Monday, December 22, 2014
Honda files patent for Steer by Wire system
Saturday, December 20, 2014
McLaren's Porsche 911 rival...Check it out...
Part of the Sports Series range, the coupe we spied testing is likely to first appear at the New York Motor Show in April. Spider convertible and track focused versions of the sub-650S model code-named P13 are likely to follow in its footsteps.
McLaren has now confirmed that its latest model, previously referred to only by its internal codename ‘P13’, will be known as the McLaren Sports Series,' it said. 'It will join the range below the 650S, bringing McLaren credentials and exclusivity to the sportscar segment for the first time.’
A detuned version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 with upwards of 450bhp will provide power. The carbon chassis shared with both of its bigger brothers should also make the Sport Series the lightest in its class.
It uses the same carbonfibre MonoCell as the bigger 650S family - and essentially the same 3.8-litre V8, although detuned for its more lowly merely-got-to-beat-a-911-Turbo status.
This is more of a daily driver, and McLaren has consequently made the sills slimmer to ease access, the cabin is roomier and there’s more luggage space too.
The nose has been crafted with the same contoured bonnet, as too have the muscular haunches and gaping door vents. Unlike the P1 and 650S, however, the exhausts have been moved to the lower section of the rear bumper.
Ford to build the new GT, race it at Le Mans
Ford will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an all-new GT car in 2016, as part of a factory program that will also include a two-car GT Le Mans class effort in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship. Chip Ganassi Racing is expected to field a two-car GT-Le Mans entry for the entire TUSC season in 2016 as well as the Le Mans effort, with Scott Pruett and new team driver Joey Hand in the lead car.
The planned 2016 effort will mark Ford’s return to factory competition at Le Mans on the 50th anniversary of its first overall win in the twice-around-the-clock French endurance classic.
The race car should debut on track at the 2016 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. The drivers of the other team car aren't known, but could be sourced indirectly from Multimatic, the Canadian company that is apparently leading the development of the new race car. There is also speculation that the car could be homologated later as a GT3, making it appealing to potential Ford Racing customers.
Friday, December 19, 2014
2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Pirelli Edition
Thursday, November 27, 2014
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Engine Type: supercharged and intercooled V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Zero to 60 mph: 3.0 sec
Saturday, November 22, 2014
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Cup Race Car
The MX-5 Miata Cup Race car, will compete in a new global single-make Miata racing series.
Mazda hasn't yet revealed the car's final specifications, but performance enhancing upgrades to the exhaust, suspension, intake, and brakes to today's Miata look likely.
The MX-5 Miata Cup car will use a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine which will be locked to prevent any internal tampering and a six speed manual transmission. It is expected to weigh about the same as the roadgoing Miata around 2300 pounds.
The MX-5 Cup Race Car will cost less than $50,000 with all the upgrades so that the owners won't have to spend more time and money to add the performance kits.
The car will be fitted with a full roll cage and fire-suppression system.
A passenger seat will be optional while air condtioning will not be available. A roof and windows arent included.
Final power figures and exact specs for the 2016 MX-5 Miata Cup car will be out soon.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
2016 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Hennessey Venom F5
Here is its successor, the Hennessey Venom F5....
Why is it called F5? Here's the answer...The name F5 is derived from a top speed tornado. The Fujita scale pegs the strongest tornado as an F5, with windspeed of about 261 to 318 mph, which is in the region of the speed barrier that the Venom F5 was designed to break. Thus the name F5...
The new supercar from Hennessey Performance, Venom F5, will have an all-new design that is not only a powerful and unique but a vehicle that will achieve even higher performance through improved aerodynamics than its predecessor.
The next-generation twin-turbo powertrain is still under development, but turbo size for the longitudinally mounted V8 is increased, and the fuel system and intercooler capacity are upgraded to handle the demands of increased boost. Hard numbers for power are not yet available, but it’s conceivable that output could exceed 1400 bhp.
With extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum, weight will remain under 1300 kg (2866 lb.), just slightly more than the Venom GT’s 1244-kg curb weight. So it’s highly probable the F5 will eclipse the Venom GT’s current acceleration records too, which stand at 14.51 seconds to 200 mph, and 13.63 seconds to 186 mph (300 km/h).
