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Product Description Add flair to any wheel with StreetGlow's new, battery-operated LED Tire Lights; now with the simple twist on/off design. Also works great for bicycle wheels as a safety light. Batteries included.
Product Description Get spinning with our LED Tire Lights! They are motion activated and automatically flash when your wheel moves and creates a ring around your tire. They screw onto the valve stem of your car, bicycles or motorcycle in seconds, and include 2 sets of long life batteries and a 2 year warranty. Sold in pairs. This product is battery operated.
Adapters attach to where your current oil filter and drain plug are located and moves them to a more accessible location under your hood
Eliminates the need to ever crawl under your car again to change your oil
Includes all hardware, hose, fittings, adapters and brackets to fit most cars, trucks, SUV's and boats
Includes a 12 volt pump that plugs into your cigarette lighter to pump out your old oil
Changing your own oil is a great way to save money and pamper your car; but for many people it's just too much hassle. The Spectre Easy Access Oil Change kit, once installed, takes the work out of changing your own oil and make the whole process simple.
Combined with an easy install and the time saved, this kit is a great way to save money on quick, easy oil changes.
From the Manufacturer
Why continue to change oil the old-fashioned way? That involves jacks, ramps, drain plugs, and hot oil, and when you’re all done, chances are you’ll end up getting more oil on you than in the drain pan.
The Spectre Oil Change System changes the way you change your oil by relocating your oil drain and filter to a handy spot at the top of your engine compartment. Once it’s installed, just lift up the hood, and in minutes the job is done.
The kit comes with a high-speed pump to drain the oil, an engine block adapter, an remote filter adapter, flexible tubing, and installation hardware.
An Oil Change In Minutes
Once the kit is installed, this is how easy it is to change your oil:
Plug the pump into your car’s cigarette lighter
Pump out the used oil
Replace your old filter with the manufacturer’s recommended filter
Add new oil
It's that easy and only takes minutes.
Product Description Easy Access Oil Change Kit. A complete kit that relocates both your oil filter and your oil drain to a location under your hood. Comes with all hardware, hose, fittings, adapters and a 12 volt pump. A complete universal kit that will fit most cars, trucks, SUV's and boats.
Mercedes vaults to the head of the luxury sedan class
TO THE POINT What's New? The newest upgrades to the Bentley Arnage are round headlights, a revised bonnet line, and a choice of grilles. Inside, ergonomics have been improved, secondary controls are now hidden under panels, new instruments and a DVD satellite navigation system have been added, and Bentley will dress the car in your choice of 40 colors and 27 leather options. Selling Points: Exclusivity and myriad ways to customize it to specific tastes Deal Breakers: Price of entry is excessively high, lacks the latest technologies and luxuries
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – Driving Impressions: Parents prefer small class sizes to large class sizes in their childrens’ learning institutions because instructors are free to spend more one-on-one time with students when they have 10 pupils rather than 30. All things considered equal, as the students from the small schools with limited class sizes mature, they leap ahead of peers from large schools with overflowing class rooms, attending advanced placement courses in gifted child programs, landing scholarships to Ivy League colleges, and launching more lucrative careers with Fortune 500 companies. Then they buy Mercedes-Benz S-Classes, an icon of achievement which competes in a small class of premium luxury sedans, and with its 2007 redesign sits right up front, the apple of every engineer’s eye.
It would be easy to dismiss the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s near perfection, considering the $104,475 price tag on the window sticker of our S550 test car. After all, for that kind of money, a car should be as close to perfect as possible. During the same week we drove the S-Class, however, we also had a Bentley Arnage R and a Rolls-Royce Phantom in the parking lot, vehicles priced more than double and triple, respectively, the price of our S550. Yet, the Mercedes was the best car of the trio. It was more comfortable, more pleasing to drive, and more sophisticated. It lacked the old-world British charm of the Bentley and Roller, sure, but the quality of the Benz’s materials was nevertheless up to par with both of the more expensive machines.
Let’s not discount the S550’s direct competitors, either. Lexus has a new LS sedan rolling into showrooms this fall, and it features some slick technology not found on the Mercedes, not to mention it will be available in hybrid form and likely priced below our test S-Class’s six-figure price tag. BMW, too, has a new 7 Series sedan in the works for the 2008 model year. Audi’s beautiful A8 is no slouch, and Jaguar’s XJ provides premium luxury sedan buyers with the same English character that Bentley and Rolls-Royce possess – just dialed down a few notches.
Ron Perry drove the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class last January in Arizona, and you can read his story for all the specifics on key technologies like Night View Assist and updated features like Distronic Plus and Pre-Safe. What you need to know is that the 2007 S-Class is completely redesigned, is chock-full of all the latest high-tech features in the Mercedes-Benz arsenal, and is on sale now in S550 and S600 styles. People who enjoy driving might wish to wait for the upcoming S65 AMG, which gets a full sport-tuned tweaking including a twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine making 604-horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque. If sublime cruising is the preferred method of travel, the S550 gets a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 while the S600 receives a 510-horsepower, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12. Based on our test drive, the S600 and S65 AMG are overkill, because the S550’s engine is more than powerful enough.
That’s the model we drove, with a base sticker price of $87,175 including the $775 destination charge and a $1,000 gas guzzler tax. The EPA says the S550 will get 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway: we averaged 16.1 mpg during a week of driving the car all around the Los Angeles and Orange County regions. Our Mercedes-Benz S550 was loaded with just about every factory option, for an as-tested price of $104,475.
That included the Premium II Package ($2,850) with heated and active ventilated front seats, Sirius satellite radio, Parktronic park assist, and Keyless Go locking and ignition. Our car also had the Rear Seat Package ($2,900) with heated and active ventilated power rear seats, and a four-zone climate control system. Additional features on our test car were an Active Body Control active suspension that automatically limits body pitch, dive, and roll ($3,900); Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic ($2,850); and Drive Dynamic multi-contour front seats with four-stage massage function that has side bolsters that automatically inflate when the car is turning to add support for the driver and front passenger ($1,800). Rounding out the list of options on our test S550 were a panoramic sunroof ($1,000), power side window sun blinds ($700), a wood-and-leather steering wheel ($550), and a rearview monitor ($750).
Lush usually describes thick green vegetation, Fantasy Suites at the Palms Casino, or people who drink too much alcohol, but it’s the word that comes to mind when considering the powertrain in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s vivid, it’s luxuriant, it’s smoother than Glenlivet. Quiet, fluid power flows from the 5.5-liter V8, the automatic transmission shifting flawlessly between its seven forward gears. Throttle tip-in is soft, perfect when chauffeuring heads of state or sleeping children, but the Benz rises to any occasion with a heavy dip into the throttle. Mercedes says that the S550 will get from rest to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
Germans drive very fast on the Autobahn, which is why German cars so deftly blend handling capability and ride quality into a single package – if they want return customers, it is a requirement. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will go very fast and feel very capable, but handling is not the standard S550’s forte. The optional Active Body Control suspension feels a bit unnatural at times, the 18-inch 255/45 Continental ContiTouring Contact tires squeal when taxed, and the steering can suddenly stiffen too much when bending into a curve. Technology is not this car’s friend. Good thing this Mercedes produces vault-like silence on the open road, where it’s most comfortable. Note that there is an optional AMG Sport Package available for the S550, including 19-inch wheels and tires and a body kit. The wider rubber should help handling, the body kit not so much.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large car, but it offers terrific outward visibility and a surprisingly svelte turning radius to make maneuvering in tight quarters relatively simple. The side mirrors could stand to be larger for better visibility in blind spots and for lane changes, and the rear roof pillars are predictably thick, but otherwise there are no problems with visibility. The three-pointed star hood ornament helps the driver judge the front end, the folding rear headrests don’t block the view of traffic, the optional reversing camera shows what’s behind the car and the trajectory of the wheels, and an available park assist system helps to keep the bumpers in like-new condition.
Extremely enjoyable to drive, the Mercedes-Benz S550 is a cruiser, not a carver. It doesn’t like to be treated as a sports sedan, so if slamming down a favorite country road is high on the list of priorities, choose a different car or spend extra for the upcoming S65 AMG. The standard S550 is an excellent cruiser, a terrific car for the day-to-day grind, a luxury suite on wheels, a little soft around the edges but our pick for almost any road trip anywhere.
Mercedes has nailed comfort in the 2007 S550 – at least when you load up with the Drive Dynamic multi-contour front seats and the Premium II Package. Plush, supportive Drive Dynamic front seats feature heating, cooling, and massage, and are covered in gorgeous, soft leather. Entry and exit are not a problem, and there are soothing armrests for elbows. When sitting in the sun, the S-Class never gets too hot, and the climate system is able to rapidly cool the interior.
As pleasurable as it is to sit in the front chairs, the rear seats are fantastic – especially when the Rear Seat Package and the optional power side sun blinds are ordered. Side and rear window shades block the sun or prying eyes, and the optional panoramic glass sunroof is exposed with the touch of a button. There’s plenty of leg and foot room, and with the Rear Seat Package the outboard seating positions feature individual controls for recline, height and thigh support adjustments. The S-Class is also available with a four-zone climate control system in the Rear Seat Package, so each rear outboard passenger can set his own preferences. The only complaint we have is with how heavy and wide the rear doors are, but then, chances are good that someone else is going to open that door for any rear seat occupants, whether a valet or chauffer.
One must make rapid adjustments in this business. After a week driving the Honda Ridgeline pickup and acclimating to its size I traded it in for a strikingly red (Milano Red they call it) Acura TSX. My first impression was how tiny the rear-view mirrors are. Oh yea, this is a little car not a big trailer-hauler. And, look at that; a stubby little shifter with a six-speed pattern imprinted on its brass-colored, perhaps nickel, leather-wrapped knob. We’re going to enjoy this one.
