The hotest stuff on cars
11
Dec
Wondering why Mazda employed these little fellows for the Dutch commercial of the MX-3 Coupe? Well, the top version of the MX-3 Coupe was fitted with a 1.8-liter V6 engine. At the time, this was the smallest production engine with that configuration. The four-seater MX-3 was produced from 1991 to 1998.
Via: Winding Road
Source: Retro: Funny Mazda MX-3 V6 commercial
11
Dec
British sportscar maker Aston Martin announced today that their new flagship model, the DBS, will once again be driven by James Bond (Daniel Craig) in the next 007 film that is scheduled for international theatrical release in November 2008. As most of you Bond fans remember, the DBS made its first public appearance in last year’s Casino Royale film. The new 007 movie will be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions, and directed by Marc Forster.
Source: Aston Martin DBS To Star In New James Bond Film
11
Dec
By Bill Visnic
WARREN, Michigan – General Motors Corp. designers and engineers say they will have to figure out ways to seriously cheat physics if a production version of the company’s Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid-electric concept car is to deliver on the promised driving range of 40 miles propelled solely on battery power.
GM designers revealed at a media event here they have embarked on an all-out battle to minimize efficiency-reducing aerodynamic drag. And the company recently commissioned a new studio and a 45-strong staff dedicated to developing hybrid and full electric vehicles using its E-Flex “modular” propulsion system. Right now, that means the full staff is working on just one vehicle: the Volt.
Frank Weber, global chief engineer and vehicle line executive for the E-Flex system, shows surprising data that indicates aerodynamic drag is a much greater enemy than mass when it comes to limiting how far the Volt will be able to travel solely under electric power. So the Volt design team is working overtime to optimize the plug-in hybrid’s styling and shape – and Ed Welburn, vice president of global design, reveals the engineers and aerodynamicists already have cut aerodynamic drag of the original Volt concept car by more than 30%.
And they insist the new shape is more appealing.
“It’s a fresher, newer design than what the Volt concept was,” Welburn confidently says.
Bob Boniface, director of design for E-Flex vehicles, agrees, saying particular changes from the first 
Volt concept car center on the crucial front and rear areas. But he says the latest Volt bodywork doesn’t just achieve a markedly better drag coefficient – it also is more aesthetically appealing.
“To me – and I worked on the (original Volt) show car – I like this front end better,” Boniface says. To back him up, GM releases a “teaser” image of the latest Volt styling showing a smoother, rounder front corner.
To help achieve the 40-mile electric-only driving range for Volt, Boniface tells AutoObserver that GM engineers have decided on a target coefficient of drag, but “I’m not going to tell you.” He also is quick to say stylists will not let the aerodynamicists completely have their way with the shape, or else it would be boring and bland.
Discussion of hybrid and pure-electric vehicle development often focuses on reducing mass, because for conventional vehicles powered by internal-combustion engines, more mass typically means less fuel efficiency. But Weber says adding extra weight in hybrids and fully electric vehicles – particularly when that much of that mass is dedicated to battery capacity – is not such an engineering no-no, because it enables increased levels of electricity-producing regenerative braking when the vehicle decelerates.
Cutting aerodynamic drag, meanwhile, has a markedly more positive effect on driving range. Weber’s data shows reducing vehicle weight by as much as 400 lbs. delivers just two more miles of range in city driving, and so-called “sensitivity to mass” is even less vital on the highway, where the same kind of massive weight reduction would yield just one extra mile of driving range.
A proportional decrease in aerodynamic drag, meanwhile, could take the Volt from 37 miles of highway driving range to 42 miles. And more surprising, aerodynamic optimization has even more impact in city driving.
Boniface, who recently helped design GM’s widely acclaimed Camaro concept car, says the “new” shape of the Volt will not be revealed anytime soon. And he is careful to remind the Volt remains a concept and has not yet been formally approved for production.
Photos by GM
1 – The restyled Chevy Volt in the wind tunnel
2 – Designer Bob Boniface, who worked on the Volt concept, heads styling for the production Volt.
Source: Chevy Volt Designers: Shape, Not Weight, is More Important
11
Dec
Simona Alina
Filed in: Suzuki | concept cars
Suzuki will unveil at the New Delhi Auto Show on January 9,2008 the A-Star concept that previews a new global Mini. The production version will follow at the Geneva Motor Show and is believed to be the Suzuki Alto.
The production version will first come on the Indian market and then will be brought to the European one.
The A-Star Concept is the first step of the second stage of Suzuki’s family car models.
Source: Internal
Source: Suzuki A-Star Concept - preview of a new global car?
11
Dec
Ralph Kalal
Filed in: Aston-Martin | Celebrity Cars
007 and the DBS will reprise their roles in the newest James Bond movie, due out next November. But, of course, “M” will have been required to come up with a new one, after Mr. Bond destroyed the last DBS in “Casino Royale.”
