5/31/2008

2008 Audi R8

The innovative R8 supercar from Audi is now available for the first time with full LED headlamps. In addition to the standard Audi-signature 24-LED running lamps it's always had, this extremely expensive option (£3,590 converts to $7,100 USD) adds LED high and low beam headlamps and LED turn signals to the front fascia of the mid-engine sports car.

2008 Audi R8-12008 Audi R8-2The latest craze in automotive lighting, LED bulbs don't utilize a filament like halogen lamps or gas plasma like HID lamps. Instead, they create light from the movement of current across a semi-conductor chip. They are smaller, more vibration resistant, and much more efficient than traditional bulbs. According to Audi, the light from the LEDs has been designed to closely resemble daylight and provides a greater contrast to be easier on the human eye. LED illumination is also designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Audi is no stranger to LED lighting - it first introduced a strip-shaped fog lamp at the Detroit Auto Show back in 2003.

© Source: autoblog
We need your comments below >>

First full-LED headlamp for the Audi R8

Effective immediately, the range of equipment available for the Audi R8 sports car now also includes the first full-LED headlamp. In addition to the daytime running light which now features 24 LEDs per headlamp, light-emitting diodes are also used for the turn signals, the low-beam and the high-beam headlights. The €3,590 option rounds out the list of equipment available for the high-tech, mid-engine sports car.

2008 Edo Competition Maserati MC12

(from Edo Competition Press Release) Specifications:

- Engine V12

- Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm

- Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm

- Performance

- Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)

- 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s

- 0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s

- 0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s


2008 Edo Competition Maserati MC12

Features

- Power increase of 70 horsepower thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, highflow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake system, new carbon fiber airbox like on the Maserati MC12 Corsa, high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration

- Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

- Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

- High-performance ceramic composite brake system with 396 mm (15.6 in.) front rotors and 360 mm (14.2in.) rear rotors, special brake pads front and rear

- Wheels can be custom-painted on request

- Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

- Weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lb)!!

- Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires

front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 and

rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

- New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Maserati MC12 Corsa


© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>

Porsche Panamera Production to Commence April 2009

Latest details of the upcoming Porsche Panamera have surfaced courtesy of Dutch Magazine Autotelegraaf which reports we are likely to see the production for the four-door coupe commence in April 2009, just one month after we expect to see the worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Porsche has confirmed that the Panamera will be built at its Leipzig plant alongside the Cayenne, and word coming from the Germans suggest that maximum production capacity is currently 26,000 units per annum, although this could be limited to 20,000.


There have been so many sighting of a number of Porsche Panamera prototypes spotted around Germany usually sporting very little disguising, therefore when we finally see the unveiling we really won't have much to report about. One question that still remains though is what lies beneath the hood.


Porsche Panamera


Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera


[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

5/30/2008

First full-LED headlamp for the Audi R8

Effective immediately, the range of equipment available for the Audi R8 sports car now also includes the first full-LED headlamp. In addition to the daytime running light which now features 24 LEDs per headlamp, light-emitting diodes are also used for the turn signals, the low-beam and the high-beam headlights. The €3,590 option rounds out the list of equipment available for the high-tech, mid-engine sports car.

2008 Edo Competition Maserati MC12

(from Edo Competition Press Release) Specifications:

- Engine V12

- Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm

- Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm

- Performance

- Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)

- 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s

- 0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s

- 0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s


2008 Edo Competition Maserati MC12

Features

- Power increase of 70 horsepower thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, highflow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake system, new carbon fiber airbox like on the Maserati MC12 Corsa, high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration

- Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

- Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

- High-performance ceramic composite brake system with 396 mm (15.6 in.) front rotors and 360 mm (14.2in.) rear rotors, special brake pads front and rear

- Wheels can be custom-painted on request

- Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

- Weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lb)!!

- Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires

front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 and

rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

- New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Maserati MC12 Corsa


© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>

First full-LED headlamp for the Audi R8

Effective immediately, the range of equipment available for the Audi R8 sports car now also includes the first full-LED headlamp. In addition to the daytime running light which now features 24 LEDs per headlamp, light-emitting diodes are also used for the turn signals, the low-beam and the high-beam headlights. The €3,590 option rounds out the list of equipment available for the high-tech, mid-engine sports car.

