R8 or a 911 Turbo � then think again. They won't. They're not meant to.� Just a note though, there is no ABS as such...

An impressive fact about the M600 is its weight, just 1275kg, meaning that it has 520 hp per tonne. A Bugatti Veyron has 495 hp per tonne and it is four-wheel drive, while the M600 is rear-wheel drive! The engine is a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, sourced by Volvo, without the turbochargers of course, and designed by Yamaha.

Maximum power is 650hp at 6800rpm, while peak torque is 604lb ft at 3800rpm. But according to Boutwood, the Yamaha V8 could, and in the fullness of time will, produce quite a lot more than 650hp; 700hp is �easily within its limits,� apparently, and even 750hp isn't totally unrealistic. It may be a tad mental, perhaps, but it's still �a distinct possibility in a future version.�

In front of the gear lever, there is a switch that alters the engine mapping and the level of boost on offer. On its lowest setting you have 0.6 bar and 450hp. In the middle you get 0.8 bar and 550hp. Rotate it to the far right and you unleash 1.0 bar and the full 650 horses. In terms of performance, 100 km/h come in 3.0 sec, 160 km/h in 6.5 sec and maximum speed is around 330 km/h (225 mph).

With a cost of around �200k, it may be expensive if you consider that it doensn't have a posh badge, but you definitely buy a raw, very racy, slightly scary machine that will deliver deeper driving satisfaction than an entire parking lot full of Ferrari F430s.

Noble plans to make 50 cars a year � roughly one a week. Every car will be individually numbered, and on the sills will be engraved the names of every single member of the team involved in the creation process.
READ MORE - Noble M600: British engineering at its best!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Some of my favourite interior wood trims











Wood is a material that I really like in car interiors and I just thought post a few photos showing some of my favourite trims.
READ MORE - Some of my favourite interior wood trims

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Women worse at parking than men, study shows


In case you haven't noticed... women struggle a bit when it comes to parking a car. Below you can read the findings of a research confirming it ;-) 

Female drivers take an average of 20 seconds longer to park their cars but are still less likely to end up in the middle of the bay, the research suggests.

As part of the test 65 people were asked to park an Audi A6 family saloon in a standard-sized parking space.

Their manoeuvres � including head-on, reverse and parallel parking � were timed and rated for accuracy, which was judged by how far they kept the vehicle from the edges of the bay.

While the researchers expected the women volunteers to be slower, they were surprised to find that the cautious approach did not lead to a tidier final result.

Dr Claudia Wolf from Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, who led the study, said that the research confirmed previous findings that men have better co-ordination and spatial awareness than women, and take more risks behind the wheel.

"These prejudices exist and as a scientist I decided the find out if they are true or based on myth," she told the Mail on Sunday.

"I don't think that feminism or the cause of women is in any way set back by these findings. It only proves what previous studies about the spatial differences between men and women have shown.

"Besides, it is not as if there was a massive failing by women. It is just about parking � not the triumph of men over women." 


Source: Telegraph
READ MORE - Women worse at parking than men, study shows

Latest rumors about future Mazda RX-7




Japanese magazines have provided so far many sketches of the upcoming RX-7, which will mean the end of the current RX-8 model. So far, early reports have indicated that the next-generation RX-7 might appear as early as 2011, offer a 300-horsepower rotary engine and carry a $35,000 price tag.

However, now Inside Line has learned that a new rotary engine will power a more affordable RX-7, one that embodies the spirit of the first-generation car (SA22C model), and output from this new engine will be a modest 200-250 hp. Meanwhile, the new-generation RX-7 is now expected to be priced around $25,000.

Although the topic of rotary engines has been kept quiet by Mazda recently, a company executive who requested anonymity recently confirmed that Mazda is still secretly working on the 16X rotary engine.  

