I was going to put up a review about the 2010 Ford Fusion, but it was just too boring to discuss a mid-sized car today for me. Especially how ordinary they all are, and the Fusion even though re-designed, just didn't give me a fuzzy feeling today to talk about it while I'm sitting in a New Orleans hotel.
The 2010 Fod Mustang V6 Premium Convertible, however? Certainly a little more lively. Those who have driven it are calling it the best Mustang yet. Now that is pretty bold, as this car has been around since about 800 years before I was born.
The newest iteration of the venerable pony car is the best yet. While not as major a change as in 2005, when the long-running "Fox" platform that signaled the resurrection of the real Mustang in 1979 finally gave way to an all-new architecture, the 2010 Mustang refines the 2005-09 version inside and out.
The exterior changes clean up the Mustang's looks a bit, but the real news is inside. An interior restyling and additional soundproofing add civility without making it too civilized. It's still a Mustang, after all - but you can put your friends in the back seat and they'll still be your friends. And there's a useful trunk -- even in the convertible.
As it has been for a while now, the Mustang lineup is coupe or convertible, with V6 or V8 power in front driving a solid rear axle through a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 4.0-liter V6 is unchanged, and with 210 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque is nearly as potent as the original 4.6-liter V8 back in 1996. V8 buyers now get most of the "Bullitt" package as standard equipment, meaning 315 horsepower and 325 lb-ft, plus short-throw linkage for the stick and a polished aluminum shift knob. Both engines run on unleaded regular gasoline. full review
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
2009 Frankfort Motor Show: Volkswagon Reveals Zero-emmission concept, E-Up!
Volkswagon has given the spectators at the 2009 Frankfort Motor show something rather intirguing t o take in. A completely new zero-emissions vehicle called the E-Up!, giving viewers reason to feel a bit more comfortable lounging in their patio chairs.
It is powered by an electric motor with the capability of delivering a peak of 81 PS (54 PS constant) and 154 lbs/ft of torque channelling drive through the front wheels, the E-Up! can accelerate to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 84 mph.
The E-Up! weighs just 1,085 kg. This figure includes the lithium-ion batteries powering the vehicle accounting for 240 kg of this total. Pretty amazing weight total considering that the batteries alone account for over 20% of the total weight.
The batteries have a capacity of 18 kWh which allows a theoretical range of over 80 miles. Through the use of proposed public charging stations 80 per cent of the vehicle’s battery capacity can be made available within an hour. Using a 230-volt domestic system would require a charging time of around five hours. This process is aided by a series of solar panels measuring 1.4 square metres mounted on the roof.
On unveiling the E-Up! Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group said: ‘Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue to be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in coming years. And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive technology, visually and in terms of size.’
It is powered by an electric motor with the capability of delivering a peak of 81 PS (54 PS constant) and 154 lbs/ft of torque channelling drive through the front wheels, the E-Up! can accelerate to 62 mph in 11.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 84 mph.
The E-Up! weighs just 1,085 kg. This figure includes the lithium-ion batteries powering the vehicle accounting for 240 kg of this total. Pretty amazing weight total considering that the batteries alone account for over 20% of the total weight.
The batteries have a capacity of 18 kWh which allows a theoretical range of over 80 miles. Through the use of proposed public charging stations 80 per cent of the vehicle’s battery capacity can be made available within an hour. Using a 230-volt domestic system would require a charging time of around five hours. This process is aided by a series of solar panels measuring 1.4 square metres mounted on the roof.
On unveiling the E-Up! Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Group said: ‘Cars with pure petrol and diesel engines – which in the foreseeable future will continue to be unbeatable for mid- to long-range distances – will be supplemented by cars like the E-Up! in coming years. And that will happen starting in 2013. The concept now being presented in Frankfurt very realistically shows how we envision such a Volkswagen with pure electric drive technology, visually and in terms of size.’
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Maserati GranCabrio, GranTurismo MC Trofeo Unveiled
Time to look at a couple bad ass sports cars. Maserati unveiled two of their creations at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Maserati GranCabrio (Video below) and the GranTurismo MC.
The GranCabrio is the first four-seater convertible in the history of Maserati. The GranCabrio – the third prong of the Trident – completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio – sedan, coupe and convertible.
In addition they showcased the The Maserati Quattroporte with 4.2 liter engine, The Maserati Quattroporte S with 4.7 liter engine, and The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, with a 4.7 engine, sport set-up and a gearbox stressing its sporty character.
To round off its offer, Maserati is presenting at the Frankfurt Auto Show the new Executive GT kit that offers everything besides patio cushions.