Porsche Panamera Production to Commence April 2009

Latest details of the upcoming Porsche Panamera have surfaced courtesy of Dutch Magazine Autotelegraaf which reports we are likely to see the production for the four-door coupe commence in April 2009, just one month after we expect to see the worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Porsche has confirmed that the Panamera will be built at its Leipzig plant alongside the Cayenne, and word coming from the Germans suggest that maximum production capacity is currently 26,000 units per annum, although this could be limited to 20,000.


There have been so many sighting of a number of Porsche Panamera prototypes spotted around Germany usually sporting very little disguising, therefore when we finally see the unveiling we really won't have much to report about. One question that still remains though is what lies beneath the hood.


Porsche Panamera


Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera


[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

2008 Edo Competition Maserati MC12

(from Edo Competition Press Release) Specifications:

- Engine V12

- Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm

- Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm

- Performance

- Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)

- 0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s

- 0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s

- 0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s


2008 Edo Competition Maserati MC12

Features

- Power increase of 70 horsepower thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, highflow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake system, new carbon fiber airbox like on the Maserati MC12 Corsa, high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration

- Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

- Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

- High-performance ceramic composite brake system with 396 mm (15.6 in.) front rotors and 360 mm (14.2in.) rear rotors, special brake pads front and rear

- Wheels can be custom-painted on request

- Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

- Weight reduction of 100 kg (220 lb)!!

- Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires

front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19 and

rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

- New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Maserati MC12 Corsa


© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>

5/29/2008

Porsche Panamera Production to Commence April 2009

Latest details of the upcoming Porsche Panamera have surfaced courtesy of Dutch Magazine Autotelegraaf which reports we are likely to see the production for the four-door coupe commence in April 2009, just one month after we expect to see the worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Porsche has confirmed that the Panamera will be built at its Leipzig plant alongside the Cayenne, and word coming from the Germans suggest that maximum production capacity is currently 26,000 units per annum, although this could be limited to 20,000.


There have been so many sighting of a number of Porsche Panamera prototypes spotted around Germany usually sporting very little disguising, therefore when we finally see the unveiling we really won't have much to report about. One question that still remains though is what lies beneath the hood.


Porsche Panamera


Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera


[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

2008 Mazda CX-9 Review

Making a great thing even better is a wonderful thing indeed -- like adding Al Pacino to the Ocean's 11 cast or plugging Alex Rodriguez into the Yankees lineup. After only one year in production, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 can now be included on that "great things made better" list along with Al, A-Rod and Diet Coke with lemon.

2008 Mazda CX-9 -12008 Mazda CX-9 -2Last year's CX-9 featured a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that we described as having "strong pull through the midrange, as well as impressive smoothness and a sporty sound when the whip is cracked." It also brought the CX-9 from zero to 60 mph in a tidy 7.7 seconds, which was very quick for its class. In other words, this was an engine that didn't need to be replaced. Mazda did it anyway. The 2008 CX-9 features a bored-out version of the "old" engine shared with the Ford Edge and other Ford family products, resulting in a 3.7-liter displacement, 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new engine, and its transmission, is also now built in Japan rather than in the United States.

Aside from its engine, the CX-9 remains the same. It still boasts a very spacious interior, including a third-row seat that is legitimately habitable for adults, with relatively easy ingress and egress made possible by a fold-and-slide second row. That interior is also elegantly tailored in any of the three trim levels, with an attractive dash design, high feature content and excellent materials. Best of all, the CX-9 sets itself apart with superb handling that makes this 4,500-pound sport-utility feel like a much smaller vehicle. Just because this is the largest vehicle Mazda has ever produced doesn't mean it lacks that zoom-zoom attitude.

The seven-passenger midsize crossover segment is expanding faster than Donald Trump's ego. An all-new Toyota Highlander and forthcoming all-new Honda Pilot should make things harder for the 2008 Mazda CX-9, which already has been greeted with three formidable opponents from GM's Buick, GMC and Saturn divisions. Yet this Mazda's ability to meld real utility, sharp good looks, excellent quality and a fun-to-drive personality make it a very tough package to beat.

