In the biggest news since the initial concept announcement, GM vice-chairman Bob Lutz confirmed that in fact the first Chevy Volt prototype, with the full lithium-ion battery pack has hit the test track.
He said “It is reliably meeting its objectives. Even with a rough calibration, even with the wrong drive unit, the wrong body, etc. etc., it has been hitting its 40 miles on electric power.”...He further explains that much of the engineering challenge ahead has to do with software, figuring out how and when the engine should kick in for example.
[...gm-volt.com] 2010 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid | Page 4 of 4 | Next>>
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May 17, 2008
BIG NEWS from Bob Lutz: First Chevy Volt Prototype Hits the Road and Gets 40 Miles Electric!
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Chevrolet Volt Hits the Road With Li-Ion Batteries And 40-Mile Range
Company Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says GM is road-testing the gas-electric hybrid drivetrain at its Milford Proving Grounds and "it is reliably meeting its objectives." That's a key milestone because sorting out the batteries has long been considered the biggest obstacle to meeting GM's aggressive time line for producing the car.
...Lutz says the next challenge is smoothly integrating the battery drivetrain and the gasoline engine. Unlike a conventional hybrid like the Toyota Prius, which uses a gasoline engine to drive the wheels, the Volt will be driven entirely by electricity. The engine will drive a generator that will charge the batteries.
[...wired.com] 2010 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid | Page 3 of 4 | Next>>
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Chevy Volt: Traveling Public Roads and Hitting Its Mark
The successful test of the lithium-ion battery is a giant step in making the Volt a reality. Many critics insisted lithium-ion batteries were a huge risk. However, since GM announced its plans to use a lithium-ion battery in the Volt and signed development contracts with battery makers, others have followed suit.
Only this week, Renault and Nissan announced plans for an all-electric vehicle to go on sale in 2010 using a lithium-ion battery. Mitsubishi already has a fully electric vehicle in Japan running on lithium-ion batteries. Germany's Audi plans to use the batteries in its upcoming hybrid.
[...autoobserver.com] 2010 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid | Page 2 of 4 | Next>>
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Chevrolet Volt: One Step Closer to Reality
General Motors inched closer to making the Chevrolet Volt a reality in November 2010. The vehicle's innovative gas-electric powertrain is being test-driven for the first time on public roads and is hitting its target of 40 miles on pure electric power.
"Today is a big day," GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz told Edmunds' AutoObserver.com in an exclusive interview Tuesday. "Today is the first day it is running on the street on battery power."
[...edmunds.com] 2010 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid | Page 1 of 4 | Next>>
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New 2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept t
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The Audi A3 TDI clubsport quattro projects its power with supreme confidence – both acoustically courtesy of its sonorous exhaust and visually with a series of exclusive parts mounted on the body and in the interior.
The drive power is directed to the 20-inch wheels via a six-speed transmission and the quattro all-wheel-drive system. At the front wheels, stopping power is provided by six-piston brake calipers and ceramic discs. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system allows the driver to vary at will the throttle response characteristic, the exhaust sound, the level of power assistance for the steering, the cut-in thresholds for the ESP stabilization system, as well as the operating mode of the dampers. The dampers deploy Audi magnetic ride technology,..
[...theyreviewed.blogspot.com] 2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport | Photos | Page 4 of 4 | Next>>
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2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro : The New Diesel Concept
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It will make its debut later this month at the 27th annual Lake Worther Tour in Austria. The 2.0-liter TDI unit under the bonnet of the new Audi A3 diesel makes 165 kW (224 hp) of horsepower and musters up 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft) of torque – the sort of pulling power normally associated with a sports car.
According to Audi, its A3 TDI clubsport quattro can race from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.6 seconds and attains a top speed of 240 km/h (149.13 mph). Exterior components such as the large DTM-look rear spoiler and the bolt-on wheel arch extensions give the car a dynamic air, while the racing bucket seats, the open gear lever gate in aluminum and and Audi’s characteristic flat-bottom steering wheel form the highlights of the interior.
[...carnoise.blogspot.com] 2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport | Photos | Page 3 of 4 | Next>>
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2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro Concept
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Built around the revamped 2009 A3 three-door, the TDI Clubsport Quattro blends the new car's styling with that of a DTM series racer. We see Audi's distinctive grille and LED running lamps up front, but the car looks almost race-ready.
But the heart of the TDI Clubsport Quattro lies with the diesel motor itself. Starting with the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbodiesel I-4 available in the European A3, A4 and TT, Audi revised the motor's induction, exhaust, and fuel injection systems to wring out more power.
[...automobilemag.com] 2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport | Photos | Page 2 of 4 | Next>>
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Diesel with Attitude: The Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro
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Audi unveiled another entry in the performance diesel segment it dominates today, showing off a conceptual version of its A3 known as the TDI clubsport quattro. The racy new A3 joins the diesel-burning Audi TT, and of course the wicked R8 TDI Le Mans, offering the thrill of racing power created with the torque-filled goodness of diesel power.