The Venom F5 will be unveiled in 2015 with deliveries to customers in late 2016. At least 30 Venom F5s will be produced for sale worldwide, at a price higher than that of the Venom GT, which currently sells for $1.2 million. The Venom GT will continue to be offered; at present, 16 cars of the 29-car total production run have been sold.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
VW will bring the 2015 Golf R 400 Concept to the L.A. Auto Show
To refresh the new version of the legendary car, the R 400 features a Haldex 5 AWD system and a turbo-boosted 2.0-litre engine. The standard Golf R makes a healthy 292 horsepower. The extra hundred ponies on the R 400 are able to push the German icon to 60 mph in under four seconds.
VW claims 3.9 seconds, which puts it on terms with a 2014 Corvette Stingray. The Vette makes more power than the R 400, but the Golf uses all four wheels to move the much lesser weighted body.
The gearbox is a seven-speed DSG , the interior is laced with carbon, and two center-exit pipes protrude from the rear. In terms of looks, the Golf R 400 is aces, resplendent in silver with lemon-yellow accents.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Caterham F1 will race at Abu Dhabi
Monday, November 10, 2014
Hennessey 2015 HPE700 Supercharged Ford Mustang
The tuners at Hennessey decided to raise the number to 717 for their 2015 HPE700 Ford Mustang. The HPE700 Ford Mustang is now packed with 717 horsepower and 632 pound-feet of torque.
The HPE700 Mustang is a standard Mustang GT with its 5.0-liter V8 and produces power which is up by a few hundred notches with a Roots-type supercharger running at 7.25 psi.
Hennessey claims that this boosted Mustang can rocket up to 60 miles per hour in about 3.6 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds at 131 mph. These numbers are very very similar to that of the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
To stay in control of this power packed Mustang, the engine gets a high-flow throttle body, upgraded injectors, new fuel pump, stainless steel exhaust and Hennessey's calibration for the engine management.
Hennessey is also offering a host of upgrades to make the Mustang even more aggressive, like carbon fiber pieces for the front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and spoiler. Further enhancements include 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires and 15.1-inch Brembo front rotors.
This is what Hennessey press release looked like;
Texas-tuned HPE700 Mustang has firepower to battle Corvette Z06 & SRT Hellcat
Sealy, Texas- Hellcat and Z06, be very afraid. Because when that 2015 Mustang 5.0L with the Hennessey script on its decklid sidles up next to you at the stoplight, it might very well be packing 717 supercharged horsepower. Dig the spurs in, pilgrim, and she'll bolt to 60 mph in a scant 3.6 seconds. Keep your foot down, and the pressurized Coyote 5.0-liter 4-cammer will blaze to a white-hot 11.2-second quarter mile at 131 mph. It's ponycar meets supercar.
"We're very excited about the 2015 Ford Mustang and so are our performance-minded clients," said John Hennessey. "Our HPE700 Supercharged upgrade will elevate this Motown Missile's performance to rival some of the fastest European sports cars. We can't wait to share our specially tuned Mustang with the world!"
"This thing is uncaged, absolutely nuts," says Hennessey partner Don Goldman. "We're thrilled to offer a 2015 Mustang that will outperform some of the fastest cars currently offered, at a lower price point."
Key to that 717 bhp (and the HPE700's deep well of torque-632 lb-ft at 4400 rpm) is the Roots-type high-helix supercharger packing 7.25 psi of boost. Helping the Coyote V8 breathe more deeply is a high-flow throttle body and stainless-steel exhaust system. Upgraded injectors and fuel pump help feed the V8, under command of Hennessey's proprietary engine management calibration.
Just 500 units of the HPE700 will be produced for the 2015 Mustang model year. Pricing starts at $59,500 USD including the base 2015 5.0L Mustang GT. But greater personalization and performance can be had by adding options such as CarbonAero carbon-fiber bodywork (front splitter, side sills, rear diffuser and rear lip spoiler), 20-in. Hennessey H10 wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires, and a Brembo brake package with 15.1-in. front rotors. As a package, they give the Mustang improved downforce, cornering and braking to keep pace with the colossal supercharged power.
