mardi 30 juin 2009
Mercedes S500
The world’s most popular luxury car just got better! Four years after launch, Mercedes has taken the flagship S-Class even further upmarket.
The exterior tweaks – limited to a sharper grille, exhausts incorporated into the rear bumper and LED lights – won’t get much attention. Stealth is the name of the game here, and it’s inside where the S-Class delivers. Swathed in leather and wood, the cabin rivals most living rooms for comfort. And, as usual, Mercedes has managed to cram in plenty of hi-tech kit.
One highlight is SPLITVIEW, the centre console display which allows the driver to use the sat-nav while the front-seat passenger can watch a movie! There are also dozens of new and revised driver aids, such as Disctronic Plus active cruise control, which keeps you a set distance from the car in front, and Attention Assist, which monitors your driving for signs of drowsiness.
The S500 impresses as a driver’s car, too. Air-suspension makes the ride silky-smooth, and for all its weight and width it corners well, thanks to its Torque Vectoring Brake system, which reduces understeer by braking the inner rear wheel in bends.
The engine is near-silent at cruising speeds, but if you bury the throttle, the seven-speed auto kicks down quickly to bring the V8 roaring to life – so overtaking is effortless. The S500’s high running costs mean the S350 CDI diesel will be a better bet. However, compared to models such as the Bentley Flying Spur, it offers relatively decent value for money.
Mercedes SL600
No matter what you are used to driving, nothing prepares you for Mercedes' latest autobahn crusher. The SL is one of the finest cars in the world, and now, with the S-Class's bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet, it is literally breathtaking.
No matter what you are used to driving, nothing prepares you for Mercedes' latest autobahn crusher. The SL is one of the finest cars in the world, and now, with the S-Class's bi-turbo V12 under the bonnet, it is literally breathtaking.
Start up the SL600 and the dozen cylinders burst into life before settling to a near-silent idle. Dawdle around town, or use only the first two inches of throttle pedal travel, and the SL is as tame as a pampered poodle. But bury the accelerator into the carpet and the standard-fit traction control is called upon to curb the inevitable wheelspin. Once the enormous tyres bite, be prepared for brutal acceleration.
Getting from 0-60mph takes only 4.7 seconds, but it's in the mid-range where this flagship model will leave virtually any other car floundering in its wake. Key to the SL's new-found grunt is the 5.5-litre bi-turbo V12 unit, which delivers 500bhp and 800Nm of torque - that's 23 per cent more pulling power than the McLaren F1.
Fantastic Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, and European test drivers have shown that that it's possible to reach more than twice the UK motorway speed limit in 20 seconds. OK, so there are faster two-seat convertibles available, but there's none with the all-round abilities of the SL. Fantastic cruising comfort, luxury and fine handling combine with the V12 power to create one of the greatest money-no-object long-distance supercars.
The list price for the generously equipped SL600 is £95,440, making the car £25,825 more expensive than an SL500, and £4,095 dearer than the supercharged SL55 version - so is it worth the extra money?
On the UK's crowded roads, the V8-powered SL500 is fast enough for most drivers, but the 600 offers the kind of performance normally associated with supercars costing at least £150,000. The SL might not have the best packaging, nor does it deliver the kind of thrilling handling offered by a Ferrari, but it looks stunning and is difficult to better for straight-line speed.
Sleepers: Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
Sleepers: Audi A4 2.0T Quattro
$32,700 The latest version of the Audi A4 is at last bigger inside, meaning that both front- and rear-seat passengers enjoy more legroom and head room. The A4 also delivers 23 combined fuel economy (a bit better than BMW's AWD 328xi) and it's also about $4,000 less expensive than that BMW. And while this reviewer tends to be partial to manual gearboxes, the Audi's smooth six-speed is a delight, and has a decent manual option, which is very handy for grabbing a passing gear. Also a joy: This latest Audi's suspension and steering are sporty without being punishing. In all, the A4 is nudging up very close to BMW 3-series territory, and given that it's now roomier, in some ways it's already better.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/12/1210_recession_proof_cars/7.htm
Recession-Proof Cars
Lincoln MKX
$37,335 The MKX is the upscale stablemate to the Ford Edge. As such, it delivers on feeling posh, although the $10,000 premium for the Lincoln may not be worth it to some buyers. Either way, what's offered here is smart, with a roomier cabin than competitors like Infiniti's FX, a very comfortable ride, and a quiet, six-speed transmission—although the V-6 could be snappier. One recommendation: Save gas by opting for front- rather than all-wheel drive unless you live where it snows all winter.