The pert A3 TDI certainly looks the part of a motorsports contender. The car has been presented in a red and white racing-style livery,..
[...windingroad.com] 2008 Audi A3 TDI Clubsport | Photos | Page 1 of 4 | Next>>
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May 16, 2008
Subaru Legacy STI S402 released in Japan
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The six-speed manual transmission also features the fabulously adjustable and rather complex SI-DRIVE system that allows the driver to balance front and rear power bias and differential behavior of the symmetrical AWD system to suit the conditions.
Inside, a restrained black and grey interior is atypical for STI-badged products, but a welcome complement to the Legacy’s classy looks. Electroluminescent gauges and a MOMO steering wheel enhance the driver-car interface.
[...motorauthority.com] Subaru Legacy STI S402 | Photos | Page 3 of 3 | Next>>
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Special Edition Subaru Legacy STI S402 Debuts In Japan
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The price for Subaru Legacy STI S402 station wagon version starts at 5,491,500 yen (US$52,471) while the base model of sedan variant cost 5.355 million yen (US$51,167). To make Legacy STI S402 limited edition special in both looks and performance, it comes equipped with the SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive), a re-programmed ECU plus a chassis upgrade including BILSTEIN suspension.
New Subaru is wider by 20mm and gets a carbon-fiber front spoiler along with an exclusive 18-inch BBS alloys wheels and Bridgestone Potenza tires. The steering ratio has been reduced to 13:1 and brakes upgraded to more powerful Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in front and two in the rear.
[...carnoise.blogspot.com] Subaru Legacy STI S402 | Photos | Page 2 of 3 | Next>>
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Subaru Legacy STI “S402” Limited Edition With 282Hp 2.5 Turbo
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Subaru will extend its “STI” offerings in its home market with the introduction of the limited edition Legacy STI S402 Sedan and Touring models that will be available for sale in Japan from June 27.
The S402 Legacy STIs are equipped with the same 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine as the US and European Impreza STIs, but in this case, output is restricted to 282Hp at 5,600 rpm and torque to 392 Nm..
[...carscoop.blogspot.com] Subaru Legacy STI S402 | Photos | Page 1 of 3 | Next>>
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Lotus Eagle: the full story
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The latest spyshots reveal a low-slung sports car and we can begin to make out more detail on the Eagle's bodywork. For instance, the side profile shot reveals front doors that are carefully crafted to ease access to the rear cabin. This is a 'four-seater', remember, with rear seats designed for children up to nine years old.
The Eagle is the new mid-sized Lotus. It'll fit between the entry-level Elise family of sports cars and the new, forthcoming Esprit.
[...carmagazine.co.uk] 2009 Lotus Eagle | Photos & Video | Page 2 of 2 | Next>>
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New 2009 Lotus Eagle Prototype Spy Photos & Video
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Today we bring you the spy video of the Lotus Eagle protoype being tested at the Nurburgring, Germany. New Eagle will officially make its public debut later this years at 2008 London Motor Show. Sketchy details that can be seen in this heavily camouflaged Eagle video are its low front end, round brake lights and tail lamps that look very similar to ones doing service on the Elise/Exige.
Just incase if you don't know Eagle is only a codename for this project and the production car will be christened another name.[...carnoise.blogspot.com] 2009 Lotus Eagle | Photos & Video | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>
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May 15, 2008
Cadillac CTS-V scorches the Nurburgring
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John Heinricy, a celebrated racing driver and GM Performance Division executive, pushed the car to a 7:59.32 lap during testing this Saturday morning....GM says that the car was equipped exactly as the production model will be, and that they're nearing completion of testing for the new high-performance model.
The ultimate expression of the brands performance and luxury engineering, CTS-V puts the world's fastest sedans squarely in its crosshairs while delivering a slew of technological and engineering advancements like Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), paddle-shifting, and the world's first Performance Traction Management (PTM) system.
[...auto123.com] 2009 Cadillac CTS-V | Photos | Video | Page 2 of 2 | Next>>
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Upcoming 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Records Sub-8 Minute Lap Time: Video
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GM is nearing the completion of testing for the highly anticipated Cadillac CTS-V. It is a limited-edition high-performance model based on the Cadillac CTS sport sedan. In a recent test at Germany’s Nurburgring, a six-speed automatic (not manual) Cadillac CTS-V lapped the 13-mile track in a record time of 7:59.32. This blistering lap-time however, is still about 40 seconds short of what Nissan's GT-R set earlier this year.