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

Porsche Panamera Production to Commence April 2009

Latest details of the upcoming Porsche Panamera have surfaced courtesy of Dutch Magazine Autotelegraaf which reports we are likely to see the production for the four-door coupe commence in April 2009, just one month after we expect to see the worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show.

Porsche has confirmed that the Panamera will be built at its Leipzig plant alongside the Cayenne, and word coming from the Germans suggest that maximum production capacity is currently 26,000 units per annum, although this could be limited to 20,000.


There have been so many sighting of a number of Porsche Panamera prototypes spotted around Germany usually sporting very little disguising, therefore when we finally see the unveiling we really won't have much to report about. One question that still remains though is what lies beneath the hood.


Porsche Panamera


Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera Porsche Panamera


[Source: Autotelegraaf.nl]

Long Term Arrival: 2008 Honda Accord EX-L

Ever since it made its debut over 30 years ago, the Honda Accord has arguably been the best vehicle in its class, providing a roomy, well-appointed interior; sporty yet smooth driving characteristics; and a price tag and fuel economy that were easy on the wallet. Now in its eighth generation, the Honda Accord is longer, wider, taller, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient than its predecessor-traits that every buyer of a midsize family sedan can appreciate, certainly if the family is growing as quickly as gas prices are rising. With that in mind, we added to our long-term fleet a topline 2008 EX-L V-6 sedan, replete with Honda's fuel-saving Variable Cylinder Management system, to determine if the Accord's step up in size and technology will keep it at the top of its class after 12 months of rigorous duty.

Our fully loaded EX-L V-6 came with one option, satellite-linked navigation, which raised the sticker price to just under $31,000. As many in the car world know, Honda doesn't offer options as much as it does trim levels-for the Accord, that translates to LX, LX Premium, EX, EX-L, EX V-6, and EX-L V-6. With our premium trim came premium equipment, including a leather-trimmed interior, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, four-way power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, 270-watt premium stereo with six-CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, and HomeLink remote system.

2008 Honda Accord


Once we broke in the Accord's 3.5-liter V-6, we subjected it to our standard battery of instrumented testing. At the dragstrip, the Honda sprinted from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds and clipped the quarter mile in 15.0 at 94.1 mph. Further, our EX-L V-6 proved it could turn as well as it could sprint: Through the figure-eight handling exercise, it recorded a time of 27.4 at 0.64 g, boasting sustained lateral acceleration of 0.81 g.

With just over 6000 miles on the odometer, the Accord is quickly racking up comments in the logbook. Most postings praise the larger, more comfortable interior, while others lament the dash's busy and confusing center stack, whose sea of gray buttons is proving frustrating to our editors.

That said, we look forward to the Accord's extended stay with us, a year-long affair that will allow us to appreciate all a family sedan can offer.

2008 Mazda CX-9 Review

Making a great thing even better is a wonderful thing indeed -- like adding Al Pacino to the Ocean's 11 cast or plugging Alex Rodriguez into the Yankees lineup. After only one year in production, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 can now be included on that "great things made better" list along with Al, A-Rod and Diet Coke with lemon.

2008 Mazda CX-9 -12008 Mazda CX-9 -2Last year's CX-9 featured a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that we described as having "strong pull through the midrange, as well as impressive smoothness and a sporty sound when the whip is cracked." It also brought the CX-9 from zero to 60 mph in a tidy 7.7 seconds, which was very quick for its class. In other words, this was an engine that didn't need to be replaced. Mazda did it anyway. The 2008 CX-9 features a bored-out version of the "old" engine shared with the Ford Edge and other Ford family products, resulting in a 3.7-liter displacement, 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new engine, and its transmission, is also now built in Japan rather than in the United States.

Aside from its engine, the CX-9 remains the same. It still boasts a very spacious interior, including a third-row seat that is legitimately habitable for adults, with relatively easy ingress and egress made possible by a fold-and-slide second row. That interior is also elegantly tailored in any of the three trim levels, with an attractive dash design, high feature content and excellent materials. Best of all, the CX-9 sets itself apart with superb handling that makes this 4,500-pound sport-utility feel like a much smaller vehicle. Just because this is the largest vehicle Mazda has ever produced doesn't mean it lacks that zoom-zoom attitude.