Recession-Proof Cars
Gold Standards: Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec
$52,900 Mercedes has been doing diesels for a very long time, and its latest cars are absolute freight trains—with none of the rattling and smoking people associate with diesels of old. While the Bluetec isn't the fastest E-Class, it'll hit 60 mph in under seven seconds, and its highway passing power is tremendous, with 400 ft. lbs. of torque at a very low engine speed. The mileage (23/32) is far better than the 17/24 of the E-350 and will likely make the higher cost of diesel fuel pay for itself in a short period of time. Also important to note is that diesels tend to last much longer than gas engines, so this becomes a wiser buy the longer you intend to hold onto the car. The cabin of the E-Class feels elegant and airy, like a richly furnished room; the driving experience is luxurious and confident. The emphasis is on everything being smooth, so the seven-speed transmission is quiet and unobtrusive, while the suspension is firm but not sporty.
How NAC came up with the prototye MG SUV design
There was an article on a Chinese spyshot website today, China Car Times frequents that site looking for info on the latest cars, its not the best but it does the job. Today there was an article detailing how NAC came up with the design for the prototype picture they showed of an SUV:
The inspiration seems to have come from both a Chinese, and foreign sources. The Chinese fountain of inspiration seems to come from the Qi Lin. The Qi Lin is a mythical beast in Chinese mythology, a mix of two beasts. The foreign source is none other than an architect named Zaha Hadid, this guy/girl/person creates buildings, but once had a stab at making furniture, he/she created a chaise called the crest (we have no idea what they are either, we are simple folk - it looks like a golden pooh to us) you can see it here (or below), apparently it costs between 7 and 20,000 USD.
The Top 5 Dream Cars
Nowadays, it is unimaginable to go in life without a car. It has become a necessity of modern life where most are finding it hard to commute. Mostly, cars are ideal for family use. It is a compulsion for them to own a car instantly since dropping children at school, visiting the markets for shopping, and taking family travels would be more convenient.
If you are one of those who are pressured to get a car, let me give you the top five dream cars sourced from askmen.com. This will keep you updated with the latest trends on car that most people are dreaming and going crazy about.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead
This is the world’s largest convertible that gained the most votes, making it the king of the countdown. Its every panel has been reworked except for the hand-molded aluminum space frame case that is in accord with the base phantom. This has, a 10-inch shorter wheelbase and a slightly better tuned direct injection, 6.7 liter, V12, provoking 453 horsepower, mated to a six speed ZF gear.
Audi R8
Since then, the R8’s exceptional performance and visual prowess are recognized, making it the top 2 dream cars. This has already outdone the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, Aston Martin Vantage and the BMW M6 with a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds, a quarter mile run of 12.5 seconds a 113.2 mph, and a max speed of 187 mph.
Bentley Brooklands
The Brookland was initially inaugurated in 1992, and its second coming made it to the top 3 dream cars. It returned in the form of a two door, four seat coupe and with more powerful engine. This has a six-speed auto-stick as the powerplant is a dual turbocharged, 6.75 liter, 8 cylinder, which tallies 530 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque.
Aston Martin DBS
This is originated from the 2+2 setup DB9 and was presented in a two seat coupe to go up against with its origin. The DBS was welded with a bonded chassis made of aluminum, lightweight magnesium alloy and carbon fiber composite and was marked as the first commercially produced vehicle to incorporate such a considerable use of of carbon fiber body panels. Making it to the top 4, this has six speed manual transmission and $265,000 sticker.
Lexus IS-F
This is crafted on a highly modified skeleton of the IS 250 and 350 sedans. It utilizes an aluminum block, 32valve, DOHC, 5.0 liter V8, with an intelligent variable valve timing configuration and direct to cylinder injection with secondary port injectors, amassing 416 horsepower and more than 370 lb-ft of torque. Aside from this, its aesthetics that includes a bulging hood, sleek front fenders and vents, rear deck spoiler and quad tail afterburners are also the basis why this IS-F made it to the top 5.
Whatever is your dream car or the car that you currently own, you want to have them or you already have them because it necessitates on your way of living. Be it a family car or a sports car, it is more thrilling if you are diving the latest cars that most people dream for, such as those models listed above. They do not only have the most appealing look for they are designed to meet rigorous emission levels for pollution. And cars that are fuel efficient means optimum engine performance that you can never imagine.