The Japanese-built TSX, first introduced as a 2004 model, is Acura’s entry into the small sport sedan market, competing with BMW 3-Series, Audi A-4, Mercedes C-class and Lexus IS. And a good competitor it is. Based on the European Accord platform it’s smaller and much more agile than the US Accord. At around, $30,000 this 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive sport sedan with amazing standard content is a real contender in its class.
After getting the seat and mirrors right I scooted onto the Jefferies Expressway around the corner from the press car pick-up place near downtown Detroit. The entrance ramp is long and straight so I opened her up. I was just barely out of third gear and I was merging with light traffic at over 70 mph. The engine is amazingly smooth and effortless. What a hoot! I love a quick little sport sedan – especially in red.
That great 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is a willing revver. Red line on the tach is 7,100 rpm but the rev limiter doesn’t kick in until 7,400. And, here’s my first criticism: what’s up with that rev limiter? Most cars feel like they’re running out of gas when the limiter kicks in - sort of a gentle loss of power. This Acura feels like someone jerked the hand brake, throwing me forward harshly. On the positive side, it feels great at those higher rpms – smooth and easy - to motor along on the freeway keeping the revs up to 4- or 5-grand. The iVTEC™ engine management system, featuring Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, makes for a broad power range. The system works with dual cam profiles on a single shaft. For 2006 Acura increased the horsepower substantially to 205. That doesn’t sound like a big jump from the previous 200-horsepower but there is a new SAE standard for measuring horsepower and I’m assured that the increase is substantial. While less than awesome, the thrust is plenty gratifying for this performance enthusiast and Tune-up is recommended at 100,000 miles whether it needs it or not.
Premium fuel is recommended and the EPA estimates are 22 mpg city and 30 highway for the six-speed stick; 22/31 for the automatic. The engine is certified as LEV2 (low-emissions vehicle) by the California Air Resources Board. The fuel tank holds 17.1 gallons. Our test car weighed 3268 pounds. Coefficient of drag is an amazingly slick 0.27 partly achieved through unusual attention to undercarriage design as well as a smooth shape above. Through two tanks of fuel this week, including some spirited driving, we were consistently in the 28- to 30-mpg range.
ABS and Vehicle Stability Assist (adjusts brake pressure and power to the wheels) keeps us from getting into trouble with overconfidence. The system can be disengaged if you’re looking for some extra fun slipping and sliding.
Honda is very good at designing a lot of usable space into a small package and the TSX is a good example. Smaller than an Accord and larger than a Civic the TSX has plenty of passenger space. It feels roomier inside than the 3-Series BMW but I’ve not compared the measurements. Cargo volume is 13 cubic feet.
Our test car is equipped with the navigation system. Browsing around without reading the book I could manage most functions. With an 8-inch screen the map is easy to read. I don’t tend to use these navigation systems much unless I’m in unfamiliar territory and as a low-tech kind of guy I’m not all that intrigued by them. Colleagues who know about these things say the Acura’s navigation system is one of the best.
A few days into my week with the TSX we had occasion chase some orphan cars around Ann Arbor, which means a nice back road run with some twisty bits, through the little burg of Hell, along an end moraine left behind by the glaciers. (The orphan cars were doing a bit of a road trip in preparation for the Orphan Car Show at the Hudson dealership in Ypsilanti.) That route, Patterson Lake Road, has been badly neglected by Livingston County leaving it lumpy and bumpy and pocked. The TSX demonstrated its prowess by dancing over those rough spots with poise and perfect control. The damping of the suspension is just right to maximize sporty handling characteristics without a hint of harshness. The torque-sensitive, variable power assisted steering has a precise feel. The drive-by-wire throttle senses changes in driver input and adjusts itself for just the right resistance. The race-inspired, double wish bone independent suspension front and rear kept those Michelins firmly planted in spite of our pushing it hard.
Warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles on the vehicle, 6 years/70,000 miles on the powertrain and 5 years/unlimited miles on rust-through.
Since its introduction as a 2004 model the Acura TSX has been one of Car & Driver magazine’s 10 Best Sport Sedan. NHTSA has awarded the TSX a 5-Star rating (the best) for safety and the IIHS named it a Best Pick in frontal impact tests.
I’m impressed with the pricing of the TSX. The base price is $27,890, and it matters not whether one wants the sophisticated 5-speed automatic with manual mode, or the close-ratio, short-throw 6-speed stick. For that price the cars has more content than anything else in its class, we might say “full-zoot.” It comes with soft, perforated leather seats, moonroof, power everything, heated seats, dual exhaust, 8-way power drivers seat, 4-way front passenger seat, premium sound system with Bluetooth compatibility, XM Satellite-ready, auxiliary jack for iPod or other MP3 player, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels shod with low-profile 50-series all-season Michelins, and more smart air bags than a Senate hearing. Add 2-grand to the price for the optional navigation system with 8-inch screen and voice recognition that will handle 650 commands. There are a few options one might add, but I’m not sure what more one might want or need. I might go for the $4,300 boy racer option called A-Spec which involves lots of performance enhancements, some of which may compromise every-day roadability.
I’m not sure how many Acura dealers there are but there are none closer than 60 miles to my mid Michigan location.
Sadly, I have to turn the TSX in this afternoon, so I’ll make the best of my drive back to Detroit – probably through Hell again. I’m picking up the award-winning Civic SI, another handling and performing icon from Honda. So I’ll have driven through Hell and back for Honda today, and mighty pleased to do so.
Ferrari is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929 as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street legal vehicles in 1946 as Ferrari S.p.A.. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it has largely enjoyed great success, especially during the 1950s, 1960s and late 1990s.
After years of financial struggles, Enzo Ferrari sold the company's sports car division to the Fiat group in 1969 in order to help ensure continued financial backing for the forseeable future. Ferrari himself retained control of the racing division until his death in 1988.
History
1929–1946
Enzo Ferrari never intended to produce road cars when he formed Scuderia Ferrari in 1929 as a sponsor for amateur drivers headquartered in Modena. Ferrari prepared and successfully raced various drivers in Alfa Romeo cars until 1938, when he was officially hired by Alfa as head of their racing department.
In 1940, upon learning of the company's plan to absorb his beloved Scuderia and take control of his racing efforts, he quit Alfa. Because he was prohibited by contract from racing for several years, the Scuderia briefly became Auto Avio Costruzioni Ferrari, which ostensibly produced machine tools and aircraft accessories. Also known as SEFAC (Scuderia Enzo Ferrari Auto Corse) Ferrari did in fact produce one racecar, the Tipo 815, in the non-competition period; it was thus the first actual Ferrari car (it debuted at the 1940 Mille Miglia), but due to World War II it saw little competition. In 1943 the Ferrari factory moved to Maranello, where it has remained ever since. The factory was bombed in 1944 and rebuilt in 1946 to include a works for road car production. Right up to Il Commendatore's death, this would remain little more than a source of funding for his first love, racing.
"Scuderia Ferrari" literally means "Ferrari Stable" in keeping with the prancing horse emblem; the name is figuratively translated as "Team Ferrari". (It is correctly pronounced "skoo deh REE ah".) [edit]
1945–present
The first Ferrari road car was the 1947 125 S, powered by a 1.5 L V12 engine; Enzo reluctantly built and sold his automobiles to fund the Scuderia. While his beautiful and blazingly fast cars quickly gained a reputation for excellence, Enzo maintained a famous distaste for his customers, most of whom he felt were buying his cars for the prestige and not the performance. However, at one point, Enzo Ferrari's cars were exceeded in performance by the Spanish firm, Pegaso, which later went defunct.
Ferrari road cars, noted for magnificent styling by design houses like Pininfarina, have long been one of the ultimate accessories for the rich. Other design houses that have done work for Ferrari over the years include Scaglietti, Bertone, Touring, Ghia, and Vignale.
In 2005, 4 universities (Coventry University for one) were granted the grand offer to come up with the next vehicle line-up for Ferrari in a student competition named 'Ferrari Concepts of the Myth'. 20 winners were allowed to show off their concepts in a ¼ scale model and present their work to the board and the compelling historic names at Ferrari to allow for 3 out right winners to have the chance at working in the Ferrari design studio there at Maranello.
As of 2004, FIAT owns 56% of Ferrari, Mediobanca 15%, Commerzbank 10%, Lehman Brothers 7%, and Enzo's son Piero Ferrari 10%. [edit]
Racing
Main article: Scuderia Ferrari
Enzo Ferrari's true passion, despite his extensive road car business, was always auto racing. His Scuderia started as an independent sponsor for drivers in various cars, but soon became the Alfa Romeo in-house racing team. After Ferrari's departure from Alfa, he began to design and produce cars of his own; the Ferrari team first appeared on the European Grand Prix scene after the end of World War II.
In 1949, Luigi Chinetti drove a Model 166M to Ferrari's first win in motorsports, which was at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chinetti drove the automobile for all except twenty minutes of the Grand Prix race. Chinetti soon became the American dealer for Ferraris and established the North American Racing Team, Ferrari's official racing arm. The dealership is reported to have provided the sales that kept the company in business through sales to wealthy Americans, such as Briggs Cunningham, who bought the first one Chinetti sold through the new dealership.
The Scuderia joined the Formula One World Championship in the first year of its existence, 1950. José Froilán González gave the team its first victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix.
Alberto Ascari gave Ferrari its first Drivers Championship a year later. Ferrari is the oldest team left in the championship, not to mention the most successful: the team holds nearly every Formula One record. As of 2005, the team's records include fourteen World Drivers Championship titles (1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977, 1979, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), fourteen World Constructors Championship titles (1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004), 179 Grand Prix victories, 3,445 and a half points, 544 podium finishes, 174 pole positions, 11,182 laps led, and 180 fastest laps in 1,622 Grands Prix contested.
