Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Bentley Mulsanne: The mighty new V8

Bentley continues to publish press releases about special aspects of its new flagship, the new Mulsanne, and this time it's all about the V8 engine.

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Right at the heart of Crewe�s new flagship Mulsanne is the company�s famous V8 engine which is renowned for delivering the Bentley �wave of torque�. The V8 engine, the same configuration of which has powered some of the company�s most iconic cars including the Arnage, Azure, Brooklands, the original Mulsanne, Turbo R and S2 Continental, has been completely re-engineered for the new Mulsanne.

The V8 configuration will strike a chord with aficionados, the 6� litre displacement having been the favoured option for many years. For the Mulsanne, however, the very latest technologies have been employed including two new control systems: cam phasing and variable displacement delivering even greater refinement as well as a 15 per cent improvement in emissions and fuel consumption.

The pioneering application of these new technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne�s engine management system to adjust the V8�s breathing for improved engine idle quality and torque delivery. However, by closing the valves of four of the eight cylinders, fuel economy is maximised when cruising.

All the major building blocks of the Mulsanne�s engine are new including the lightweight componentry such as pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft which reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response. These significant changes are complemented by the introduction of a new eight-speed automatic transmission offering virtually imperceptible gearshifts.



In total over 300 new or significantly re-engineered components have been created for the Mulsanne engine and the famed Bentley �wave of torque� (1020Nm/752lb ft) is now delivered in full even earlier, at 1750rpm. This improvement in torque delivery from just above idle � as well as across the rev range � ensures that a mere tap of the throttle pedal will deliver phenomenal acceleration with 0-60mph achievable in just 5.1 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds).

For Phil Cooper, Bentley�s senior production manager in the engine build workshop, the new V8 engine has provided an opportunity to introduce a range of new technologies whilst retaining the hand-built skills at which his team has long excelled.  Phil explains:

�Our new V8 takes nearly 30 hours to build and we never release an engine to our colleagues in the main build hall until we are literally prepared to put our name to it.�

In the immaculately tidy V8 engine build area, where every set of craftsman�s tools are stored and labelled with the exact precision of a surgeon�s implements, the team use a combination of the high-tech and applied-by-hand skills to achieve the best results.

A state-of-the-art balancing machine ensures all the spinning components are rigorously tested (and if necessary rebalanced using tiny washers) and the level of accuracy achieved by this process ensures that when the engine is at idle there is not a hint of vibration. Alongside the use of the balancing machine, Bentley�s engine builders still fit each of the pistons into the V8 block by hand as well as the 16 individual ball-bearings which are inserted into the valve train.

Once assembled, every Mulsanne V8 is tested over an 80-minute cycle by the team. The �hot testing� process tests the engine from idle through to maximum revs and the load on the engine is varied to simulate real-world driving conditions.

�Every element of the engine�s performance is analysed and recorded before it is sent through to the build hall,�
Cooper explains.

Whilst the V8 engineering and engine-build teams have introduced a host of new technologies and are working with hundreds of new parts, one classic touch remains unchanged � a signed engine maker�s plate is still attached to every Crewe-built V8 to provide a reassuring symbol of quality, performance and reliability.

Source: Bentley Motors
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READ MORE - Bentley Mulsanne: The mighty new V8

Vaja reveals ivolution & ivolution SP cases for Apple iPad

Today, Vaja officially added the ivolution and ivolution SP cases in its range of cases for Apple's iPad. Both cases can be ordered and colour combos can visualised using the configurator. Even more cases are expected soon!
READ MORE - Vaja reveals ivolution & ivolution SP cases for Apple iPad

Having a go with 12C's configurator

Since McLaren launched the configurator today, I couldn't resist and I had a go. So, this is my dream 12C and the only minor issue now is gathering the money... Donations will be much appreciated!!!
READ MORE - Having a go with 12C's configurator

McLaren MP4-12C configurator launched

The McLaren MP4-12C configurator has been launched today. Enjoy!
READ MORE - McLaren MP4-12C configurator launched

Design philosophies behind Honda CR-Z

The Honda Worldwide Design site has been updated with CR-Z designers' interviews.
READ MORE - Design philosophies behind Honda CR-Z

Monday, March 29, 2010

Rolls-Royce Ghost receives �red dot: best of the best� award

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The new Rolls-Royce Ghost has received the prestigious �red dot: best of the best� award for the very highest level of design.

The red dot award recognises unusually high quality and groundbreaking design. The Rolls-Royce Ghost has a unique character expressed by an exclusive, unmistakable appearance whose design reinterprets the classic values of the brand in a modern style for the 21st century.