2008 Saturn Aura
The Saturn Aura’s launch last year was significant signalling a desire for this General Motors division…
The Saturn Aura’s launch last year was significant, signalling a desire for this General Motors division to lead the way. The base Aura XE comes with your choice of a 2.4-litre four or a 219-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 with four-speed automatic transmission. The premium XR has a 252-h.p. 3.6-litre four-cam V-6 and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Aura Green Line hybrid combines the four-cylinder gas engine with a helper electric motor for a calculated increase in fuel economy of about 25 per cent over the base four-cylinder gas-only model. Content includes climate control, power adjustable driver’s seat, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, six airbags, traction control and a one-year subscription to OnStar. gm.ca
Source[canada.com]
2008 Mini Clubman
The Clubman isn’t radically different from our beloved Cooper that was redesigned for 2007 – it’s just…
The Clubman isn’t radically different from the Mini Cooper — it’s just bigger. The additional wheelbase translates to more rear passenger room. In back, double swing-out doors replace the Cooper’s hatch and a small passenger-side rear doorlet is aimed at improving access to the rear seating. A 118-horsepower 1.6-litre four-cylinder is standard; turbocharged 175-h.p. version can be had in the S models. Both are bolted to six-speed manual transmissions or optional six-speed automatics. The Clubman’s rear seats can be ordered in bucket-seat fashion to fit two, or a bench for three. The rear seatbacks fold forward for increased cargo room. www.mini.ca
2008 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has grown up in size, shape and substance for 2008.
The Honda Accord has grown in size, shape and substance for 2008. This flagship model is a great passenger car — confirmed by the Accord EX winning the 2008 “Best New Family Car” title from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada. The looks have been sharpened and the car is roomier than ever. There are new suspension components, lower centre of gravity and new engine mounts. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, and the sedan gets a 177-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder, while the coupe’s is tweaked to 190 h.p. A 268-h.p. 3.5-litre V-6 is optional. Honda’s Variable Cylinder Management, on V-6 automatic-transmission models, allows the engine to use three, four or all six cylinders depending on load.www.honda.ca
2008 Ford Taurus
For the Taurus transformation, the former Five Hundred receives a bolder look highlighted by a grille…
The Taurus is back. Known as the Five Hundred in recent years, the car gets a bolder look inspired by Ford’s smaller Fusion sedan. The hood has been restyled, taillights are new and side mirrors have been reshaped to reduce wind noise. The engine is attached to the body structure with vibration-reducing hydraulic mounts. The Taurus’s 263-horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 should hold its own against the competition. For 2008, the only available transmission will be a six-speed automatic. Both sedan and wagon arrive in SEL and higher Limited trim levels. Beyond all-wheel drive, the options list for both models is highlighted by power-adjustable pedals, reverse warning system and a power moonroof. www.ford.ca
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
This new Malibu is better in every way, beginning with a highly detailed dual grille, rounded-off hood…
Chevrolet has its style groove back. This new Malibu — named the 2008 North American Car of the Year — begins with a highly detailed dual grille, rounded-off hood and deftly formed fenders, roofline and rear deck. The cabin includes a prominent control panel flanked by recessed gauges. The new Malibu is longer, which translates into more room and an improved ride. The base engine is a 164-horsepower 2.4-litre four-cylinder; a 252-h.p. 3.6-litre V-6 is optional. The Malibu Hybrid combines an electric motor with the 2.4-cylinder base engine. Expect LS units to come with the usual air/tilt/power grouping, six airbags and ABS. The LT and LTZ add more features with a larger sunroof and premium audio. gm.ca
vendredi 26 juin 2009
Record : Neiman Marcus M6 sells out in under 2 minutes
Neiman Marcus’ 50 special edition BMW M6 coupes, which went on sale from 12.00pm yesterday, sold out in a mere one minute, thirty-two seconds. This latest car is just another “must-have” automobile in a long list of limited-edition cars from the retailer, whose previous models included the hybrid Lexus GS 450h, a BMW 645Ci and even the GMC Suburban Sony edition.
Neiman Marcus, the brand referred to sometimes as “Needless Markup” because if its high prices, managed to move all 50 units at $139,000 a piece, with most of the orders coming thorough the jammed phone lines.
On top of the 507bhp Formula 1 inspired 5.0L V10, the special edition M6 comes with a unique interior and even includes a trip to the German factory to take personal delivery of the car
Source : http://www.motorauthority.com
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