Notable Ferrari drivers include Tazio Nuvolari, Juan Manuel Fangio, Luigi Chinetti, Alberto Ascari, Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, John Surtees, Jacky Ickx, Mario Andretti, Niki Lauda, Jody Scheckter, Gilles Villeneuve, Gerhard Berger, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Jean Alesi, and Michael Schumacher. [edit]
The "Cavallino Rampante" The Scuderia Ferrari Logo Enlarge The Scuderia Ferrari Logo
The famous symbol of the Ferrari race team is a black prancing horse on yellow shield-shaped background, usually with the letters S F for Scuderia Ferrari, and with three stripes of the Italian national colors green-white-red on top. The road cars have a rectangular badge on the bonnet (see picture above).
Curiously, a similar black horse on a yellow shield is the Coat of Arms of the German city of Stuttgart. This name is derived from Stutengarten, an ancient form of the modern German word Gestüt, which translates into English as stud farm and into Italian as scuderia. Stuttgart, called Stoccarda by the Italians, is the home of Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari's rival Porsche, which also uses the Stuttgart sign in its corporate logo, centred in the emblem of the state of Württemberg just like the city is placed within the state. Enzo Ferrari met these competitors many times since the 1920s while competing for Alfa. Coat of arms of Stuttgart, Germany Enlarge Coat of arms of Stuttgart, Germany
On June 17, 1923, Enzo Ferrari won a race at the Savio track in Ravenna where he met the Countess Paolina, mother of Count Francesco Baracca, a legendary asso (ace) of the Italian air force and national hero during World War I, who used to paint a horse on the side of his planes. The Countess asked Enzo to use this horse on his cars, suggesting that it would grant him good luck. Ferrari left the horse black as it had been on Baracca's plane; however, he added a canary yellow background as this is the color of the city of Modena, his birthplace. It has been supposed the choice of a horse was perhaps partly because his noble family was known for having many horses on their estates at Lugo di Romagna. Another theory suggests Baracca copied the rampant horse design from a shot-down German pilot who had the emblem of the city of Stuttgart on his plane. This is supported by the evidence Barraca's horse looks more similar to the one of Stuttgart (not changed since 1938) than the current Ferrari design, especially as the legs of the horses are concerned. Baracca using the Stuttgart horse from a shot-down plane ties in with the fact that his family owned many horses.
Ferrari used the cavallino rampante on official company stationery beginning in 1929. The first race at which Alfa Romeo would let Ferrari use the horse on the Alfas entered by his Scuderia Ferrari won the Spa 24 Hours on July 9, 1932, which the Ferrari-led Alfa team won. Ever since, the cavallino was shown on the Alfas that were competing against the Silver Arrows of Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union, among others. Count Francesco Baracca Enlarge Count Francesco Baracca
The prancing horse has not always been uniquely identified with the Ferrari brand: Fabio Taglioni used it on his Ducati motorbikes. Taglioni's father was, in fact, a companion of Baracca's and fought with him in the 91st Air Squad. But, as Ferrari's fame grew, Ducati abandoned the horse; this may have been the result of a private agreement between the two brands. Austrian Fuel Stations Enlarge Austrian Fuel Stations
The prancing horse is now a trademark of Ferrari. Yet, other companies use similar logos. One example is quite prominent next to roads in Austria and Eastern European countries, as an Austrian company, named "avanti" (http://www.avanti.at) since 1972, operates over 100 filling stations marked with a prancing horse logo which is nearly identical to Ferrari's. [edit]
Rosso Corsa
Main article: Rosso corsa
Since the 1920s, Italian race cars of Alfa Romeo, Maserati and later Ferrari and Abarth were (and often still are) painted in "race red" (Rosso Corsa). This was the customary national racing colour of Italy, as recommended between the World Wars by the organisations that later would become the FIA. In that scheme, French cars like Bugatti were blue, German like BMW and Porsche white (since 1934 also Silver Arrows), British racing green etc.
Curiously, Ferrari won the 1964 World championship with John Surtees by competing the last two races in cars painted white and blue, as these were not entered by the Italian factory themselves, but the US-based NART team. This was done as a protest concerning arguments between Ferrari and the Italian Racing Authorities regarding the homologation of a new mid-engined Ferrari race car. [edit]
List of models
Until the mid-1990s, Ferrari followed a three-number naming scheme based on engine displacement:
* V6 and V8 models used the total displacement (in decilitres) for the first two digits and the number of cylinders as the third. Thus, the 206 was a 2.0 L V6-powered vehicle, while the 348 used a 3.4 L V8. * V12 models used the displacement (in cubic centimetres) of one cylinder. Therefore, the famed 365 Daytona had a 4380 cc V12. * Flat 12 (boxer) models used the displacement in litres. Therefore, the 512BB was five litre flat 12 (a Berlinetta Boxer, in this case). However, the original Berlinetta Boxer was the 365 GT4 BB, which was named in a similar manner to the V12 models.
Most Ferraris were also given designations referring to their body style. In general, the following conventions were used:
* M standing for "Modificata," this suffix is placed to the end of a model's number designation to denote that it is a modified version of its predecessor and not a complete evolution (see F512M and 575M Maranello). * GTB models are closed Berlinettas, or coupes. * GTS models, in older models, are convertibles (see 365 GTS4); however, in late models, this suffix is used for targa top models (see 348 GTS, and F355 GTS; exception being the 348 TS, which is the only targa named differently). The convertible models now use the suffix "Spider" (see F355 Spider, and Ferrari 360 Spider).
This naming system can be confusing, as some entirely different vehicles used the same engine type and body style. Many Ferraris also had other names affixed (like Daytona) to identify them further. Many such names are actually not official factory names. The Daytona name commemorates Ferrari's triple success in the February 1967 24 Hours of Daytona with the 330P4. Only in the 1973 Daytona 24h, a 365 GTB4 model run by N.A.R.T. (North American Racing Team, who raced Ferrari's in America) scored 2nd—behind a Porsche 911.
As well, the 250 GTO's famous acronym, which means Gran Turismo Omologato, was simply a name the Italian press gave the car which referred to the way Ferrari had, in a sense, avoided the rules and successfully homologated the car for racing purposes (somehow Ferrari had convinced the FIA that the 250 GTO was the same car as previous 250's). This was probably to avoid confusion with the multiple 250 models produced before the GTO.
The various Dino models were named for Enzo's son.
In the mid 1990s, Ferrari added the letter "F" to the beginning of all models (a practice quickly abandoned after the F512M and F355, but recently picked up again with the F430).
The super-luxury car builder makes a 350 kph sports coupe.
Most concept cars are nothing more than stationary pieces of art. Sure, they look like cars with the windshields and four tires and all... but these automotive sculptures rarely move. Hell, we've been to many car shows where the concept cars are, in actuality, are just clay sculptures with a "real paint finish" and tires.
Then there are the concept vehicles that do have all the good mechanical bits and pieces and can move under their own power. Some of these concepts will have 1,000 horsepower engines and super high-tech suspensions and other goodies that would make any auto enthusiast drool. These same super high-tech concept rides are also packed with so many limiters, one would be lucky to get the vehicle to travel faster than 5 miles per hour.
And then we have "concept" vehicles like the Maybach Excelero you see here. A lot of media outlets like to call the Excelero a "concept", as this is the only one in existence. Maybach likes the call the car a "project", as it not only delivers the power and performance it promises, it does it on a regular basis.
The Excelero project is actually a joint venture between Maybach and German tire manufacturer Fulda. Fulda has been making all sorts of high-performance rubber for almost a century, and is well known for using high-profile one-off vehicles to advertise itself. Past vehicles include high-speed buses, special trucks and racing cars. Oh yeah, Fulda also once used a super streamlined Maybach to test high-speed tires (over 200 kph) way back in 1938.
Though the original Maybach/Fulda car was lost during WW2, it is still remembered as one of Fulda's most beautiful test vehicles. Now that DaimlerChrysler resurrected the Maybach brand, Fulda felt that it was time to reintroduce a streamlined luxury supercar to the world. If you were able to figure out that the new luxury supercar is the Maybach Exelero you see here, give yourself a cookie.
As you well know, car and tire technology has changed a lot since the days of the war, so Maybach and Fulda can't just rebuild a mere 200 kph (148 mph) car and call it a day. Fulda needs a car to test its 315/25ZR23 tire that is capable of speed of over 350 kph (217 mph). For those of you not literate in reading tire sizes: this tire will fit a 23-inch rim, be 313 millimeters wide (or over a foot wide) with a super-low profile sidewall. More importantly: this tire is not designed for race cars -- it's designed for standard street legal ride. Well, a street-legal ride that can go almost 220 miles per hour.
So what exactly is needed to make a sports coupe go over 200 mph? Well, a good, aerodynamic design is a good start. It took almost a year just to come up with the final exterior design of the car. Once the look was decided upon, the design was subjected to hours upon hours of wind tunnel tests, where the design was tweaked until it achieved aerodynamic perfection.
As this is a Maybach, the Excelero team dipped into the Maybach parts bins to build this super coupe. The Excelero is actually based off of the Maybach 57 limousine. You know, that super-expensive limousine that appears in every rap video? If you've ever seen one in person, you would know that the Maybach 57 is a huge car. We're talking Kenworth-sized proportions here. One would think that the Maybach 57's size would not make for a good sports coupe.
However, even though the Excelero is shorter than the 57, it's about the same height and width. Naturally, this eased the design process for all involved. In fact, this eased the design process so much, the tech gurus at Maybach just threw in the same 12-cylinder engine that powers the standard limousine.
Okay... we're lying a bit here. A "standard" Maybach 12-cylinder motor may be plenty powerful for the limousine it powers, it is not designed to do runs at 200-plus miles per hour. As such, the Maybach tech heads bumped the displacement up from 5.6 to 5.9 liters, optimized the twin turbo system and probably threw in a bunch of top-secret techie stuff that they don't want to share just yet.