New 2015 Hennessey Mustangs can be ordered through any of AutoNation's 37 Ford dealerships across America. A high-performance upgrade for the 2.3-liter EcoBoost-powered Mustang is also under development.
###
Power
* 717 bhp @ 6,600 rpm
* 632 lb-ft torque @ 4,400 rpm
Performance
* 0-60 mph: 3.6 sec.
* ¼ mile: 11.2 @ 131 mph
HPE700 Supercharged 5.0L V8 Engine Upgrade
* Roots-style Supercharger System
* Throttle Body Upgrade
* Stainless Steel Exhaust System Upgrade
* Upgraded Fuel Injectors
* Upgraded Fuel Pump
* All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids
* Professional Installation
* HPE Engine Management Calibration
* Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
* Hennessey Exterior Badging
* HPE700 Exterior Badging
* Supercharged Exterior Badging
* Hennessey Premium Floormats
* Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
* 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Additional Upgrades
* CarbonAero Carbon Fiber Bodywork
* CarbonAero Front Splitter
* CarbonAero Side Sills
* CarbonAero Rear Diffuser
* CarbonAero Rear Lip Spoiler
Wheels & Tires
* Hennessey H10 Lightweight 20-inch wheels
* Michelin Pilot Super Sport 2 tires
*information taken from autoblog
Ken Block's 1965 Ford Mustang Hoonicorn RTR
- The 1965 Ford Mustang packs a 410 cubic-inch Roush Yates Ford V8 engine used in NASCAR, good enough to produce 845 horsepower.
- It is an AWD (All Wheel Drive) and a six-speed manual gearbox dumps power to the pavement.
- The wide Mustang body is the work of RTR and Block’s own Hoonigan Racing Division, while the 18-inch fifteen52 wheels are shod in Pirelli Trofeo R tires that use a specialized compound exclusive to Block.
- Block has basically married a NASCAR stock car with a WRC racer.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
All about the Volkswagen Cross Polo
The Cross Polo has the same sheet metal similar to that of its earlier version but you will see a matte black band of plastic tightly holding the lower section of this car. Also you will see new front and rear bumpers, 5 spoke alloy wheels, stylish silver roof rails, new chrome grill, silver painted mirrors, moulded covers for wheel arches, halogen headlamps with a black finish and 'Cross Polo' decals on the rear doors in the new Cross Polo. All these upgrades give a much cooler look to the Cross Polo. Length is increased 17mm, width by 16mm and height by 21mm and also it has put on 10kg of weight.
The interiors of the Cross Polo get a titanium black upholstery. The steering wheel, handbrake lever and the gear shift knob are all wrapped in leather. There is a sunglass holder in the glove box and also it has front door storage compartments.
The Cross Polo has a 'Climatronic' automatic air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter. It has a multifunction display (MFD) , an adjustable steering wheel, a music system with USB, auxiliary input, sd card, bluetooth and 4 speakers.
It will be available in three colours: flash red, reflex silver and deep pearl black.
Passenger safety has been given more importance in the Cross Polo. It has ABS, dual air bags, high mounted third brake light, fog lamps and front and rear emergency exits.
Specs:
Engine:
Fuel : Diesel
Installation : Front, transverse
Type : 3cyls, 1199cc, common-rail, turbo diesel
Power : 74bhp at 4200rpm
Torque : 18.3kgm at 2000rpm
Transmission
Gearbox : 5-speed manual
Dimensions:
Length : 3987mm
Width : 1698mm
Height : 1474mm
Wheel base : 2456mm
Ground clearance : 168mm
Chassis & Body:
Wheels : 15-inch alloy
Tyres : 185/60R15
Fuel:
Tank size : 45 litres
Economy : 13.5 kmpl
Price: Rs 7.75 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi )
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Another one joins the family..!!
A wise move, after the heroics shown by the Renault Duster since its launch, a couple of months back Ford launched one of the compact SUV, Ecosport, to take on the Duster. The launch of the Ecosport marked the start of the fastest growing and one of the most exciting segments called the compact SUV. The Ecosport was also a huge success after the company had to stop bookings. And now Nissan looks to give it a go in this segment with its all new Terrano.