Speaking on the news of this prestigious award, Chief Designer Ian Cameron passed credit to his design team. �This is a tremendous accolade for the entire Rolls-Royce design team�, said Ian Cameron. �As a designer the challenge lies in translating ideas into a medium which others can see, touch and feel. We are very proud of what we have achieved with Ghost and are delighted to have been recognised with this very special award.�

Ghost�s flowing lines are dominated by its majestic �Yacht Line� styling. Large, uninterrupted surfaces flow between finely sculpted horizontal lines that provide definition, highlighting the solid, luxurious and supreme character of the vehicle. Powerful shoulders and flanks draw in sharply as they flow from the rear wings to the tail lights. While incorporating classic Rolls-Royce design cues � the elevated prow, long bonnet, short front overhang, sharply raked A-pillar and elegant tail � Ghost exudes an informal aura. Contemporary touches include self-righting wheel centres and the Xenon headlamps that frame the latest evolution of the Rolls-Royce grille. Here the sides of the intake have been curved inwards and the vanes set back into the opening. �We wanted this to be less reminiscent of the traditional Parthenon style and more like a jet intake,� says Cameron, which, along with touches such as the optional chromed exhausts, hint at a more dynamic nature of the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built.

The red dot award is one of the most important awards in the world for product design. It was first awarded in 1955 and recognises outstanding design work in a wide range of categories including not only automobiles, architecture, household and home electronics but also fashion, life science and medicine. Previous winners include the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coup�, which was acknowledged for outstanding design quality in 2008.

Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
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READ MORE - Rolls-Royce Ghost receives �red dot: best of the best� award

Vaja continues to tease with more colours

Vaja has already made available a leather jacket for the highly anticipated iPad, while during the last few days has teased us with a couple of photos showing a variety of upcoming cases (earlier posts). Now, not only Vaja has made available the configurator for the jacket, but has also published another photo showing its upcoming cases in new colour combos.
READ MORE - Vaja continues to tease with more colours

First photo showing 4300K LED coming for my Insignia's DRL

For a few months now, I am using LEDs in the place of the OEM DRL bulbs and there is a series of posts in Opel Autos blog where you can read all the story.

The new 4300K LEDs, made by Per-Accurate, will soon be shipped and this is the first photo received showing the colour! Stay tuned for more news and live photos showing the final result.

Below are some photos showing the DRL OEM bulb versus the aftermarket DRL LEDs which I have currently installed.
READ MORE - First photo showing 4300K LED coming for my Insignia's DRL

Bentley readies redesigned Continental GT

The spy shots above show the redesigned 2011 Continental GT and although the quality is not very good, styling elements from the Mulsanne are evident. The 2011 Continental GT is expected to make its premier at Paris Motor Show in October.

Source: Carscoop
READ MORE - Bentley readies redesigned Continental GT

Lexus launches N�rburgring package for LFA

Lexus has launched a new package for the LFA aimed at hardcore track driving enthusiasts.

The highlights of the N�rburgring package are the following:
  • New aerodynamic elements for greater downforce, including fixed rear wing
  • Power increased to more than 562 bhp (+10 bhp), gearshift times cut to just 0.15 seconds
  • 0 to 62mph acceleration in 3.7 seconds and top speed of 202 mph maintained in spite of higher downforce
  • Performance package launched in celebration of LFA�s entry in the N�rburgring 24 Hours race
  • Just  50 examples to be built, within the total LFA production limit of 500 cars
  • Handling modifications include sports tuning of the suspension and mesh-type wheels shod with dedicated high-grip tyres
  • Customers will be able to take advantage of individual driving instruction on the legendary Nordschleife circuit from the N�rburgring�s chief instructors. They will also receive a one-year driving pass to the track
Lexus is really trying hard to convince us that it can build seriously fast and exclusive cars, but even with the LFA (earlier post), it still remains an emotionless brand... 

Source: Lexus GB
READ MORE - Lexus launches N�rburgring package for LFA

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Mazda hybrid to use Toyota Prius' bits and pieces

Based on claims coming from Nikkei, Mazda plans to introduce a midsize hybrid vehicle based on core parts supplied by Toyota, which may come out as early as 2013.

Source: Bloomberg
READ MORE - Mazda hybrid to use Toyota Prius' bits and pieces

Saturday, March 27, 2010

2010 Yamaha Zuma scooter 125

2010 Yamaha Zuma 125 Specifications :IdentificationModel Type ScooterBASE MSRP(US) $3,190.00 Free Dealer QuoteDealers Yamaha DealersWarranty 12Insurance Get a QuoteEngine:Engine Type Single-CylinderCylinders 1Engine Stroke 4-StrokeCooling AirValves 4Valves Per Cylinder 4Valve Configuration SOHCCompression Ratio 10.0:1Starter ElectricFuel Requirements RegularFuel Type
READ MORE - 2010 Yamaha Zuma scooter 125