This optimized Maybach Type 12 engine is capable of making 700 brake horsepower and 1,000 newton meters (737 lb.-ft.) of torque. Obviously, those are some very impressive power numbers, but how does the car perform? Well, the Maybach Excelero was able to achieve a top speed of 351.45 kph (or about 218 mph) in early May 2005.
Not bad for a limousine running on street tires. Chances are, you'll never see this bad-boy in person, so be sure to do the next best thing: check out our Media Page for more pics of the Maybach Exelero!
A car can expand a high school or college student's educational horizons, allowing her to take advantage of opportunities like off-site classes and internships. Car ownership is also a great lesson in responsibility: Kids who pay their car's running costs, they have good incentive to drive carefully (if they break it or crash it, they walk). Here are ten cars that are reliable, easy to drive, affordable, and well suited to student life.
1) Ford Focus ZX3 The Focus is one of my favorite small cars. Designed in Europe, it's roomy, cheap to run and a lot of fun to drive. The sporty ZX3 3-door hatchback will probably have the most appeal for young folks; it's good looking, easy to park, and has plenty of room in the back seat to haul friends. It also happens to be the least expensive version. Build quality is dodgy, but in terms of smiles-per-dollar the Focus is hard to beat.
2) Scion-Braun xB Rampvan Thanks to the wheelchair-accessible xB Rampvan, disabled students need not miss out on the opportunities and advantages of owning a car. The xB costs about 50% less than an accessible van, it uses less fuel, and - best of all - it's cool! With its automated ramp in back, instead of on the side, the xB isn't limited to van-accessible parking spots. Headroom is limited for tall wheelchair occupants, but the xB is great for shorter people, those who can transfer externally or as a companion car.
3) Honda Civic The Civic is easy to drive, extremely fuel efficient, and if well cared for will last forever. All new for 2006, the Civic boasts an admirable commitment to safety: Antilock brakes, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are standard on all models. The body shell is designed to withstand an impact with a heavier vehicle, with coupes receiving extra bracing for side impacts. Civic is available as a jazzy coupe or sensible sedan; budget-friendly LX model offers great value-for-money.
4) Hyundai Accent The Hyundai Accent makes a great first car. It's small, easy to drive, and loaded with standard safety features, including front-seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. Alas, antilock brakes are not available on the cheapest Accent (the GS 3-door), but they are standard on other models. The SE 3-door is an attractive little car with a sporty nature; the more formal GLS sedan will suit kids in a rush to grow up. Price is low, warranty is long and character is strong.
5) Kia Optima Not all students are single teens; many have families of their own. For them, the Kia Optima is a great choice; it has all the room and amenities of mainstream Japanese sedans, but it's significantly cheaper to buy and run. The current model, redesigned in mid-2006 (and sold as a 2006.5), is packed with standard safety equipment and backed by a long warranty, and the base 4-cylinder engine is fuel efficient and has plenty of power. A great car for a young family.
6) Honda Fit When I was in college, small Honda Civic hatchbacks were the cars to have. Today the Civic has moved on to bigger and better things, and the hatchbacks are gone; they have been replaced (in spirit, that is) by the Fit. Like the Honda hatchbacks of yore, the Fit is cute, nimble and very frugal. Unlike them, it offers four doors and a back seat that's actually habitable for tall adults -- a much-appreciated improvement.
7) Pontiac Vibe This 5-door wagon is mechanically identical to the Toyota Matrix and is built to the same high quality standards. The Vibe is an appealing package: Slick styling and plenty of room for cargo and friends. The Vibe is available with all-wheel-drive, a safety feature you should strongly consider if the car will frequently be driven in rain or snow. Antilock brakes are standard and side airbags are optional. Stick with the base model; the GT is more powerful but expensive to insure.
8) Volkswagen Rabbit Years ago, the Volkswagen Rabbit was synonymous with cheap motoring -- and then it was gone, renamed Golf and moved steadily upwards in price and prestige. Though a hit in Europe, the Golf was all but ignored in the US. Now VW is bringing the Rabbit back, both in name and spirit. The Rabbit is stacked with safety equipment, brimming with style and priced to sell. Just like the original, the new Rabbit's versatility and style make it a good choice for students.
9) Mazda 3 The Mazda 3 is one of my favorite subcompacts: It's cool to look at, great to drive, and available in both sedan and mini-wagon body styles. It has all the reliability you'd expect from a Japanese car with a bit more pizzazz. "i" models with the 2.0 liter engine are better on gas; drivers prone to speeding are more likely to get in trouble with the 2.3 liter "s".
10) Toyota Corolla If conservative clothes are more your style, the Corolla is a good choice; its grown-up image will serve its owner well through school, the job hunt, and the beginnings of a career. The Corolla's interior trim is a step above the coach-class accommodations usually found in its price range, which adds to long-term appeal and makes it an easy car to live with until those student loans are paid off.
MOTORISTS will be racing to the forecourts next month when the new 56 registration plate is launched.
But drivers could save themselves thousands of pounds by shopping online.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers, about 420,000 drivers will get behind the wheel of a new car on September 1.
But Jerman-based website Audi A4 Gebrauchtwagen says those who opt to buy their car online can save as much as £7,500.
Kondoc.de said it found a saving of £7,534 between the £25,715 list price of an Audi A4 saloon and buying the same car online for £18,181 - a 29 per cent reduction.
A Volkswagen Golf Hatchback has a list price of £15,995 but can be bought online 31 per cent cheaper at £11,000. Markus, the head of cars at Audi A4 Gebrauchtwagen, said: "Buying online is really the best way to save money.
"Many high-street dealers often won't negotiate enough on new cars to reach a competitive price.
"Our research shows in some cases you can knock off a staggering 38 per cent from the list price when searching online, saving you literally thousands of pound on you dream car."
Mitsubishi held its annual Mitsubishi Owners Day event at its North American headquarters this past weekend. This event allowed hundreds of Mitsubishi fanatics to hang out, show off their freshly-polished EVOs and check out a few highly-tuned rides in the process.
Before we get into the meat of this article, there's one thing we have to mention about us: we hate waking up early. We don't wake up early on workdays, and we sure as hell don't wake up early on the weekend. Now, this is important as the Mitsubishi Owner's Day started promptly at 10 in the morning - and 10 in the morning is early in our books. The event was supposed to end at 3, so we figured we could show up after noon and still have plenty of time to check out the entire shindig.
We decided to roll into Mitsubishi HQ at about 1:30 PM - which we still consider to be an early time. This still gave us about an hour and a half to check out the festivities - maybe longer, as no one wants to bail out on a factory-sponsored party early, right?
Well, we were wrong. We saw dozens of privately-owned EVOs heading back towards the highway just as we were rolling into the show. While we missed out on the opportunity to check out 20 different EVOs rolling on bronze rims, we still got to check out the big factory-tuned rides.
Mackin Industries, WORKS (not the wheel company), HKS and more were all representing their brands with very clean and very tastefully-done sedans. We even saw a super-clean non-EVO Lancer sedan that actually looked good. We wonder if the big NOS bottle propping up the hood has a home in this sedan, or if it's just used as a hood prop.
While EVOs dominated the show, there were a handful of new-gen Eclipses on hand. Greddy showed off a turbocharged Eclipse GT, Cusco brought out its road-ready black coupe and Racing Hart brought out its sexy orange beast. The Racing Hart car had its hood reshaped and lengthened, which had the fortunate side effect of giving the Eclipse's headlights some evil-looking "eyebrows". Eclipses like the ones on-hand at this show give us some kind of hope for Mitsubishi's jelly-bean shaped sports coupe.
The EVO X concept car was also on display at the Mitsubishi Owner's Day, but we missed it. That's what we get for showing up too late. Not that it matters much - we already saw it last year at the '05 Tokyo Motor Show. That was a better place for us to check out the car, as not only was the TMS less crowded (due to our attending the show on the press-only days), it was also nicely air conditioned. Did we mention that it's now stupid-hot here in Southern California? Well, it is. We don't like hanging around crowds of people in hot and humid weather. But that's beside the point. We're sure that someone out there will complain about how we did a story on Mitsubishi Owner's Day without showing a pic of the EVO X, so here you go:
Yes, we took that picture in Tokyo, but it's the same car. If you like, imagine a bunch of hot, sweaty dudes crowding around the car... That way you can feel like you got to check it out at the Mitsu Owner's Day yourself!
If it will take more than just an overactive imagination to make you feel like you were at the Mitsubishi Owner's Day, why not take a gander at our Media Page? We've got more pics of sweet EVOs and Eclipses for ya, so hurry up and click on it, already!
Some of the largest sport utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Suburban, have been redesigned for the 2007 model year.
Some of the largest sport utility vehicles, including the Chevrolet Suburban, have been redesigned for the 2007 model year.
As gas prices worry drivers everywhere, automakers are rolling out new versions of some of the thirstiest vehicles on the planet. General Motors has new versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV. Ford and Lincoln have revamped the Expedition and Navigator and now offer extended-length versions to compete against GM's big sport utility vehicles.
Chrysler is entering the big-SUV arena with the Dodge Durango-based Aspen. Unlike its deciduous namesake, Chrysler's Aspen has room for up to eight people, can be powered by an available 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and can tow up to 8,950 pounds.
For shoppers who don't need all the brute strength afforded by truck-based SUVs, a number of crossovers hit the market for 2007. New class members include the five-seat Ford Edge — a V-6-powered vehicle that hardly resembles the boxy SUVs of yore — and the Jeep Compass, which, along with the Patriot, is one of two new car-based SUVs from Jeep.
