Toyota Supra underwent a few minor changes for 1998. The exterior remained the same, except for the removal of the Anniversary emblems on the front fenders. Inside, a new 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 4-spoke wheel, the cloth sport seats had a bolder design, and the radio was redesigned. The Naturally Aspirated I6 got Variable Valve Technology with Intelligence (VVT-i), which lead to an increase of 5 bhp and 10 lb-ft over the year before. The Twin Turbo I6 remained unchanged. The 5-speed manual transmission was dropped, even though the 6-speed manual was still available only on the Twin Turbo. Therefore, the base model was only available with an automatic. Faced with declining sales for Japanese super cars, this would be the last year that the Toyota Supra would be sold in the U.S.
for detail of Toyota Supra history,go to musclecarclub.com
Thursday, July 31, 2008
History of Toyota Supra
History of Toyota Supra
Toyota Supra underwent a few minor changes for 1998. The exterior remained the same, except for the removal of the Anniversary emblems on the front fenders. Inside, a new 3-spoke steering wheel replaced the previous 4-spoke wheel, the cloth sport seats had a bolder design, and the radio was redesigned. The Naturally Aspirated I6 got Variable Valve Technology with Intelligence (VVT-i), which lead to an increase of 5 bhp and 10 lb-ft over the year before. The Twin Turbo I6 remained unchanged. The 5-speed manual transmission was dropped, even though the 6-speed manual was still available only on the Twin Turbo. Therefore, the base model was only available with an automatic. Faced with declining sales for Japanese super cars, this would be the last year that the Toyota Supra would be sold in the U.S.
for detail of Toyota Supra history,go to musclecarclub.com
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mercedes Benz Brabus
Mercedes Benz Brabus , as usual, a very nice stand with almost the whole range on show.Several of the cars were equipped with this engine, Brabus´
version of the twin-turbo V12 called SV12, first introduced in the
Maybach but also powering Mercedes´ 600-models. Brabus has increased
the displacement from 5,5 litres to 6,3 litres which is achieved through
the installation of a unique steel-billet crankshaft, larger diameter
lightweight alloy pistons and precision-balanced connecting-rods.
The engine is also fitted with sport camshafts, precision-machined
cylinder heads, a high-performance sport exhaust system and reprogrammed
engine electronics. The engine is amazingly powerful, 640 bhp at 5100
rpm and a maximum torque of 1026 NM from 1750 rpm. This engine is
available for the SL-, CL- and S600 and the upgrade costs 44900 EURO
plus an installation cost of 1980 EURO. But it is also available in
the E-class in a model called EV12. The EV12 is only available as
a complete car, built in exclusive small-series production, which
means that you can´t upgrade your standard E500 with the V12-engine,
you have to buy the EV12 directly from Brabus. It is one of the most
amazing 4-door cars ever built.
Mercedes Benz Brabus
Mercedes Benz Brabus , as usual, a very nice stand with almost the whole range on show.Several of the cars were equipped with this engine, Brabus´
version of the twin-turbo V12 called SV12, first introduced in the
Maybach but also powering Mercedes´ 600-models. Brabus has increased
the displacement from 5,5 litres to 6,3 litres which is achieved through
the installation of a unique steel-billet crankshaft, larger diameter
lightweight alloy pistons and precision-balanced connecting-rods.
The engine is also fitted with sport camshafts, precision-machined
cylinder heads, a high-performance sport exhaust system and reprogrammed
engine electronics. The engine is amazingly powerful, 640 bhp at 5100
rpm and a maximum torque of 1026 NM from 1750 rpm. This engine is
available for the SL-, CL- and S600 and the upgrade costs 44900 EURO
plus an installation cost of 1980 EURO. But it is also available in
the E-class in a model called EV12. The EV12 is only available as
a complete car, built in exclusive small-series production, which
means that you can´t upgrade your standard E500 with the V12-engine,
you have to buy the EV12 directly from Brabus. It is one of the most
amazing 4-door cars ever built.