The seven-passenger midsize crossover segment is expanding faster than Donald Trump's ego. An all-new Toyota Highlander and forthcoming all-new Honda Pilot should make things harder for the 2008 Mazda CX-9, which already has been greeted with three formidable opponents from GM's Buick, GMC and Saturn divisions. Yet this Mazda's ability to meld real utility, sharp good looks, excellent quality and a fun-to-drive personality make it a very tough package to beat.

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

5/28/2008

Honda creates UK’s first ever truly live TV ad

Honda (UK) will stage Britain’s first ever truly live TV advertisement this Thursday evening (29 May) on Channel 4. The three minute live spot – which airs at 8.10pm – will be shown in real-time with no special effects, demonstrating the ‘Difficult Is Worth Doing’ philosophy of Honda’s marketing campaign for its new Accord car.

PPI Returns to Roots with Second Gen PS TT

PPI and WCF have a little bit of history together. Back in 2004 when WCF was still operating as GermanCarFans.com, we were the first to give coverage to a small new tuning firm from Germany who's first product was based on the first generation Audi TT, known as the PPI RS TT. The RS TT went on to become a top seller and the foundation for the success of this Audi tuning specialist from Swabia, Germany. Over the past 4 years PPI has evolved with a suite of products covering the entire Audi range. Their latest product, which was first shown in Essen this past December, now follows up on this success story, with the second generation named, PS TT.


In addition to the lift-reducing body kit, one standout feature is the windscreen spoiler. Take it or leave it, the rest of the package is quite tasteful consisting of a front apron, side skirts and rear fascia with integrated carbon fiber rear fascia diffuser, and rear spoiler.

Audi RS TT

Performance kit I for the 2.0 liter turbo FSI engine bumps output up to 180 kW / 245 bhp at 5100
rp. and 366 Nm torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm. 100 km/h (62 mph)arrives in 6.3 seconds which is 0.3 second faster than the stock TT. The PS TT is capable of a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
See press release below for additional interior and suspension upgrades.
Audi RS TT Audi RS TT Audi RS TT Audi RS TT

[Source: PPI]

2008 Mazda CX-9 Review

Making a great thing even better is a wonderful thing indeed -- like adding Al Pacino to the Ocean's 11 cast or plugging Alex Rodriguez into the Yankees lineup. After only one year in production, the 2008 Mazda CX-9 can now be included on that "great things made better" list along with Al, A-Rod and Diet Coke with lemon.

2008 Mazda CX-9 -12008 Mazda CX-9 -2Last year's CX-9 featured a 263-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that we described as having "strong pull through the midrange, as well as impressive smoothness and a sporty sound when the whip is cracked." It also brought the CX-9 from zero to 60 mph in a tidy 7.7 seconds, which was very quick for its class. In other words, this was an engine that didn't need to be replaced. Mazda did it anyway. The 2008 CX-9 features a bored-out version of the "old" engine shared with the Ford Edge and other Ford family products, resulting in a 3.7-liter displacement, 273 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new engine, and its transmission, is also now built in Japan rather than in the United States.

Aside from its engine, the CX-9 remains the same. It still boasts a very spacious interior, including a third-row seat that is legitimately habitable for adults, with relatively easy ingress and egress made possible by a fold-and-slide second row. That interior is also elegantly tailored in any of the three trim levels, with an attractive dash design, high feature content and excellent materials. Best of all, the CX-9 sets itself apart with superb handling that makes this 4,500-pound sport-utility feel like a much smaller vehicle. Just because this is the largest vehicle Mazda has ever produced doesn't mean it lacks that zoom-zoom attitude.

The seven-passenger midsize crossover segment is expanding faster than Donald Trump's ego. An all-new Toyota Highlander and forthcoming all-new Honda Pilot should make things harder for the 2008 Mazda CX-9, which already has been greeted with three formidable opponents from GM's Buick, GMC and Saturn divisions. Yet this Mazda's ability to meld real utility, sharp good looks, excellent quality and a fun-to-drive personality make it a very tough package to beat.