KUALA LUMPUR: Euromobil Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Audi vehicles in Malaysia, expects to sell about 40 units of its new A3 Sportback per annum, said national sales manager Kulendran.
He said the five-door A3 Sportback was available in two engine variants – the 2.0 FSI priced at RM225,000 and the 2.0 TFSI with S-Tronic transmission priced at RM255,000.
The company had a 500-unit sales target for its sporty cars per annum, he said, adding that the A3 Sportback was among the four sporty models distributed by Euromobil.
Datuk Syed Hisham (on right) and Euromobil director Datuk Donald Choo at the launch of the A3. Euromobil chairman Datuk Syed Hisham Syed Wazir said the A3 Sportback would appeal to drivers seeking a combination of sporty design and dynamism for everyday use in the premium compact class.
“The A3 Sportback is a significant model to add to our existing stable of offerings as it provides an opportunity for customers to own an Audi at entry level or as a second car,” he said at the car's launch yesterday.
Audi A3 at the main concourse of Suria KLCC Euromobil has organised road shows nationwide till the year-end to promote the A3 Sportback.
On the company's outlook, Syed Hisham said that Euromobil intended to introduce a “brand new” design for Audi TT sports coupe next year.
He also said Euromobil planned in future to bring in the Audi Q7, a seven-seater luxury sports utility vehicle.
Recently, laws were passed in Minnesota to allow parentss the opportunity to instruct their teens in a parent taught driver education course. With a State approved Minnesota driver education program, parents can prepare their teen for their learners permit and drivers license at home, in their own time, on a computer. This course covers the written portion of the required program, as well as the behind-the-wheel driving requirements.
The course comes with a complete set of CD ROMs for the student and guides them through the learning experience. After passing the written test for your learner's permit, the parent uses their CD ROM to print lesson plans for the driving portion of the course. This course comes complete with everything you need for your learner's permit and drivers license. The course is approved by the State of Minnesota. For more information, visit the Driver Education Online web site.
THE cheery people at the dealership still clap and sing and take your picture when you buy a new Saturn, though I wonder how they have mustered their enthusiasm for the last 10 years.
Saturn has long suffered as General Motors’ most pathetic brand, with neither the sales nor products to truly justify its continued existence. Those pumped-up salespeople were about all Saturn had going for it.
But now they have something real to validate their shiny, happy attitude: the Sky, the first Saturn worthy of all those Polaroids.
The Sky is an undeniably gorgeous car, the sort of design that resonates with pretty much anyone with a pulse. This is one two-seat roadster that will not be saddled with the “chick car” stigma. Sure, its chrome jewelry is as abundant as it is pretty, but the sharp fenders evoke the most muscular of sports cars past (think 1970’s Corvettes). Men, women and children swoon.
I am so enamored of the car that I won’t think too deeply about whether it made sense for G.M. to give it a Saturn badge. I am sure it did not, but I cannot argue that the people stopping in to look at the Sky were probably not otherwise headed to their local Saturn dealer. While I doubt anyone is buying an Ion or that mistake of a minivan to tide them over for six months while they wait for the back-ordered Sky, at least they might enjoy some free doughnuts and come away with a positive impression.
I might recount some more Saturn history in support of the idea that the Sky is an odd fit, but that’s pretty much a moot point, as the brand is in the midst of a thorough revamping. Corporate G.M. has rendered Saturn just another of its many parts, all of which are in a desperate search for new customers. If the Sky is its new best face, then that is a good enough reason that the car is not a Chevy.
Regardless of which badge is stuck on the Sky, underneath it’s all Pontiac Solstice. The Sky shares the same rear-wheel-drive platform and is powered by an identical 177-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
While the suspension and brakes are willing performers, the unfortunate weak link in G.M.’s would-be sports car package is the engine — it builds revs with all the alacrity of Katrina reconstruction. Power output occurs at a high engine speed, as maximum torque of 166 pound-feet is created at 4,800 r.p.m. With big tires on 18-inch wheels fitted as standard equipment, any fantasies of burning rubber are merely delusional.
A remedy for this power deficit will be offered in the Sky Red Line (and its twin, the Solstice GXP), which will employ a turbocharged 260-horsepower 2-liter version of the same engine. This more performance-oriented Sky goes on sale late next month.
As much as the Sky is crying for a more thrashable power plant, this is the car’s only serious shortcoming.
Yes, the Sky still suffers from a long list of trivial faults similar to those of the Solstice. But the difference is that the Sky feels finished — an improved version of the Pontiac. Imperfect, yes, but complete. The car hangs together in ways that the Solstice does not, as if the people who designed it were more capable of realizing their vision in what they had to work with. Ultimately, the Sky is the better car.
I actually prefer the smooth lines of the Solstice, but then again, I’m a minimalist sports car type of guy. And that’s the biggest problem with the Pontiac — the engine is such a disappointment that the Solstice pretty much falls on its face as a sports car.
The Sky, on the other hand, is trying to be less a sports car than a budget boulevardier. And it is that: a really nicely appointed, sharp-looking roadster that you wouldn’t be ashamed to park next to something that cost twice as much. If I were a valet, I’d leave this one up front.
The Sky’s ability to look expensive when it is not (the base price is $24,195 plus delivery) is downright amazing given G.M.’s usual attention to detail (or lack thereof). But the company has nailed the Sky, with excellent fit and finish and a lot of eye candy.
A stylized exhaust tip and trapezoidal parking light set into the lower bumper skirt are both clever and classy. Ditto the fake hood vents and front fender openings. Inside, the blob of dull plastic that passed for a dashboard in the Solstice has actually been shaped into something rather attractive. Patches of glossy lacquer-look black plastic are used throughout the interior, but with enough restraint that they actually look good.
Even the Solstice’s much-maligned convertible top makes better sense on the Sky. For the uninitiated, this fabric top is manually operated, but requires first pivoting the car’s clamshell decklid backward. Then the top can be folded and stored out of sight inside the trunk. To put the top up, the process is reversed, except it becomes necessary to circle the car and snap down two “flying buttresses” — extensions to the convertible top that anchor it to the closed decklid.
While some find the buttresses annoying, I think they are a cool design element, reminiscent of the Ferrari Mondial cabriolet and perfectly fitting the Sky’s image as a budget exotic. That you must walk around the car to fasten them down only means that you will be spending that much more time curbside, showing off your car to jealous onlookers. Who needs to make a quick getaway when you look this good?
While the Sky is an improvement over the Solstice, if mostly for aesthetic reasons, I only hope that G.M. continues to improve the platform and fix the car’s remaining problems. Anyone who buys a roadster should have already tossed concepts like everyday practicality and packaging efficiency over their shoulder at speed, but there’s no reason not to try to move the Sky a little further up the usability scale. As it is, it’s fairly near the bottom.
First and foremost is that if you actually want to drive the car on vacation, you should be considering a holiday at a nudist colony. With the gas tank intruding into the trunk from below and the top eating up what little space is left over, you will learn to pack lightly — perhaps using poster tubes for luggage.
And forget about bringing much along in the cockpit. The glove box is only big enough for, say, a pair of gloves; the owner’s manual won’t even lay flat in it. While there is another small storage compartment on the rear bulkhead between the seats, that’s it; there are no cubbyholes or bins anywhere else.
Things like cellphones or iPods can be shoved into pockets on the front of the seats, but the seats themselves are an issue. They don’t seem to actually fit in the car, and once you are seated there is no room on the side to reach the seatback recliner. The range of adjustment is somewhat limited, and I just could not get the driver’s seat where I wanted it.
I’d swear I was thoroughly uncomfortable in the Sky, yet after an entire day behind the wheel I was neither sore nor tired. I suspect the seat was actually forcing me to sit with better posture than I usually would, but it felt awkward.
The Sky suffers from typical convertible problems like road noise at highway speed and an occasional poor fit around the windows. There are other issues I’ve probably forgotten, but I’ve already said that all complaints beyond the engine amount to inconsequential carping.
After all, the Sky is a fashion statement. For anything that makes you look this good for this little money, what’s a little sacrifice?
Tokyo - Toyota and Zegato intoruduced a limited version Harrier Zegato on July 28 at the 2006 Tokyo Auto Gallery, now inits sixth year. The car will be produced in limited quantities, with 250 models on the slate for the Japanese market.
An entire wrap-around fairing package give the new Harrier the look of a rally car, with modifications to the bumpers and grill and the addition of spoilers and foglites. The interior sprots new aluminum trim. Zegato spoke wheels add the final touch.
The Harrier Zagato comes with 2WD or 4WD powertrains and a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder or 3.5 liter, V6 engine, in red mica metallic or white pearl crystal. Pricing runs from JPY 4,935,000 to JPY 5,712,000.
Tokyo Auto Gallery 2006
The most up-to-date hot rods or “dressed-up cars”, “tuned-up cars” will be shown together with sales and promotion of car audio, wheel and various car accessories all lined up. Exhibitors are well-known car accessory makers, automobile companies, publishers etc. and they will appeal the products at each own booth by holding various events and presentations. Celebrities and artists will also perform on the special stage during the event period. Those who are keen on converted cars cannot miss this fun opportunity.
Leading the pack is MPV Wish, with more than 4,000 sold in 27 months
TOYOTA rules Singapore roads - as with authorised imports, it is also the most popular brand among grey imports. And to prove Japan's biggest carmaker is a juggernaut, the top three parallel imported (PI) models all bear the Toyota nameplate.
The most popular PI car is the Toyota Wish, according to Land Transport Authority figures. he 1.8-litre multi-purpose vehicle is not offered by authorised Toyota distributor Borneo Motors Singapore. But between September 2003 and November 2005, more than 4,000 units were sold by parallel importers across the island, or an average of 153 cars a month.