The Terrano is based on the Duster platform with Nissan giving it there own touch by making few changes to the interior and the looks of the vehicle. The traditional headlights and the grille give it a Nissanish look to the front. It looks neat on the front and the rear end as Nissan have kept it simple by giving it body colored front and back bumper. After looking at the Terrano you feel like you are looking at the Duster but it has few more features than that of the Duster.
At the rear, the Terrano looks neat and tidy. The tail lights are clustered and stylish and spread onto the shoulders of the car from the boot lid. As spoken earlier the rear bumper is body colored with the towing hooks covered by a body colored plastic lid.
It's available in three variants, the 1.6 litre petrol, 1.6l in line four petrol and 1.5 litre dCi diesel. The 1.6l petrol and the 1.5l diesel have a five speed manual gearbox whereas the 1.6 l in line four petrol has a six speed manual gearbox.
As it is based on the Duster platform, the interior looks Dusterish with minute changes in the console.
The Terrano will be priced somewhat more than the Duster. With the rivals making it big in the market, it will be quite interesting to see what kind of impact the Terrano has on the market.
Verdict:
The Terrano is just a redesigned version of the Duster by Nissan.
Neat looking, stylish and with the same features of the Duster.
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Mahindra Verito Vibe
Mahindra made a surprising move when they launched an under four metre hatch.
Verito sedan also known as Logan when Mahindra and Renault were together was a huge success story.
Vibe is actually a trimmed version of the Verito. Vibe cannot be called as a hatch because when we open the boot, the rear glass remains at its fixed position. This actually is one of the problems in the Vibe. The fixed position of the glass makes loading luggage or bulky stuff very difficult.
Moving in, Vibe is one of the few cars that can easily and comfortably seat 3 people at the back. There's enough shoulder and leg room for the passengers at the back. That's one of the many good things about this car.
Coming to the fuel efficiency, it can do just better than 12 kmpl in the city and around 16 kmpl on the highway which are very good figures.
The Vibe has the same 1.5l diesel engine that we saw in the Logan and now in the Verito and also the Duster. It is available in 3 variants, D2 , D4 and D6. D2 is priced at Rs. 6.8 lakhs, D4 at Rs. 7.1 lakhs and D6 at Rs. 8 lakhs.
At 172mm, the ground clearance of the Vibe is more than some of the SUV's which allows it to take on any kibd of roads.
The major let down of the Verito Vibe is the cost. It is priced at Rs. 8 lakhs which is higher than the expected cost.
The overall on road dynamics are very good. The Vibe can easily reach 100s on the highway and gives a good control. The looks are same as the Verito. The interiors are good but not that great. They could have been better considering what Mahindra have done to the XUV.
The Vibe is a nicely built spacious and a tough car which is a bit low on the styling and also loses out on the price. It could have done much better had Mahindra priced it better.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
What to expect from Hyundai's Grand i10?
The front end of the Grand i10 shows improvisation and it now looks a bit more stylish than the i10. It now has a huge trapezoidal grille. The headlamps of the Grand i10 are in 3D with multi-reflector chrome surround fog lamps from the HID Projector headlamps with Angel Eye. The front end of the Grand i10 now looks sporty and more aggressive than the i10.
The rear end is a curvy one which was flat in the i10. The light cluster is a elongated wraparound which stretches into the sides. The rear bumper is body colored and curvy and has reflectors at its ends.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Ford Ecosport : Auto breakdown verdict
The EcoBoost engine is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, direct-injection, turbo-petrol that gives 118 bhp. The 1.5 L engine is whereas somewhat known to us through the Ford Figo and Ford Fiesta. The fuel efficiency of the EcoBoost engine is quite impressive.
Attractive pricing:
- 1.5L diesel engine priced between Rs6.69 lakh and
Rs8.99 lakh.
- 1L EcoBoost turbocharged petrol engine between Rs5.59
lakh and Rs8.45 lakh.
- 1.5L petrol engine between Rs7.90 lakh and Rs8.29 lakh.
- Renault Duster.
- M&M Quanto.
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.