Gambar Modifikasi Yamaha Majesty

Modifikasi Yamaha MajestyGambar Modifikasi Yamaha MajestyYamaha Majesty Steering ModifyMade Ambara Suarjaya from Denpasar, Bali dream to have a Yamaha Majesty. That, big scooter Made Yamaha and for not not afford it. But he felt challenged modifications make it through, let alone his profession as owner modification.Happened to be his Yamaha Mio Soul, no doubt been subjected to realize this dream
READ MORE - Gambar Modifikasi Yamaha Majesty

New Striping 2010 Honda Supra X 125

This new price list of 2010 supra x 125:No Type New supra x 125 2010 Pilihan warna Harga / OTR 1 Supra X 125 SW Dynamic Red Rp. 14,365,000 Elegant Blue Infinite White 2 Supra X 125 CW Phantom Black Rp. 15,465,000 Lightning Silver Speedster White Laser Green 3 Supra X 125 PGM-FI Prestigious Black RP. 16,540,000 Glamorous Black Gorgeous Violet AHM initiated steps in 2010
READ MORE - New Striping 2010 Honda Supra X 125

Suzuki Raider Extreme Modification

No more powerful features of the 2003 Suzuki Raider. Starting from the front to rear, this bike has changed completely. Instead the result so extreme, with some elements of the technology changes. Like condoms tank lid can be opened using keys, that one is a breakthrough. At the very least, a breakthrough modifications in Pontianak, West Borneo.Home modifications Irfandi from Pontianak in 2XP
READ MORE - Suzuki Raider Extreme Modification

Modifikasi Honda Beat Off-Road

Astra Honda Motor never shows the modification work on the Revo products. Today, Honda motorcycle manufacturer in Indonesia had returned to show through scooter New modification BEAT will initially join the launch of the New BEAT jazz standards on January 20 last (void regarding the death of President Director of PT Astra International, Tbk Michael D Ruslim).The model adopted is a
READ MORE - Modifikasi Honda Beat Off-Road

Modifikasi Honda Megapro Bergaya Ducati 848

Both builder, Fery Saifuloh and Wardoyo, from the workshop G2C in Cinere, Depok, showing the work of the Honda Mega Pro 2006. They are without a total overhaul of waste moge, relying only local goods. Most important, they said, the motor must remain visible ciamik.Change their concept of the motor home Yogyakarta Riandaru This refers to the new Ducati 848. "It happens koorporatif
READ MORE - Modifikasi Honda Megapro Bergaya Ducati 848

Friday, March 26, 2010

KTM shows off electric motorcyles at Tokyo Motorcycle Show

KTM is presenting two versions of an electrically-driven sport motorcycle for the first time. Both a sports-oriented offroad machine and a dynamic on-road bike are on display at the Tokyo Motorcycle show under the label "KTM Freeride". Read more detail here.Ride safeJon BoothEmail: webmaster@inter-bike.co.ukBlog: http://bestmotorstyle2011.blogspot.com//Swicki: http://
READ MORE - KTM shows off electric motorcyles at Tokyo Motorcycle Show

Kawasaki launch the D-TRACKER

Kawasaki Motors UK has announced the launch of the Kawasaki D-TACKER to the UK Market. This is a 125cc compact Super-Moto styled bike with soft compound tyres and a fuel injected engine and described as a "first real bike".Its great to see Kawasaki producing models that are aimed directly at younger buyers encouraging them to get in motorcycling. This is their second 125cc model on top of their
READ MORE - Kawasaki launch the D-TRACKER

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Don

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Don with his 1975 Honda Gold Wing GL1000 custom trike. We need more pictures of men and women with their motorcycles. Get your picture in. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and
READ MORE - Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Don

Ferrari 599 GTO uncovered

Although those are not official images, you can clearly see the new 599 GTO (road-going version of the 599XX concept) uncovered. I  am not a big fun of Ferrari, but I have to admit that it really looks sharp!

READ MORE - Ferrari 599 GTO uncovered

Infiniti to start publishing iPad version of adeyaka


Although Apple's iPad is not available yet, it seems that it's going to play an important role in publishing. A proof of that is the fact that adeyaka (????) � the multi-prizewinning customer magazine of Infiniti � will be available worldwide in a version developed specially for the iPad.

According to the press release, the Web version of the magazine (www.adeyaka.com) already set new yardsticks upon its publication in 2008, winning the gold prize in the �Best of Corporate Publishing Award� in 2009: the most important European distinction for corporate communication. In terms of content and design, the iPad version of adeyaka will orient itself towards the print edition of the magazine, but also offer the reader new and interesting opportunities of experiencing brand content, thus increasing the communications performance of the brand. adeyaka for iPad will be available from the Apple iTunes Store from May, 2010.