Source: Inside Line
READ MORE - Latest rumors about future Mazda RX-7

Friday, December 25, 2009

CAR magazine reveals all you need to know about the upcoming M5


 
 
British CAR magazine has an extensive article about the new BMW 5 Series (F10), as well as the upcoming M5 version. A few days ago, I got hold of the January 2010 issue and based on the inside info CAR has, below are the key points of the upcoming fith generation M5.

  • 500 hp V10 engine replaced by twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8 engine, producing 578 hp and 531 lb ft (instead of 383 lb ft of the V10 engine)
  • 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than M5 E60
  • M5 F10 may get a street version of the KERS power boost system
  • It will also get the full Efficient Dynamics treatment
  • Consumption target is 30% improvement, although 25% has been achieved so far, 15 months ahead of launch. This corresponds to 24.0 mpg and 258 g/km
  • M5 will be equipped only with a beefed-up version of M3's seven-speed dual clutch gearbox
  • Adaptive aerodynamics will help reduce drag and boost downforce, thus reducing fuel consumption by 2.5%
  • Adaptive aerodynamics package of features includes air jest in the front bumper, grille and headlamps manage air flow around the nose. Also, four flaps in the outer edge of the wheelarches change angle, to smooth turbulence and generate downforce by reducing lift
  • Extraordinary ducts channel air into mini-turbines housed in the nose, which convert drag under trailing throttle and braking into electricity
  • Options will include a lightweight carbonfibre roof, 20" rims, active steering and special sports seats
  • BMW is also lining up LED headlights with blacked-out surrounds, and M5-specific DRL
  • The new M5 will be unveiled in late 2010 or early 2011, with sales scheduled for March 2011
  • Prices will rise around 5%
Source: Car Magazine - January 2010 issue
    READ MORE - CAR magazine reveals all you need to know about the upcoming M5

    Interesting points about the new BMW 5 Series (F10)






    In terms of design, the all-new 5 Series is a car that I really do like, although it looks more conservative than the old Five, which looked harder to swallow than this new one. Personally, I won't miss Chris Bangle... I believe that the design has great details and I really look forward to see it in flesh.

    Interior styling is nearly identical to 5 Series Gran Turismo and 7 Series, although BMW claims that the driver-focused fascia has returned. The disappointing bit is the fact that only by placing photos of the interiors next to each other, you can tell which car it is...

    The new model can be equipped with many optional high-tech stuff, such as adaptive dampers, active steering which comes with an active rear-steer system, cameras, radars, a system that recognises a suitable parking space and drives itself into it, bird's eye view of everything surrounding the car, read speed limit signs, lane departure warning system, adaptive cruise control etc. It's also the first car to adopt the FlexRay in-car network allowing a much faster data transfer rate.

    The initial line-up of engines is familiar from the E60, as only 520d's engine is substantially changed. In 2011, 520i should be introduced with a power output of 201 hp. Rumours suggest also that a twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter engine will be available, capable of producing 252 hp. 

    I really hope the BMW badge will continue to guarantee the "ultimate" drive, as not only the front suspension layout has changed from strut to double-wishbone, but also now there is electric power steering in place of the hydraulic one, which is very likely to have an impact on the feel and immediacy.

    Expect the new 5 Series to make its appearance in your local dealer in March.

    Related posts: Just click on the "BMW 5 Series" label and you can find all relevant posts
    READ MORE - Interesting points about the new BMW 5 Series (F10)

    Thursday, December 24, 2009

    BMW 5 Series GT & 7 Series use ceramic injection moulded controls and switches

     
     
    BMW claims to be the first car maker in the world to use high-tech ceramics as a particularly sophisticated material for selected interior control units. Replacing the galvanised metal otherwise used on such components, the special ceramics material produced by a German ceramic injection moulding company, Oechsler AG, is available as an option on the iDrive Controller, the electronic gear selection lever, as well as the rotary knob on the automatic air conditioning and audio system.