2009 Audi Q5Review : Hot Looks, Sporty Moves
the Audi Q5 as an Audi A4 Avant that can wade through 20 inches of standing water and scramble across a mildly muddy two-track trail. The standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system has the same 40:60, rear-drive biased torque distribution, and the Audi Q5 packs the same sweet 265 hp 3.2-liter V6 with 243 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a ZF six-speed automatic, and Audi estimates the combination will net 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. If we're honest, that is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to the powertrains they'll offer in the homeland. German Audi Q5s can be had with three of Audi's most impressive engines—the four-cylinder gasoline 2.0 TFSI, and two diesels: a thrifty 2.0 TDI or the powerhouse 3.0 TDI V6, which belts out 407 lb.-ft. of torque. Oh yes, they all get better mileage than our V6.
The Audi Q5 cabin is nearly identical to the A4's, which is no bad thing. It is all quite intuitively designed, right to the flip-down rear seats, which are easily actuated from the cargo area. Only leather will be offered, and upscale niceties like a climate-controlled cup holder and ventilated front seats can be optioned. Audi's MMI (Muti-Media Interface) is much improved too, with small pop-up windows sliding onto the screen to note temperature or seat heat adjustments. The navigation system now shows details on buildings, and can be viewed in "bird's eye" format—quite chic, indeed. But we'd still like to have touchscreen controls.
2009 Audi Q5Review : Hot Looks, Sporty Moves
the Audi Q5 as an Audi A4 Avant that can wade through 20 inches of standing water and scramble across a mildly muddy two-track trail. The standard Quattro all-wheel-drive system has the same 40:60, rear-drive biased torque distribution, and the Audi Q5 packs the same sweet 265 hp 3.2-liter V6 with 243 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is paired with a ZF six-speed automatic, and Audi estimates the combination will net 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. If we're honest, that is a bit disappointing, especially when compared to the powertrains they'll offer in the homeland. German Audi Q5s can be had with three of Audi's most impressive engines—the four-cylinder gasoline 2.0 TFSI, and two diesels: a thrifty 2.0 TDI or the powerhouse 3.0 TDI V6, which belts out 407 lb.-ft. of torque. Oh yes, they all get better mileage than our V6.
The Audi Q5 cabin is nearly identical to the A4's, which is no bad thing. It is all quite intuitively designed, right to the flip-down rear seats, which are easily actuated from the cargo area. Only leather will be offered, and upscale niceties like a climate-controlled cup holder and ventilated front seats can be optioned. Audi's MMI (Muti-Media Interface) is much improved too, with small pop-up windows sliding onto the screen to note temperature or seat heat adjustments. The navigation system now shows details on buildings, and can be viewed in "bird's eye" format—quite chic, indeed. But we'd still like to have touchscreen controls.
Toyota May Raise Prius, Luxury Vehicle Prices in Japan
Jiji Press reported that Toyota Motor Corp. is considering raising prices in Japan of its Prius gasoline-electric hybrid car and luxury models, company officials said.
The Japanese auto industry leader is expected to raise prices by one to 3 pct on average due to soaring costs of raw materials such as steel, informed sources said.
The company is likely to make a final decision as early as August and start introducing new pricing by the end of this year, the sources said.
It will be the first time for Toyota to raise its vehicle prices without model changes since 1992, when the company increased prices for some commercial vehicles.
Unlike the United States, it is unusual for Japanese automakers to raise prices without remodeling. But other Japanese automakers are highly likely to follow suit as they also struggle with higher costs.
Toyota seems to be finding it easy to raise the prices of the Prius and luxury models because their sales are apparently less vulnerable to a price increase than other lineups including smaller cars.
The Prius is in short supply because of its strong demand. Higher materials prices take a heavier toll on the Prius than on other models because the hybrid car uses a lot of rare metals, of which prices are rising steeply. [ theautochannel.com ]
Toyota May Raise Prius, Luxury Vehicle Prices in Japan
Jiji Press reported that Toyota Motor Corp. is considering raising prices in Japan of its Prius gasoline-electric hybrid car and luxury models, company officials said.