© Source: edmunds
We need your comments below >>

Euro NCAP awards 5/4/3 star rating to new Ford Kuga

In the latest phase of Euro NCAP safety tests the all-new Ford Kuga compact crossover has achieved the best combination of star ratings, placing the car at the top of the table in the Euro NCAP Small Off-road 4x4 group. Awarded the maximum five stars for Adult Occupant Protection, this rating is enhanced by four stars for Child Occupant Protection and three stars for Pedestrian Protection.

Renault unveiled Laguna Coupe at Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix

In keeping with the style and seduction of its latest creation, Renault chose the most glamorous weekend in Europe’s social calendar to take the wraps off of the Laguna Coupé at the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix.

PPI Returns to Roots with Second Gen PS TT

PPI and WCF have a little bit of history together. Back in 2004 when WCF was still operating as GermanCarFans.com, we were the first to give coverage to a small new tuning firm from Germany who's first product was based on the first generation Audi TT, known as the PPI RS TT. The RS TT went on to become a top seller and the foundation for the success of this Audi tuning specialist from Swabia, Germany. Over the past 4 years PPI has evolved with a suite of products covering the entire Audi range. Their latest product, which was first shown in Essen this past December, now follows up on this success story, with the second generation named, PS TT.


In addition to the lift-reducing body kit, one standout feature is the windscreen spoiler. Take it or leave it, the rest of the package is quite tasteful consisting of a front apron, side skirts and rear fascia with integrated carbon fiber rear fascia diffuser, and rear spoiler.

Audi RS TT

Performance kit I for the 2.0 liter turbo FSI engine bumps output up to 180 kW / 245 bhp at 5100
rp. and 366 Nm torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm. 100 km/h (62 mph)arrives in 6.3 seconds which is 0.3 second faster than the stock TT. The PS TT is capable of a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
See press release below for additional interior and suspension upgrades.
Audi RS TT Audi RS TT Audi RS TT Audi RS TT

[Source: PPI]

5/27/2008

2008 Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo

(from Edo Competition Press Release) Specifications

Engine V12
Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm
Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm

Performance
Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s
0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s

2008 Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo-12008 Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo-2Features
- Power increased to about 700 hp thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX,
high-flow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake with ram-air system,
high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration

- Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

- Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

- Wheels can be custom-painted on request

- Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheel
Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

- Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires
Front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19
Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

- New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)

- New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX.

© Source: seriouswheels
We need your comments below >>

Renault unveiled Laguna Coupe at Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix

In keeping with the style and seduction of its latest creation, Renault chose the most glamorous weekend in Europe’s social calendar to take the wraps off of the Laguna Coupé at the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix.

'No Limit' attitude by Edo edges MC12 closer to Enzo

Ferrari Enzo based Maserati MC12 has undergone a minor surgery in Edo Competition's clinic, and the results don't come as a surprise. The MC12's earlier brushes with Edo resulted in increased power output, fancy color schemes, higher efficiency brakes.

2008 Toyota Yaris Rush

With 22 rivals in the light-car segment and the new Mazda2 taking some of the limelight away from Toyota’s Yaris, the Japanese giant has announced a special-edition Yaris RUSH model to give buyers a reason to come back to the Big T.

Not that Toyota needs to be worried, so far this year the Yaris has been the best selling light-car in Australia. Toyota has held this title with the Yaris and Echo for the last five years, but it never hurts to be more competitive.

2008 Toyota Yaris Rush-12008 Toyota Yaris Rush-2Available for a limited time, Yaris RUSH is essentially a YR 5-door hatch with more than $1000 worth of added specification for $500.

The 14-inch steel wheels are replaced with 15-inch alloys from the more expensive YRX model and the standard single CD player has given way to a six-stack system with Bluetooth connectivity and added foglamps. Buyers also receive “Yaris”-branded mats and a special-edition badge.

Standard features of the YR model include twin front airbags, air-conditioning, anti-skid brakes, power windows and mirrors, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters for the front seats and power steering.

Unfortunately buyers still need to pay an extra $750 for side and curtain airbags. Metallic paint is also an additional $300. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder Yaris is priced from $16,890 for the five-speed manual and $18,390 for the four-speed automatic.