    This type of high-tech CIM material has so far only been used on exclusive mobile phones or other high-value appliances. It is said to be not only particularly strong and scratch resistant, but also conspicuously cool and, at the same time, pleasant to feel and touch.

    Downside of course is the cost, as in Germany this option costs �550.

    READ MORE - BMW 5 Series GT & 7 Series use ceramic injection moulded controls and switches

    BMW 5 Series GT in person


     
     
     
     
     BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo was introduced as a unique and distinctive model variant to the 5 Series line up. The idea is pretty simple,  saloon + estate + SUV = Gran Turismo.

    A few days ago, I visited a BMW dealer in order to check out the 5 Series GT in person. It definitely looks impressive and classy. Actually, it looks better in real life and it's practical. too Sitting in the driver's seat, it feels roomy and classy. I really liked the frameless doors, as well as the interior design of the rear doors. One thing that it's missing though is the driver oriented positioning of display/controls and it's a shame...

    BMW 5 Series GT, I guess, is aimed at people that don't want to spend their money on a 7 Series, as it is too flashy, but on the other hand are not keen to buy an X5 or a 'common' 5 Series. They want something more individual. The big question is whether the 5 Series GT will have the same fate as MB's R-Class or not. One positive thing is that the GT may be a future bargain as a second hand car...

    By the way, I saw also an X1 which wasn't bad at all, until I took a look at the interior. I felt that it was hugely disappointing in terms of design, with some of the plastics not being up to the standards I expected and the available wood trims being awful.
    READ MORE - BMW 5 Series GT in person

    Wednesday, December 23, 2009

    Tuesday, December 22, 2009

    Aston One-77 tops 354.86 km/h exceeding expectations


     
     
    The One-77 is currently undergoing a stringent development process ahead of planned launch in 2010 with high speed testing taking place at a top secret proving ground in southern Europe. In a series of test runs completed last week the One-77 exceeded original expectations and recorded a 220.007 mp/h (354.86 km/h) top speed in dry but windy conditions under the guidance of the Aston Martin engineering team. Dynamic testing is now scheduled to continue into the New Year.

    Powered by a new Aston Martin 7.3 litre V12 engine, the One-77 is engineered to deliver breathtaking levels of power and performance. The dramatically styled two-door, two-seat sports coupe is based on an innovative new carbon fibre monocoque body structure and adopts new active aerodynamic technology.

    As name suggests, production is limited up to a maximum of 77 individually numbered examples, with deliveries expected to commence in mid-2010.

    Source: Aston Martin Media
    READ MORE - Aston One-77 tops 354.86 km/h exceeding expectations

    Monday, December 21, 2009

    Known technical issues of Opel Insignia


    Technical Service Bulletin
    Ref. Number 09-FR-49
    TIS/TSB Ref. Number E0002540
    Group A-10
    Release Date 04/09/2009

    Door Sill - Water Accumulation

    Vehicles:
    Insignia 2009-Onwards
    Insignia Sports Tourer 2009-Onwards
    All Engines

    Complaint:
    Water accumulates in sill area of front and rear doors.

    Cause:
    Poor fit of sealing clips allows water entry.
    Production
    Modified weatherstrip in production as of VIN WOLGM67C191115427.

    Remedy:
    In case of customer complaint apply additional drain holes (diameter 5 mm) into weatherstrip
    Check in door below window glass if the weatherstrip clips are tight. If the weatherstrip clips are loose or can be pulled out easily, replace the clips.


     
    ------------------------------------

    Technical Service Bulletin
    Ref. Number 09-FR-64
    TIS/TSB Ref. Number E0002581
    Group H-05
    Release Date 07/12/2009

    Rear Brakes � Score Marks on Brake Disc

    Vehicles:
    Insignia 2009-2010 All Engines

    Complaint:
    Score marks on rear brake discs.

    Cause:
    Defective brake pads.

    Remedy:
    In case of customer complaint the brake pads and brake discs can be replaced.
    Note: Scoring has no impact on braking performance.