The new Executive GT package incorporates various features that offer passengers the ultimate level of comfort and sophistication. On the exterior, the package is characterized by the distinctive “Executive GT” plaque, the new 19” Executive Design wheels, and the Argento brake calipers. Inside, elegance is assured by the use of new materials such as Moonwood for the trim, Pearl Beige leather for the upholstery, Alcantara roof and wood/leather steering wheel. Comfort is provided by the heated electric rear seats complete with ventilation and massage function, rear climate control and blinds on the side windows.
Video of Maserati GranCabrio from 2009 Frankfort Motor Show
The GranCabrio is the first four-seater convertible in the history of Maserati. The GranCabrio – the third prong of the Trident – completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio – sedan, coupe and convertible.
In addition they showcased the The Maserati Quattroporte with 4.2 liter engine, The Maserati Quattroporte S with 4.7 liter engine, and The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S, with a 4.7 engine, sport set-up and a gearbox stressing its sporty character.
To round off its offer, Maserati is presenting at the Frankfurt Auto Show the new Executive GT kit that offers everything besides patio cushions.
The new Executive GT package incorporates various features that offer passengers the ultimate level of comfort and sophistication. On the exterior, the package is characterized by the distinctive “Executive GT” plaque, the new 19” Executive Design wheels, and the Argento brake calipers. Inside, elegance is assured by the use of new materials such as Moonwood for the trim, Pearl Beige leather for the upholstery, Alcantara roof and wood/leather steering wheel. Comfort is provided by the heated electric rear seats complete with ventilation and massage function, rear climate control and blinds on the side windows.
Video of Maserati GranCabrio from 2009 Frankfort Motor Show
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Animal and Plant Fossils Not Necessary For Oil and Natural Gas
This is something I just have to post here as it looks to be a major find recently. Swedish Researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm have claimed proof that fossils from animals and plants are not necessary for crude oil and natural gas to be generated. Instead it is much more abundant than previously thought.
This finding seem to indicate that they believe the supply of oil is not even close to nearing its end.
“There is no doubt that our research proves that crude oil and natural gas are generated without the involvement of fossils. All types of bedrock can serve as reservoirs of oil,” says Vladimir Kutcherov, who adds that this is true of land areas that have not yet been prospected for these energy sources.
“Using our research we can even say where oil could be found in Sweden,” says Vladimir Kutcherov, a professor at the Division of Energy Technology at KTH.
Well well now. IF this is the case then I expect my gas to only cost $1 a gallon next week and the money I save will let me take a Myrtle beach vacation rentals reservation soon :).
This finding seem to indicate that they believe the supply of oil is not even close to nearing its end.
“There is no doubt that our research proves that crude oil and natural gas are generated without the involvement of fossils. All types of bedrock can serve as reservoirs of oil,” says Vladimir Kutcherov, who adds that this is true of land areas that have not yet been prospected for these energy sources.
“Using our research we can even say where oil could be found in Sweden,” says Vladimir Kutcherov, a professor at the Division of Energy Technology at KTH.
Well well now. IF this is the case then I expect my gas to only cost $1 a gallon next week and the money I save will let me take a Myrtle beach vacation rentals reservation soon :).
Saturday, September 12, 2009
2010 "Green Car of the Year" To Be Announced at La Atuo Show
The "Green Car of the Year" Award was created in 2005 by Green Car Journal, the leading auto environmental magazine, as the demand for more environmentally friendly vehicles started to rise significantly. As the demand grows even more since the award was introduced, it becomes an even more prestigious honor. Whether you are traveling a crossed the country in, or back and forth to work daily you have a pretty good idea about how the effect of fuel on the pocket book has been hitting everyone. In that mindset the interest around this award, and even the vehicles up for it become of interest.
The selection process can bee seen in detail through the link, but the short answer is that they select 5 finalists based on driving experience, and their research into current models running on conventional and alternative fuels are eligible for consideration of the award.
The selection process can bee seen in detail through the link, but the short answer is that they select 5 finalists based on driving experience, and their research into current models running on conventional and alternative fuels are eligible for consideration of the award.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Ferrari to Unveil New 458 Italia
Sometime between of Sept. 17-27 Ferrari will introduce the brand new 458 Italia at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. This new 458 is said to be a total revamp of the entire automobile, and not just a eye wrinkle cream on its looks.
All new engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics and benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. The 458's new engine, a 4,499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted and delivers 570 CV at 9,000 rpm. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6,000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3,250 rpm.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: Porsche 911 Sport Classic
Porsche has created a special edition Porsche 911 for limited sale available only to the most die hard Porsche 911 enthusiasts. The 911 Sport Classic was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurst Motor Show and will only be made available to 250 lucky customers. (VIDEO BELOW)
This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customized versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models. Perfect for the skinny hotties taking slim pills to look as good as their cars.
This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customized versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models. Perfect for the skinny hotties taking slim pills to look as good as their cars.
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