Aston-Martin’s chief executive officer, Ulrich Bez, had this to say: “"Aston Martin is proud of its long association with James Bond. The DBS has its own unique character which equals that of James Bond.
It is explosive power in a black tie… and we are all very excited at the prospect of seeing it on the big screen again."
The Bond movie is yet untitled, so the preproduction publicity machine is, for now, muted.
Last year, there had been rumors that Bond might be in a Bentley in this movie. Historians of the Bond literature will recall that Bond’s original ride was a rebodied Bentley which he had acquired as a personal car after the first owner had wrecked the vehicle. Bond went to the trouble of having a new body placed upon the old chassis and had a car that he very much enjoyed. It, however, met an untimely fate in the first of the Bond novels. After that, Bond apparently decided not to risk his own, and drove the government-issued Aston-Martin DB-5.
But, though the sun does not set on the British empire in the novels, it certainly did set on the British auto industry and more recent Bond movies have featured Bond in various BMW products. The DBS was the first British branded car driven by Bond in a movie in a decade.
“British,” of course, is now a relative term. Aston-Martin is largely controlled now by Mid-Eastern investment companies.
Source:Sybarites
Source: Aston Martin and Bond, James Bond
11
Dec
Alex Nunez
Coupes, Sports/GTs, Aston Martin
Click image for DBS photo gallery
Ever since Ford sold Aston Martin earlier this year, there was speculation as to whether the marque would provide James Bond’s company car again when the 22nd installment of the movie series hits theaters next November. Speculation over. Aston Martin announced today that its flagship DBS would return to play the hero car alongside Daniel Craig as 007 in the still-untitled film (Bond 22 is the working title). Since Ford still has one flick left on the three-picture deal it signed with the producers, we expect to see cars from the Oval populating the screen as well. In any case, we’re glad that Bond’s keeping his wheels. They suit him.
[Source: Aston Martin]
Gallery: 2008 Aston Martin DBS
PRESS RELEASE:
Aston Martin DBS to star in new James Bond film
Gaydon, December 11th 2007: Aston Martin announced today that their new flagship model, the DBS, will once again be driven by James Bond (DANIEL CRAIG) in the next 007 film to be produced by Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for EON Productions, and directed by Marc Forster.
The Aston Martin DBS made its first public appearance in Casino Royale when it smashed its way into the Guinness World Record books for ‘The Most Cannon Rolls In A Car’. The record-breaking stunt saw stuntman Adam Kirley taking the helm of Bond’s famous Aston Martin. The stunt proved one of the most spectacular in movie history when he rolled the DBS an amazing seven times.
Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez, said: “Aston Martin is proud of our long association with James Bond. The DBS has its own unique character which equals that of James Bond. It is explosive power in a black tie. It is the perfect car for James Bond as it delivers the complete driving experience and bridges the gap between our road and track cars – the DB9 and DBR9. It is equally at home on a twisting mountain circuit as on the open road and we are all very excited at the prospect of seeing it on the big screen again.”
BOND 22 (working title) is scheduled for international theatrical release in November 2008.
Source: James Bond keeps his Aston Martin DBS
11
Dec
Chris Shunk
Chevrolet, Ford, GM, UAW/Unions
Until Detroit automakers signed landmark deals with the UAW that shifted retiree health care costs to the union, it was cheaper to make vehicles in Canada. Government health care saved automakers about $6 per work hour, a savings of over $12,000 a year per worker. Since Ontario produces more vehicles than any state in the Union, that represented huge savings for the Detroit Three. However, after the new deals were struck with the UAW, that advantage has disappeared. To make the situation worse, the loonie has made huge advances over the dollar. At one point you needed $1.61 in Canadian cash to equal one greenback, but new oil wealth for our northern neighbors coupled with a growing US credit crunch have brought the two currencies neck and neck. With Canada’s higher taxes and unfavorable contracts, the northern frontier could soon be the world’s most expensive place to build cars and trucks.
Wards Automotive thinks the CAW will soon start to feel the pinch of Canada’s new economic reality. The publication sees Ontario losing 600,000 units per year by 2012, while Michigan will gain 100,000 units during the same period. With the CAW contracts expiring in 2008, it looks like another opportunity for US automakers to cut labor costs. Since CAW health care is already free, however, there is no magical fund to cut labor costs without taking cash out of worker’s pockets.
[Source: Detroit News]
Source: Canada may become most expensive place to build a car
11
Dec
Damon Lavrinc
SUVs, Japan, HUMMER
Japanese fashionistas are getting a three-ton present from the General this coming spring when it will begin shipping HUMMERs to the Land of the Rising Sun. Martin Walsh, HUMMER’s General Manager, told the Detroit News that despite slow vehicle sales in Japan, the island nation will become another niche player for GM’s iconic off-roader.