The next most popular PI model is the Toyota Harrier 2.4, but it is a distant second. Only 1,260 units of this front-wheel-drive version of the luxury Lexus RX300 were sold over the same 27-month period, or an average of 47 units each month.
'The Toyota Wish appeals to a big group of people who want an MPV below two-litres with seven useable seats,' said one parallel importer. He said the compact MPV is the right size and is easy to drive. 'It is the best among all the small MPVs because of its good packaging.'
Currently, the range of Wish models found on the market all come with a 1,800cc engine and starts from about $70,000 for the entry-level version.
But Richburg Motors, which specialises in Toyota imports, offers the top-of-the-line Aero Sports edition. At $83,800, the standard equipment includes a manual shifting four-speed automatic transmission, back-lit Optitron meters and a factory-fitted body kit.
Compare this with the larger Picnic's $86,000 price tag, a two-litre MPV which is available from Borneo Motors. So far this year, the Picnic has racked up a monthly sales average of 168 units.
'Both the Wish and Picnic relatively serve the same segment in terms of their function as multi-purpose vehicles,' said a Borneo spokesman.
'The Picnic has better interior space, especially its third-row passenger seats, legroom and storage capacity. It is also equipped with rear air-conditioner.'
But Borneo may be offering the Wish as part of its line-up.
'We are in the process of discussing this with our principal,' said the spokesman.
The strength of Wish sales reflects a wider choice of car models recently available to consumers, thanks to the liberalisation of car imports in mid-2000. The rules and regulations were relaxed by the government to allow more alternatives with more competitive prices in the new car market.
The liberalisation also made it easier for those who wanted to bypass dealers and self-import the cars themselves, with step-by-step instructions being offered on the LTA website.
'After 2000, there was easier access to popular Japan domestic models (JDM) because of the acceptance of JDM market papers,' said the parallel importer, adding that type approval for cars was relaxed so that manufacturer certification was no longer required of parallel importers.
'All these moves have clearly benefited the consumer.'
Toyota WISH
The Toyota Wish is a 6/7-seater minivan equipped with either a 1.8 L or 2.0 L engine. First launched in 2003 by Toyota, it is positioned below the Ipsum, and above the Spacio. Consequently, its main competitor is the Honda Stream and the Nissan Liberty.
Apart from Japan, the Wish is also assembled in Thailand (for Thailand only) and Taiwan (for Taiwan only).
2003
The Wish was launched in Japan in January2003, under a massive publicity campaign with Japanese singer Hikaru Utada singing the commercial model and also coinciding with the launch of her new CD-single. The car is marketed under the "Wish Comes True" slogan. Codenamed ZNE10G (FF) and ZNE14G (4wd), it uses a 1.8 L 1ZZ-FE engine, producing (JIS) 132 PS and 170 N·m. It is only available with 4-speed automatic. A 2 L version (codenamed ANE11W for the 6-seater version and ANE10G for the 8-seater version) was launched in April 2003. Equipped with the 1AZ-FE direct-injection engine, it has (JIS) 155 PS (114 kW) and 192 N·m (142 lbf·ft). It is only available with a CVT gearbox.
2006
The car was a huge success in Japan, and featured in the best sellers chart regularly, no mean feat for an MPV. The Toyota Wish was updated at the end of 2005 with the introduction of a facelifted model. The car was fundamentally well designed, and the success of the original model meant that few changes were necessary. Cosmetic changes to the headlights, bumpers, LED tail-lights and dashboard were made, together with revised switchgear for the climate control and automatic transmission. The drivetrain and engines remained the same.
EVEN as a youngster, Penny Nickerson loved motorcycles. Growing up in a family that considered motorbikes unladylike, though, she had no choice but to pursue her passion on the sly.
“I cheated on the side — I rode with my boyfriend,” Ms. Nickerson said. “They never did find out about my first motorcycle.”
Now the United States Postal Service may be displaying a similar rebellious streak: tomorrow at the huge Sturgis motorcycle rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Postal Service will issue a set of four stamps that depict classic American bikes. An event once tinged with something of an outlaw reputation, Sturgis has become an annual pilgrimage for well-heeled touring riders and sport bike enthusiasts.
When the post office approved motorcycles in 2003 as a subject for future stamps, it asked the Smithsonian Institution for help selecting models that would display what Mark Saunders, a post office spokesman, called “the evolution” of American style and construction. An example of one bike selected for the stamps, a 1918 Cleveland, is owned by Ms. Nickerson, president of the Big Sandbar chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, on Long Island.
Ms. Nickerson not only agreed to let the Postal Service use her bike as a model for the stamp’s artwork, she also contacted club members who owned other motorcycles that had been chosen for the project — a sensitive matter because the selections had not been made public.
Photographs of the bikes were sent to an artist, Steve Buchanan of Winsted, Conn., whose previous stamp designs included insects, reptiles and carnivorous plants. Mr. Buchanan worked with the owners, the Postal Service and vintage-motorcycle experts to create the portrayals on the stamps.
Some details of the stamps differ slightly from the actual bikes they depict. For example, the 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, one of the most recognizable American motorcycles, is based on a bike owned by George Tsunis, a real estate developer and member of the motorcycle club who lives in Port Jefferson, N.Y. The most apparent difference between his bike and the one depicted on the stamp is its color — Mr. Tsunis’s is black and white, but the Postal Service wanted a more colorful stamp, so it was changed to blue and white.
Both color schemes are historically accurate. Mr. Tsunis explained that such authenticity is something restorers of classic vehicles strive for. At collectors’ meets, bikes are judged by their adherence to factory specifications, with points awarded for originality — even mechanical details like bolts, wiring and engine parts. The fewer modifications from original factory condition, the better, Mr. Tsunis said.
Another stamp in the series shows a “chopper” — a customized Harley with its handlebars, exhaust pipes and front suspension radically extended, a distinctively American style that was especially popular in the 1960’s and 70’s. The image was created by the artist after consulting with chopper builders — and Mr. Tsunis is now building a real version to match the stamp.
While Harley-Davidson is certainly the best known of American motorcycle manufacturers, it was not the only one; in the early decades of the 20th century, there were some 150 makes.
“The Indian was chief,” said Larry Spielfogel, the owner of the 1940 Indian Four depicted on another of the new stamps. Mr. Spielfogel lives in Manhattan but keeps his collection of 63 motorcycles in Brooklyn. Mr. Spielfogel grew up in Port Washington, N.Y. and went to the Main Street School, half a block from a well-known dealership, Ghost Motorcycles. “When I went to school, I heard the motorcycles running,” he said.
His father bought him his first bike, a Ducati, in 1964, which he would ride around the local sand pits. In those days, many who wanted to buy a new Harley would trade in an older motorcycle of another make. “I couldn’t afford new bikes,” he said. “Ghost literally had a mountain of ’em for $10, $15 each. At that time the Indians were junk.”
Mr. Spielfogel calls Indians “the Duesenbergs of motorcycles.” His 1940 Indian Four, named for its four-cylinder engine, is a relatively rare model; he said only 375 were made in 1940. Many were used by cities for police duty, which wore them out quickly.
Mr. Spielfogel found his Indian while driving on Sunrise Highway near Baldwin, N.Y., about 15 years ago. At a stop for gas, Mr. Spielfogel asked the attendant if he knew of any old motorcycles for sale in the area and was directed to the home of an older resident, who led him to an enormous pile of leaves in the backyard. Moving some of the leaves aside revealed a blue tarp.
“And under there is this motorcycle, all rusty,” Mr. Spielfogel recounted recently.
The owner, who wanted to pass the motorcycle along to someone who shared his love of classic bikes, sold it to Mr. Spielfogel for $250.
It took three and a half years to restore, a process that involved a considerable amount of research, fabrication of many parts that were no longer available, and complete stripping and repainting of the bodywork. Mr. Spielfogel says the motorcycle is now worth close to $100,000.
Because of its age and rarity, Ms. Nickerson’s bike arouses the greatest admiration among connoisseurs of antique motorcycles. Her Cleveland, which at first glance looks like little more than an old bicycle with a tiny motor attached to it, is the culmination of more than 10 years of research and restoration, all of which she did herself.
Nicknamed Olive, the bike was one Ms. Nickerson fell in love with when she was a teenager living in Maryland. But the family that owned it was reluctant to sell; it took years before she was able to load it into her pickup and bring it home.
Part of Ms. Nickerson’s research involved trips to the Library of Congress to browse through old newspapers and magazines, looking for advertisements featuring the Cleveland. She said that many Clevelands and other motorcycles of that vintage were used by the Army in World War I; the military paint scheme of olive drab became the standard for civilian bikes, too.
Ms. Nickerson stopped off on her way to Sturgis last week at the Cleveland Auto and Aviation Museum for a homecoming visit with one of Olive’s siblings there, before leading a procession to the building where Olive was made nearly 90 years ago.
Ms. Nickerson, who has by now acquired a 1914 Douglas, a 1925 Ner-A-Car, a number of postwar motorcycles and two grandchildren, marveled that thanks in part to the new stamp issue, her mother, now 80, seems to finally approve of her daughter’s lifelong love affair with the motorcycle.
There has been significant change for Spain's round of the World Rally Championship in recent years. First the move from the Costa Brava to the Costa Daurada on the other side of Barcelona in 2005, and now the move from autumn back to an early-spring slot in 2006. The event's nature hasn't changed much, however, with the wide, sweeping asphalt roads providing the fastest sealed-surface stages of the season.
The event is based in the Port Aventura theme park, in the town of Salou in the Tarragona region, and it's a great place to host a rally. The locals - weened on years of success for double champion and 26-times rally winner Carlos Sainz - really love their rallying, and show every ounce of their passion on the stages as they cheer, holler and wave their flags. With up-and-coming youngster Dani Sordo having won the Junior WRC crown in 2005, they have a new star to pour their accolades on.