Andreas Sigl, General Manager Global Brand Innovation at Infiniti, was quick to realise that as a global premium brand, Infiniti would need to reach its very technically-aware target groups with an iPad version. �We were particularly convinced of being able to present the fascination of our brand in a completely new combination of editorial depth and media experience. Central sales of our iPad customer magazine via the Apple iTunes Store thus offer us for the first time the ability of reaching worldwide potential and existing customers with a single media.�

Says Berthold D�rrich, Managing Director of k�ckritzd�rrich, �By publishing the iPad version, we now � for the first time � have the opportunity of combining the benefits of the print magazine with the depth of state-of-the-art rich content, without the user having to change from the print version to the online version in the Internet, as was earlier the case. In this way, the Infiniti brand experience can be communicated with an intensity that was not possible before. Given the possibility of sharing these brand experiences with friends directly from the iPad on social networks such as Facebook, XING, LinkedIn or Twitter, the customer magazine becomes a very high �snowball factor� brand communications medium for our Client.�

�The iPad version of adeyaka will leverage many iPad functionalities to offer a completely unique reading experience, while maintaining the �look and feel� that already made adeyaka one of the most highly-acclaimed customer magazines,� says Lutz Suendermann who as Creative Director is responsible for the project.

Source: Infiniti Europe
READ MORE - Infiniti to start publishing iPad version of adeyaka

Mercedes SLS AMG targets Porsche

MB SLS AMG is definitely a stunning car and it seems that the sales have been taking a bite out of demand for Porsche. An SLS costs around �4,000 more than a top-of-the-line 911 Turbo S. SLS Customers may wait until 2012 to get behind the wheel according to Bloomberg

�The inflow from the Porsche camp is intriguing; we�ve already had a lot of conquests,� said Thomas Rosier, managing director of Autohaus Rosier GmbH in Oldenburg near Bremen. The family-owned retailer, with 40 locations in Germany offering Mercedes, Peugeot and Volkswagen models, has sold 40 SLS cars and could have agreed to deliver more if stock was available. 

�The SLS is a hallmark, landmark, beacon product for Mercedes,� said Christoph Stuermer, a Frankfurt-based automotive analyst at research firm IHS Global Insight who estimates that the manufacturer will produce about 2,500 SLS cars a year. �Producing this model is very important for Mercedes as a brand. It�s a very motivational product.�
READ MORE - Mercedes SLS AMG targets Porsche

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Bugatti 16C Galibier may get the green light by summer

Bugatti is really trying to keep us interested and following the recent batch of photos released (earlier post), now we have news from insiders! They claim that the reaction to the car has been overwhelmingly positive and therefore, it is expected to be signed off for production. The final decision is expected by the summer.
READ MORE - Bugatti 16C Galibier may get the green light by summer

Strong demand for Honda CR-Z in Japan

When a new model is introduced, we often hear that the initial orders are way higher than what the manufacturer had predicted. Well, this is a nice, but rather pointless, marketing trick. Anyway, the fact is that Honda has already received 10,000 orders in the first month of sales in Japan, which is 10 times more than the monthly sales target of 1000 units.

Honda claims that CR-Z is a sporty hybrid, but after the Insight, it's difficult to  be convinced. However, Autocar has driven a JDM CR-Z and actually, they liked it! Below there is a summary from the test:

"Honda is convinced that it has launched this coupe at the right time, and it may have a point. With its low-slung, sporty looks, high interior quality (superior to the Insight's) good performance and fuel economy, great gearbox and low price, the CR-Z should spice up interest in hybrids, and force a wider cross-section of the motoring public to pay attention to this type of vehicle. Watch out for the high performance Mugen version in 2011, too."

Source: Autocar
READ MORE - Strong demand for Honda CR-Z in Japan

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The Harley Custo

A collaboration between Harley-Davidson and the fashion designer, Custo Dalmau who has resulted in the exclusive Harley Custo. Read full details here.Ride safeJon BoothEmail: webmaster@inter-bike.co.ukBlog: http://bestmotorstyle2011.blogspot.com//Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
READ MORE - The Harley Custo

Motorcycle test debacle revealed!

The Transport Committee has published its review of the new European motorcycle test and revealed what we all already new.Launching the report, Transport Select Committee Chair, Louise Ellman MP said, �many candidates and trainers now have to travel too far for their motorcycle test. This adds to the cost , and in some cases, exposes candidates to fast and dangerous roads on the way to a test
READ MORE - Motorcycle test debacle revealed!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Vaja shows some more iPad cases

Here is a new photo showing even more upcoming Vaja cases for the iPad (earlier post). I really look forward to start customizing them!
READ MORE - Vaja shows some more iPad cases

Monday, March 22, 2010

Latest spy shots of upcoming Astra Sports Tourer

Those latest spy shots provide a clear indication of how the end of the upcoming Astra Sports Tourer will look like. The styling has been clearly inspired by the Insignia Sports Tourer.

Source: Carscoop
READ MORE - Latest spy shots of upcoming Astra Sports Tourer
 

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