Although Walsh remained mum on what models will be making their way across the Pacific, we were surprised during our recent trip to Japan when we saw a few H2s and H3s making the rounds on Japan’s congested motorways. The HX concept revealed yesterday would be an obvious candidate for consumers abroad, and we’re convinced that an H5 kei-car would be a winner if HUMMER ever decided to think small(ish).
[Source: Detroit News]
Source: HUMMER headed to Japan in spring of ‘08
11
Dec
Simona Alina
Filed in: Saleen | ford Mustang | special editions
Saleen revealed the limited edition Patriot Mustang, a tribute to the military servicemen and women who defend the country at home and abroad. They repesent the true pride and strength of America and as America’s premiere niche vehicle manufacturer, Saleen wants to salute them. So, as a way to say welcome home to our troops Saleen will build 24 special edition S281 Supercharged cars in Red, White and Blue (8 vehicles per color).
ENGINE
281 CID (4.6L) 3-Valve SOHC V8, 465 HP @ 5800 RPM, 425 lb-ft TQ @ 4000 RPM, 3.55″ x 3.54″ Bore & Stroke, 39 lb/hr Fuel Injectors, 98 mm MAF, Port Matched Series VI Integrated Twin-Screw Supercharger, Dual-Stage Water-to-Air Intercooler System, Hi-Flow Inlet Tube, Air Box Cover & Filter, PowerFlash tm Performance Calibration, 2.5″ Stainless Steel Center Exhaust System
DRIVETRAIN
5-Speed Manual Transmission, with 8.8″ Differential, 3.31:1 Final Drive, RACECRAFT SUSPENSION, Linear-Rate, Coil Springs (F/R), Sway Bars, 1.38″ with HD Bushings (F) .79″ (R), Front Struts (N2), Rear Shocks (N2), Three-Link, Live Rear Axle with Panhard Rod
BRAKING SYSTEM
Power Assisted 4-Wheel Disc Brakes with ABS, 12.4″ Vented Front Disc Brake System, 11.8″ Vented Rear Disc Brake
WHEELS & TIRES
20″ Chrome Finished Alloy, High Performance Dunlop Tires, Tire Pressure Monitoring System
EXTERIOR
Injection Molded Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO), Front & Rear Fascias, Injection Molded TPO Side Skirts & Door Cladding, Front Grille, Integrated Front Turn Signals, Rear Center Body Panel, Rear Spoiler & End Caps, S281 Supercharged Graphics & Identification, RF Red Saleen Windshield Graphic, RF Red Saleen Bumper Insert, RF Red Serialized Front Bumper, Serialized Engine Bay Plaque, Championship Wreath Graphic
INTERIOR
Leather Performance Driving Seats with Red Stitching, 6-Way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat & Power Lumbar, 6-Gauge Instrument Cluster with 200 MPH Speedometer & MyColor Feature, Chrome Dash Vent Bezels, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Badge, Leather Shift Boot with Red Stitching, Leather-Wrapped Billet Shift Knob & Short-Throw Shifter, Performance Driving Pedals with Driver Foot Brace, Serialized Dash Plaque, S281 Floor Mats & Aluminum Door Sill Plates, Saleen Key Fob, One-Touch Up/Down Power Windows, AM/FM/CD Sound System, Two Power Outlets, Variable-Speed Windshield Wipers, Air Conditioning, Rear Window Defroster, Dual Power Side-View Mirrors, Saleen/Eagle One Detail Kit, Owner’s Document Portfolio & Warranty Guide
SAFETY & SECURITY
Dual-Stage Airbags, Driver’s Seat Position Sensor, Crash Severity Sensor, Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (Latch) Safety Seats, Remote Keyless & Illuminated Entry System 3-Point Safety Belts for All Seating Positions, Side-Impact Door Beams
In addition to a great new commemorative product, active military personnel (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard) purchasing a new ‘06 or ‘07 Saleen from dealer inventory will recieve a $500 cash incentive and a 1 Day performance driving school training (or $1000 cash) to acquaint them with how to handle their new Saleen.
Source: Internal
Source: Saleen Patriot Mustang Limited Edition
11
Dec
We’ve obtained the first official –and totally uncovered- image of the 2009 Skoda Superb sedan that will be presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show next March. According to the teaser release we acquired, Skoda supports that the second-generation Superb is going to offer “a generously-sized interior with a number of smart solutions and technologies”. The Czech carmaker’s flagship model is loosely based on the same architecture as the VW Passat. -Continued after the jump
Unlike the current 4door model, the new Superb will get a more versatile 5door (liftback) layout like the smaller Octavia. Though VW’s Czech subsidiary hasn’t released details yet, the range will most likely consist of the 140 HP 1.4 TSI, 160 HP 1.8 TSI and 200 HP 2.0 TSI gasoline engines and the 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI diesel units with various outputs. Later on, Skoda will probably add a V6 engine option.
Source: 2009 Skoda Superb: First Official Picture