As we've said, the stages are among the fastest asphalt tests in the WRC, and racing technique can pay dividends here as drivers aim for smooth lines through the fast turns to maximise their speed. Corner-cutting is also a widely-used skill here, but this can drag gravel onto the road for the following cars and the second run through the stages, meaning that instant reactions are as important as well-researched pace notes for the particularly hazardous zones.
Union Citys annual event to showcase about 30 vehicles on Saturday
UNION CITY — Floyd Nespers 1951 Bentley was designed for more than just cruising.
You can make love in the back seat like crazy, he said. Its got a window shade and everything.
On Saturday, Nespers Bentley and 1926 Model T Ford will be two of about 30 cars on display at Union Citys Senior Auto Show at Ruggieri Senior Center.
Visitors will be treated to free hamburgers and hot dogs, plus a peek under the hood of some of the classiest cars in the Tri-City area.
Just keep your hands off the door handles.
I dont want anybody sitting inside, said Nesper, a 70-year-old retired mechanic from Hayward. I wont even let my wife drive them.
Other cars on display will be a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro, a 1967 Chevrolet El Camino, a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible and a 1946 Chevrolet Fleetmaster sedan.
Its really great, Nesper said. Its a senior event. Its all about old people.
For Nesper, classic cars arent just a hobby, theyre an investment. He bought his Bentley about 19 years ago for $7,500 and spent another
$40,000 and 11 years restoring it.
One day, Im going to sell it for $100,000 and take my wife on a cruise, he said.
Bentleys come and go, but Model Ts are forever, Nesper added. The Ford is going to my oldest son.
The auto show will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Ruggieri Senior Center, 33997 Alvarado-Niles Road.
Police in Orlando, Fla., are searching for the drivers of three cars who ran over a pedestrian early Monday and did not stop to help, according to Local 6 News.
Investigators said the victim was first hit by the driver of a silver Dodge Durango on Orange Blossom Trail near Silver Star Road at around midnight.
"The impact left the victim's body in pieces," Local 6's Jacquie Sosa said.
While the man's body was in the street, two more cars ran over the man and no one stopped to help.
Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to call Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS.
The Impression is one of the first cars to emerge from Russo-Baltique in over 80 years. And while the first impression we get is that it's to daring and exotic for production, a very limited series of cars is available. They will be delivered at a rate of three per year and with a price tag of 50 million rubles or 1.8 million dollars! At that price, the Impression is one of most expensive supercars of our time and Russo-Baltique have some serious convincing to prove their value. Outwardly, the car is thoroughly modern: it has sweeping lines and unusual proportions which could only come from such a distinct area. Inside, the interior is trumped by an extensive use of Zebrano wood which is hand crafted from a single Trunk of the African tree. The Impression is powered by a Mercedes-Benz V12 which offers 555 bhp. Its chassis is made from carbon fibre to ensure both ample weight and rigidity.
Three separate studies reveal the vehicles most stolen in the United States.
The 2001 BMW M Roadster received the dubious honor of being listed as the most stolen vehicle of 2005, according to the most recent stolen vehicle report from CCC Information Services Inc. (CCC). CCC is a technology provider to the automotive claims and repair industry. The CCC report found that slightly more than one out of every two hundred registered 2001 M Roadsters were stolen last year. Following closely behind were the 1998 Acura Integra in second place and 2004 Mercury Marauder in third.
The 2005 stolen vehicle report from CCC Information Services Inc. is based on the rate of theft for a vehicle as a percentage of the total number registered. CCC analyzes total loss claims received from more than 350 property and casualty insurers in North America and compares the number of vehicles stolen and not recovered against vehicle registration volume information provided by R.L. Polk & Co., to determine the rate of theft.
CCC changed the method of determining the most stolen vehicles two years ago, basing the report on the theft rate rather than the number of thefts, which had skewed the report toward the most popular models.
Not included in the study are vehicles stolen for joyrides or otherwise recovered and returned to their owners. CCC included only vehicles stolen and deemed a total loss, or never recovered. A vehicle is considered a total loss when the cost to repair it approaches or exceeds the value of the vehicle.
"We can't say exactly why they were stolen, but some details point to interesting trends contained within the list of the top 25 most stolen cars of 2005," said Mary Jo Prigge, CCC's president of operations. "For instance, our data suggest some cars are stolen for the value of their parts, which may explain why we often see a 'clustering' effect with same make and model vehicles from sequential model years."
"The data also point to a high proportion of stolen cars that are built for speed, such as the BMW M Roadster, the Audi S4, the supercharged Jaguar XJR and the Mercury Marauder, all of which appear on the top 25 most stolen vehicles list in 2005," Prigge added.
Surprisingly, the cost of fuel has not affected the popularity of the large SUV among car thieves. The full-size SUV segment remains the most stolen segment, including such vehicles as the Cadillac Escalade and the Land Rover Range Rover.
Hummers have also been popular among thieves—the brand was the most stolen make of vehicle in 2005, followed by Acura, Land Rover, Honda and Suzuki.
The CCC reports the ten most stolen vehicles for 2005 are as follows:
The study is based on total loss claims received from more than 350 property and casualty insurers in North America and compares the number of vehicles stolen and not recovered against vehicle registration volume information provided by R.L. Polk & Co., to determine the rate of theft.
Most Stolen: Highway Loss Data Institute The luxurious Cadillac Escalade SUV topped the list of the most recent study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which looks at the insurance theft losses reported for one- to three-year-old vehicles, or 2003-2005 models.
The Escalade, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab—the top three on HLDI's list— have theft claim rates four to five times higher than the average for all cars. The Ford F-250/Ford F-350 pickup trucks and the Chrysler Sebring round out the top five.
This is the fourth year in a row that the Escalade has topped the list of vehicles most likely to have a theft claim. In fact, Cadillac Escalade EXT luxury pickup truck shows overall theft losses that are 16 times higher than the average.
"The overall results show the Escalade has not only the highest rate of claims but also very expensive claims when they are filed," says Kim Hazelbaker, HLDI senior vice president. "In fact, almost one-quarter of theft claims for the Escalade are for $40,000 or more, indicating that thieves often are stealing the whole vehicles and not just their parts."
Surprisingly, the Escalade's theft losses have been the highest in recent years even though this vehicle is equipped with a standard anti-theft ignition immobilizer which is designed to prevent the vehicle from being started without the proper key. Cadillac redesigned the Escalade for 2007 and upgraded its anti-theft system; however it's too soon to know if the new model will have a lower theft rate than the previous ones.
The high-performance Lancer Evolution is new this year to the list of vehicles with the highest theft losses. Investigators say this model may be attracting the attention of thieves because its parts can be used to customize standard Lancers.
However, there are vehicles that are at the opposite end of the spectrum. The HLDI reports that the Ford Taurus showed the fewest theft claims, with the Pontiac Vibe 4WD, Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue and Toyota Sienna 4WD with slightly higher claim rates.
According to the HLDI, overall theft losses, stated as average loss payments per insured vehicle year, reflect both how often theft claims are filed for a particular vehicle and the cost of the claims. Since 1980 theft claim frequencies have declined while average insurance payments per theft claim have increased. However, these trends have leveled off in recent years. The result is that since the mid-1990s overall theft losses have declined by about 25 percent.
HLDI Highest Theft Claim Rate for 2003-2005 model year vehicles
Cadillac Escalade Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab Ford F-250 SuperCrew 4WD/Ford F-350 SuperCrew 4WD Chrysler Sebring HLDI Lowest Theft Claim Rate for 2003-2005 model year vehicles Ford Taurus Pontiac Vibe 4WD Buick LeSabre Buick Park Avenue Toyota Sienna 4WD
Most Stolen: National Insurance Crime Bureau
The popular 1995 Honda Civic was the top pick among thieves during the 2004 calendar year, according to the "Hot Wheels" report released in November 2005 by the (NICB).
In 2004, 1,237,114 motor vehicles were reported stolen which is a decrease of 23,357 vehicles from 2003. Overall in the U.S., car theft was down by almost two percent.
"The slight decrease in auto theft is a positive sign. Now all of us in the fight against vehicle theft and insurance fraud must ensure that we continue the momentum and bring this national crime problem under control," said Robert M. Bryant, president and chief executive officer of the NICB.
The most recent NICB report listed the 1989 Toyota Camry as the second most stolen vehicle, followed by the 1991 Honda Accord.
In fourth position, the 1994 Dodge Caravan was the highest-listed minivan as well as the most stolen domestic automobile. The Caravan was followed by three pickup trucks: the 1994 Chevrolet C/K 1500, the 1997 Ford F-150 and the 2003 Dodge Ram, respectively.
The NICB encourages everyone to follow what it calls a "layered approach" to auto theft protection by employing simple, low-cost suggestions to make vehicles less attractive to thieves. The four layers include Common Sense, Warning Device, Immobilizing Device, and Tracking Device.
The least expensive form of defense, common sense simply means using the standard safety features of a vehicle by locking the car and taking the keys. The second layer is a warning device or alarm on the vehicle.
The third layer takes suggests some sort of immobilizing device, such as a fuel cutoff or smart key that prevents the vehicle from being driven, and the fourth layer consists of a tracking device allowing law enforcement officers to track and recover a vehicle if stolen.
The NICB study is based on information reported to the National Crime Information Center, and it's one of three reports that list the most stolen cars in America.
The NICB top ten list—the number in parentheses is the model year most stolen:
Honda Civic (1995) Toyota Camry (1989) Honda Accord (1991) Dodge Caravan (1994) Chevrolet C/K 1500 (1994) Ford F-150 (1997) Dodge Ram Pickup (2003) Acura Integra (1990) Toyota Pickup (1988) Nissan Sentra (1991)
How the Studies Differ HLDI results are based on the number of insured vehicles. Information on theft losses published by the National Insurance Crime Bureau doesn't take into account how many of each vehicle are insured, so the most popular vehicles on the road tend to top this organizations' lists of most stolen vehicles. In contrast, HLDI and CCC Information Services identify vehicles with the worst theft losses by counting the number of claims by make and model relative to the number of each make and model insured or registered, indicating which vehicles are most likely to be targets.