    ------------------------------------

    Service Update:

    09-P-034 Insignia - Ignition Lock

    Constant quality controls revealed that on a certain number of Insignia, MY 2009, the ignition key might stick and does not return into 'run' position. After 15 seconds the "Transport mode" becomes activated and the battery charging telltale flashes.

    We advise Vauxhall Authorised Repairers to grease the ignition lock and program the Body Control Module (BCM) on all affected vehicles listed in the VIN information file.
    READ MORE - Known technical issues of Opel Insignia

    Friday, December 18, 2009

    Saab is dead... or not?


    General Motors announced today that the intended sale of Saab Automobile AB would not be concluded. After the withdrawal of Koenigsegg Group AB last month, GM had been in discussions with Spyker Cars about its interest in acquiring Saab. During the due diligence, certain issues arose that both parties believe could not be resolved. As a result, GM will start an orderly wind-down of Saab operations.

    Saab will continue to honor warranties and provide spare parts and service � presumably through other GM brand dealers as Saab dealers go offline. Officials note that this is not a bankruptcy or forced liquidation situation, so outstanding creditors should still expect to receive payment.


    Updated on 21.12.2009

    Spyker has submitted a renewed offer to GM that addresses what are said to be eleven sticking points that scuttled an earlier agreement. The Swedish government is also reportedly conferring with GM reps to see what else might be done to prevent Saab from flat-lining for good.
    READ MORE - Saab is dead... or not?

    Do you still fancy an expensive car???


    Reliability was definitely not an advantage of old British cars, but when it comes to cars costing a fortune, you may think that everything is shorted. However, today I came across with a photo showing the opposite... A Mulsanne heading for a media unveiling under human power! The incident took place a couple of months ago in New York.

    Source: Gearlog
    READ MORE - Do you still fancy an expensive car???

    The real face of Audi A1


    Following official teaser renderings of the upcoming Audi A1 released a few days ago, the actual production version was caught during shooting an ad. The front end of the car is unmistakably Audi, which means that it features nice LEDs, but remains boring...
    READ MORE - The real face of Audi A1

    Aston Martin launches Carbon Black editions


     
     
     
    Celebrating the enormous success of the DBS and V12 Vantage which have surpassed all sales expectations since launch, the new special editions add a typically understated flair to these acclaimed models. Featuring bespoke Carbon Black metallic paint especially formulated with a subtle metallic twist to create a deep rich patina. Each car will undergo 50 man-hours of hand painting followed by stringent quality checks. For the V12 Vantage the iconic Aston Martin side strake has been fashioned from real carbon fibre backed by a black mesh and complimented with gloss black 10 spoke diamond turned alloy wheels. A bright finished grille and front parking sensors (normally an option) complete the exterior detailing.

    Inside, owners will be greeted to swathes of Obsidian Black leather highlighted with a contrast silver coarse stitch all hand stitched by the craftspeople at Gaydon � Aston Martin�s global headquarters in England.

    Lightweight seats formed from Carbon Fibre and Kevlar saving 17 kg over the standard seat also feature together with Piano black facia trim, centre stack and centre console, anodised black tread plates and unique sill plaques build on the carbon theme. The Aston Martin 700w Premium Audio System is delivered as standard in the V12 Vantage while the DBS boasts the Bang & Olufsen Beosound DBS audio system as standard.

    Customers who order a Carbon Black Edition V12 Vantage will have the opportunity to experience Aston Martin�s renowned Performance Driving Course (UK and Europe only) free of charge which offers a memorable day helping customers to equip themselves with the skill sets to enhance the enjoyment of their Aston Martin on the track.

    The Carbon Black Editions are available to order from the official Aston Martin dealership network now with final pricing (expected to be approximately 5% over current base prices) to be confirmed in the New Year with deliveries to commence from March.

    Source: Aston Martin Media
    READ MORE - Aston Martin launches Carbon Black editions
     

    Popular Posts

    free counters