© Source: caradvice
We need your comments below >>

EDO Competition tweaks Ferrari Enzo to 700 hp

Edo Competition has no qualms about taking positively perfect exotic machinery and tweaking it to suit customer's tastes. And when it comes to the paragon of rolling automotive masterworks, the Ferrari Enzo is arguably King of the Hill.

While the Enzo isn't lacking in either the power or appearance department, that hasn't stopped Edo from making some subtle changes to the Enzo's exterior and powertrain. Edo began by replacing the intake with a revised ram-air system and a set of high-flow air filters, then worked its magic downstream with a set of headers similar to those in the FXX, along with a duo of high-flowing cats and a new exhaust system with remote-controlled, butterfly valves that allow the sound levels to be adjusted on the fly. All those bits are tuned through a modified ECU to produce 700 hp and 527 lb.-ft. of torque, which is sent through a heavy-duty clutch and on down to a retuned stock transmission that replicates the shift times of the FXX.

The Enzo's factory rolling stock has been replaced with 19x10-inch wheels in front and 20x13-inch wheels in the rear, wrapped in Michelin tires sized 265/35 R19 and 335/30 R20, respectively. The wheels can be custom painted to the customer's specs and a new suspension package, with adjustable compression and rebound, has been developed to mimic the setup found on the FIA GT MC12.

Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition


Edo claims that the sprint from 0 to 62 mph is estimated at 3.5 seconds and that the run from rest to 186 mph is dropped to 22 seconds flat. All the specs are available in the press release after the jump.

Specifications
Engine V12
Power est. 700 hp (514 kW) at 8200 rpm
Max. torque est. 715 Nm (527 ft-lb) at 5800 rpm
Performance

Top speed > 370 km/h (230 mph)
0 – 100 km/h (0 – 62 mph) est. 3.5s
0 – 200 km/h (0 – 124 mph) est. 9.5s
0 – 300 km/h (0 – 186 mph) est. 22.0s

Features
Power increased to about 700 hp thanks to new exhaust headers like on the Ferrari FXX, high-flow catalytic converter, performance muffler, modified intake with ram-air system, high-flow air filters and ECU recalibration




  • Stainless steel muffler with adjustable remote-controlled butterfly-valve, new exhaust tips

  • Exhaust sound level adjustable at the push of a button

  • Wheels can be custom-painted on request

  • Tire pressure monitoring system displaying air pressure and tire temperature for each wheel

  • Sport suspension for the road with adjustable compression and rebound damping like on the FIA GT MC12. Nose lift functionality is retained.

  • Special lightweight wheels with Michelin tires

  • Front: 10 x 19 with 265/35 ZR 19

  • Rear: 13 x 20 with 335/30 ZR 20

  • New high-performance clutch. Extremely lightweight. Two different friction compounds selectable (strada/pista)

  • New transmission control unit. Same shift times as on the Ferrari FXX


[Source: Edo Competition via WCF]

Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition

Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition Ferrari Enzo by Edo Competition

5/26/2008

2008 Toyota Yaris Rush

With 22 rivals in the light-car segment and the new Mazda2 taking some of the limelight away from Toyota’s Yaris, the Japanese giant has announced a special-edition Yaris RUSH model to give buyers a reason to come back to the Big T.

Not that Toyota needs to be worried, so far this year the Yaris has been the best selling light-car in Australia. Toyota has held this title with the Yaris and Echo for the last five years, but it never hurts to be more competitive.

2008 Toyota Yaris Rush-12008 Toyota Yaris Rush-2Available for a limited time, Yaris RUSH is essentially a YR 5-door hatch with more than $1000 worth of added specification for $500.

The 14-inch steel wheels are replaced with 15-inch alloys from the more expensive YRX model and the standard single CD player has given way to a six-stack system with Bluetooth connectivity and added foglamps. Buyers also receive “Yaris”-branded mats and a special-edition badge.

Standard features of the YR model include twin front airbags, air-conditioning, anti-skid brakes, power windows and mirrors, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters for the front seats and power steering.

Unfortunately buyers still need to pay an extra $750 for side and curtain airbags. Metallic paint is also an additional $300. The 1.3-litre four-cylinder Yaris is priced from $16,890 for the five-speed manual and $18,390 for the four-speed automatic.

© Source: caradvice
We need your comments below >>