Thieves Follow Market Trends Thieves still prefer cars over SUVs or pickups—although large SUVs are becoming more common on the lists. In two separate studies, one from CCC and the other from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), at least seven of the ten most commonly stolen vehicles in the United States are cars, with the Acura Integra, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and Honda Accord prominent on the lists. However, both studies show an increase in SUV theft.
Sport coupes have been around a long time, but few have been as unconventional as the 2006 Mazda RX-8. This nimble-handling machine is not only the only new production car sold in the world to have a rotary engine, it's also the only sport coupe to have a set of rear-opening doors that allows access to a surprisingly roomy four-passenger cabin.
These days, the Wankel rotary engine is pretty much synonymous with Mazda. Its advantages over a traditional piston engine include a higher specific output for a given physical size, a lighter weight and fewer moving parts. Mazda's latest "Renesis" rotary design has also minimized most of the traditional drawbacks. In the RX-8, Mazda's engineers were able to utilize the rotary's weight and size advantages to optimize engine placement. The result is a 50/50 weight balance between each set of wheels, a low center of gravity and a low hood line that contributes to the car's sporty style and a slippery coefficient of drag. The RX-8's base curb weight is about 3,000 pounds, about 300-400 pounds less than its main competitors. In terms of handling, very few cars achieve a better balance between handling precision and ride quality than the Mazda.
Although the idea of a "2+2" sports car has been around for decades, the RX-8 takes it to the next level via the "free style" doors in back, which open opposite the fronts and make loading people and cargo much easier. Provided they are under 6 feet tall, those seated in the back will find supportive seating and ample room all around. Alternately, the rear-seat area is a great place to throw luggage or grocery bags, though a synergy between it and the rear cargo area can't be obtained as the rear seats don't fold forward.
There aren't a lot of cars in the under-$30,000 sports car segment. But of the few, Nissan's 350Z is the RX-8's most direct competitor, as it offers similar performance for a slightly higher price. With no backseat, the Z is more of a true sports car, but for those who need a little practicality and a more forgiving ride, the 2006 Mazda RX-8 is hard to beat.
2006 Mazda RX-8 Specifications
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options: The Mazda RX-8 comes as a four-seat hardtop with, essentially, four doors. The front doors are full-size, while two smaller rear doors ease access to the rear passenger compartment. The RX-8 line comprises an automatic-transmission model with a new six-speed gearbox, and a manual transmission version that also has six cogs. The automatic RX-8 comes standard with air conditioning, 16-inch wheels and power windows, locks and mirrors. The six-speed manual model adds a limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires. There are four option packages available. On six-speed models, the Sport package adds xenon headlights, stability and traction control and foglights, while automatic-equipped versions also get a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, a retuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. The Touring package provides a sunroof, Bose audio system, Homelink and auto-dimming mirrors. The Grand Touring package adds all of the above equipment, along with a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated seats, leather upholstery and heated side mirrors. The Shinka (Japanese for "Evolution") package adds both sporty and luxury features via a more aggressively tuned suspension, leather/Alcantara seating, Sirius satellite radio, upgraded interior trim and unique 18-inch alloys. Stand-alone options include a navigation system and an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
For more Performance data, see our Mazda RX-8 Specifications page.
Powertrains and Performance: Both versions of the Mazda RX-8 are motivated by a 1.3-liter rotary engine that sends power to the rear wheels. When connected to the six-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission, the engine is tuned to produce 212 horsepower. Manual-transmission versions get a 232-hp version of this power plant. Coupled with the vehicle's light weight, the RX-8 delivers exhilarating performance along with ultra-smooth power delivery. We've recorded zero to 60 mph in 7.0 seconds and a quarter-mile performance of 15.4 seconds with the six-speed manual.
Safety: Side airbags and side curtain airbags for the driver and front passenger come standard, as do four-wheel antilock disc brakes. Stability control is optional. In NHTSA crash testing, the Mazda RX-8 earned a four-star rating (out of a possible five) for driver protection in frontal impacts and five stars for the front passenger. The Mazda received four stars across the board for side-impact protection. Additionally, the RX-8 is the only passenger car currently sold in the U.S. to earn a perfect five-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.
Interior Design and Special Features: The RX-8's rear-hinged rear doors allow unobstructed access to the rear seats, giving this sports car the ability to comfortably carry four adults thanks to well-shaped seats and a roofline that allows ample headroom in back. The interior design carries a circular theme, with three round gauges and a circular central dash pod that houses the stereo and climate control functions, while "piano black" accents lend a touch of class to the cockpit. Unfortunately, an overly busy display for the audio system and climate control makes "at a glance" reading a challenge. Driving Impressions: Although the 2006 Mazda RX-8 has the look of a race-tuned sports car, its demeanor on the road is considerably more docile. There's plenty of grip in the corners and solid feedback through the steering wheel, but it won't beat you up on the daily commute. The rotary engine requires high engine speeds to make its peak power, but the delivery is virtually vibration-free and noise levels are subdued. Overall, the RX-8 is one of the best examples of a car that's fun to drive while still remaining livable on a day-to-day basis.
VW plans seven-seater; Saleen goes retail; Indian automaker looks to U.S.
VW plans seven-seater The new seven-seat Volkswagen crossover is scheduled to go on sale in 2009 as part of an upmarket product offensive masterminded by VW chief Wolfgang Bernhard.
The versatile vehicle, built on a variation of the Audi Q7 chassis, will share drivelines, electric systems and interior appointments with other VW models.
Saleen goes retail In a new twist on automotive retailing, racer-turned-tuner-turned -carmaker Steve Saleen has opened a factory retail outlet near the corporate headquarters in Irvine, California. Located in the Irvine Spectrum, an outdoor retail and entertainment megamall, the store allows buyers to see and order Saleen vehicles like the S7 Twin Turbo, S331 Sport Truck and S281 Supercharged Mustang. India beckons While attention is focused on future competition from China, an automaker from India is quietly seeking to enter the United States.
Dealers say the Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra is trying to set up a network of about 200 dealers to sell an SUV. The SUV could go on sale as early as 2007, according to sources.
Mahindra & Mahindra, also known as M&M, makes a range of SUVs and pickup trucks. The newest SUV is called the Scorpio. The Scorpio is the company’s flagship vehicle and is sold in some European countries as the Goa.
M&M would use an independent distributor in the United States.
M&M’s automotive operations began in the 1940s by manufacturing Willys Jeeps in India
Subaru says its crossover wagons have been moderately redesigned and refined for 2006. A new front fascia and fresh taillamp clusters have been developed. Body color replaces textured gray for the bumpers and protective body cladding on entry-level models. All models except the entry-level edition have larger body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Subaru unveiled the 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition in 2004. The L.L.Bean Edition continues into 2006 and features special embroidered floormats, leather-trimmed upholstery and an auto-dimming compass mirror. The rear seatbacks and cargo floor are covered with a water-resistant surface, and this Forester version flaunts a large glass moonroof. A new Momo wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel goes into 2006 models.
For 2006, the Forester 2.5 XT Limited is equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder, which has risen from 210 to 230 horsepower. A power moonroof and leather seating are now standard in the 2.5 XT Limited.
All models with the non-turbo engine are now dubbed 2.5 X, and engine output has increased from165 to 173 hp courtesy of a new i-Active Variable Valve Lift system. The 2.5 XS model has been dropped, but all of its features are included in the available Premium Package.
All-wheel drive is standard on all Forester models. Ground clearance has increased from 7.5 to 8.1 inches (7.9 inches for the 2.5 XT Limited). The optional four-speed-automatic transmission gains revised adaptive shift control. Reworked rear seats promise greater thigh support.
Exterior The Forester features flared front fenders and blister-type rear quarter panels. Its appearance hasn't changed noticeably despite the 2006 face-lift. Features on the L.L.Bean Edition include a self-leveling rear suspension, a security system, a durable cargo floor and 10-spoke, 16-inch alloy wheels.
Interior Sport bucket seats in the front and a 60/40-split, folding rear seat can accommodate up to five occupants. Subaru emphasizes the Forester's high seating position. A Hill Holder clutch on manual-shift models makes it easier to start the car on inclines.
Under the Hood Subaru's Impreza series uses the same 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder as the Forester. The regular engine now develops 173 hp. A turbocharged version that yields 230 hp goes into the 2.5 XT Limited. A five-speed-manual gearbox is standard on all models except the 2.5 X L.L.Bean Edition, which gets a four-speed-automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is optional for other models.
Safety Dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags, front active head restraints and antilock brakes are standard.
Driving Impressions The frisky Forester XT is sensible and satisfying, especially with the turbocharged engine and the manual gearbox. There's a bit of turbo lag after pushing the gas pedal. Foresters ride pleasantly enough over smooth surfaces, but bumps and ruts can produce somewhat harsh reactions.
Space is ample in the front and adequate in back, with abundant head and toe room, though knee space is less bountiful. The front seat bottoms are short but nicely supportive. The gauges and controls are ordinary but sensible.
The easy-to-drive Forester maneuvers nimbly, handles with a light touch and yields a friendly, comfortable feel. Some driveline noise occurs while accelerating the turbocharged engine.
The Subaru Forester XT offers the rare combination of vehicle that's a tall wagon with a lot of peppiness and is a useful hauler.
The secret? The XT has a turbo, and that makes for a lot of fun, including blowing away muscle cars or other hotshots with big V-8s at the stoplight.
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