The 09 model Cadillac CTS-V is powered by supercharged 542bhp 6.2-litre LSA V8 petrol engine making 550 pound-feet of torque at 6,200 rpm. The same unit is doing service on new Corvette ZR1 as well but there it is tuned to produce mind-boggling 638 hp horsepower.[...carnoise.blogspot.com] 2009 Cadillac CTS-V | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>
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May 14, 2008
Mazda Launches New 3door Mazda2 In UK
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The Mazda2 3dr will become available on the UK market with a twin version 1.3-litre petrol having power output of 75ps (priced at £7,999) and 86ps (for £9,509) and a 1.4-litre 68ps diesel engines with base price £8,999. The all-powerful 1.5-litre 103ps petrol will be added to the 3dr range in this July with a price tag of £11,399.
The Mazda2 5dr achieved a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test safety rating last year and the new three-door Mazda2 benefits from the same level of safety design, engineering and equipment. The front doors of the three-door model are 163mm longer than those on the five‑door and the B-Pillar has been moved back by a similar amount.
The new Mazda2 3dr models weigh just 5-to-10kg less than the Mazda2 5dr models, so the lively performance (0 to 62mph from 10.4 seconds, top speed up to 117mph), good fuel economy (up to 65.7mpg), low exhaust emissions and modest CO2 levels (from just 114g/km) of the two versions are identical.
[...carnoise.blogspot.com] 2008 Mazda 3dr Mazda2 | Photos | Page 2 of 2 | Next>>
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Mazda's 2008 UK Spec 3door Mazda2 : Photos And Details
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Mazda is introducing three-door versions of its all-new Mazda2 small car this month, with a starting price of just £7,999 on-the-road – making the Mazda2 TS 3dr 1.3 petrol one of the most price-competitive small cars in the UK.
Both the three-door and five-door versions of new Mazda2 share common exterior and interior dimensions. The only difference between the two body styles is the rear seat shoulder room, which is 25mm larger in the five-door model.
So well equipped is each trim level of Mazda2 that the line-up starts with TS, rather than S, models and the options list is remarkably short (see table). Standard equipment on the Mazda2 TS 3dr (from £7,999) includes: driver and passenger front airbags, remote central locking with deadlocks, electric front windows, driver seat height adjust, ‘tilt-and-slide’ front seats, CD radio with auxiliary jack, multi-function glovebox with magazine rack and a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and immobiliser.
[...theyreviewed.blogspot.com] 2008 Mazda 3dr Mazda2 | Photos | Page 1 of 2 | Next>>
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May 13, 2008
2008 9ff Tuned Porsche GT9 Beats Bugatti Veyron's Top Speed Record
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Porsche 9ff GT9 came very close to breaking world speed record with its top speed of 409km/h (254mph) during official testing in Papenburg last month. The German tuner 9FF’s GT9 is loosely based on the Porsche 911 GT3, with just 2% of common components between them. It has been stretched by 300mm with roof lower by 120mm to maximize downforce at high speeds.
Also instead of using the rear engine layout as in 911 GT3, the 9ff engineers tried to get better weight distribution by using a custom designed mid-mounted twin-turbo 4.2L flat-six engine. It is mated to a six-speed transmission. The engine makes 987bhp and 711 lb/ft of torque and the entire car weighs just 1,326kg courtesy of carbon-fibre and Kevlar construction.[...carnoise.blogspot.com] Porsche 9FF GT9 | Photos | Video | Page 4 of 4 | Next>>
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9ff GT9 supercar reaches 409KM/H top speed
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Engineers at 9ff have finally accomplished their goal of beating the Bugatti Veyron’s 407km/h (252mph) top speed, with their highly modified GT9 supercar posting a new top speed of 409km/h (254mph) during official testing in Papenburg last month.
The GT9 may be a production model but available examples are hard to come by as the car will be built in an extremely exclusive run of just 20 examples and each priced at €592,620 ($853,634). Although the GT9 is loosely based on a Porsche 911, its mechanical package has been totally revised.[....motorauthority.com] Porsche 9FF GT9 | Photos | Video | Page 3 of 4 | Next>>
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9FF GT9 Hits 409KM/H
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We have known for a long time that the 9ff engineers intended for their GT9 to take the world record for the fastest production car in the world, now the German tuners are claiming they have achieved the feat with a run of 409 km/h at a track in Papenburg on 10th April.
But after searching through our record books and more specifically the current world record speed set by the SSC Ultimate Aero that stands at 255.83mph which translates to 411.71km/h meaning this claim can be thrown out the window.[...worldcarfans.com] Porsche 9FF GT9 | Photos | Video | Page 2 of 4 | Next>>
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9FF GT9 almost breaks world speed record : 409 km/h
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The current world record speed for the fastest production car was set by the SSC Ultimate Aero that topped at 255.83 mph which is 411.71 km/h. Recently the 9FF engineers tried to beat that with their modified GT9 but couldn’t do it.
They only managed to make it run at 409 km/h at a track in Papenburg on 10th April. 9FF’s GT9 was based on the Porsche 911 GT3, but lower and longer.[...carblog.co.za] Porsche 9FF GT9 | Photos | Video | Page 1 of 4 | Next>>
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