The Japanese auto industry leader is expected to raise prices by one to 3 pct on average due to soaring costs of raw materials such as steel, informed sources said.
The company is likely to make a final decision as early as August and start introducing new pricing by the end of this year, the sources said.
It will be the first time for Toyota to raise its vehicle prices without model changes since 1992, when the company increased prices for some commercial vehicles.
Unlike the United States, it is unusual for Japanese automakers to raise prices without remodeling. But other Japanese automakers are highly likely to follow suit as they also struggle with higher costs.
Toyota seems to be finding it easy to raise the prices of the Prius and luxury models because their sales are apparently less vulnerable to a price increase than other lineups including smaller cars.
The Prius is in short supply because of its strong demand. Higher materials prices take a heavier toll on the Prius than on other models because the hybrid car uses a lot of rare metals, of which prices are rising steeply. [ theautochannel.com ]
Monday, July 28, 2008
Porsche 911 Targa after feyslifting
The company continues to update Porsche 911 model range - following the zadneprivodnymi Carrera and Carrera S, as well as full power Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, a procedure feysliftinga postponed another polnoprivodnaya model - 911 Targ and 4 and 4S.
From modifications to the bodywork compartment existence of these cars are different panoramic glass roof area of more than 1.5 square meters, central section which can shift into a special compartment in the trunk.All the changes that have taken place with the model Targa, already familiar in other modifications 911. For example, the new system full of drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM), where the transfer front-wheel drive train instead viskomufty manages multi grip with electronically controlled, first appeared at the 911 Turbo and now installed on all versions wheel compartment and cabriolets.
In addition, Targa will now be manned modernized 3.6 - and 3.8 - litre engines with direct fuel injection, a robotic CPR with two adhesion (PDK) will replace the outdated hydromechanical "automatic" ZF. From zero to one hundred kilometres per hour and 911 Targa 4 will be able accelerated for five seconds, and Targa 4S - for 4.7 seconds. Maximum speed - 284 and 297 kilometres per hour respectively.Changes in the exterior is almost invisible: the new bumper and rear-view mirror, other rear lamps, LED "cilia" "dimensions", as well as new collection of wheeled drive.
The base changed Porsche 911 Targa 4 in Germany will cost 97,907 euros and more powerful Targa 4S - 108.855 euros.
Porsche 911 Targa after feyslifting
The company continues to update Porsche 911 model range - following the zadneprivodnymi Carrera and Carrera S, as well as full power Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S, a procedure feysliftinga postponed another polnoprivodnaya model - 911 Targ and 4 and 4S.
From modifications to the bodywork compartment existence of these cars are different panoramic glass roof area of more than 1.5 square meters, central section which can shift into a special compartment in the trunk.All the changes that have taken place with the model Targa, already familiar in other modifications 911. For example, the new system full of drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM), where the transfer front-wheel drive train instead viskomufty manages multi grip with electronically controlled, first appeared at the 911 Turbo and now installed on all versions wheel compartment and cabriolets.
In addition, Targa will now be manned modernized 3.6 - and 3.8 - litre engines with direct fuel injection, a robotic CPR with two adhesion (PDK) will replace the outdated hydromechanical "automatic" ZF. From zero to one hundred kilometres per hour and 911 Targa 4 will be able accelerated for five seconds, and Targa 4S - for 4.7 seconds. Maximum speed - 284 and 297 kilometres per hour respectively.Changes in the exterior is almost invisible: the new bumper and rear-view mirror, other rear lamps, LED "cilia" "dimensions", as well as new collection of wheeled drive.
The base changed Porsche 911 Targa 4 in Germany will cost 97,907 euros and more powerful Targa 4S - 108.855 euros.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Land Rover Going Green
The race against the clock is on for Land Rover to adapt itself to a world where CO2 emissions count. Currently Land Rover’s range of heavy, powerful sport utility vehicles puts it in a potentially dangerous spot for the future where the European Union’s impending legislations threaten to wipe out the great off-roader altogether. As such, Land Rover and Jaguar have announced a £700m ($1.4 bn US/CAD) investment into making their vehicles leaner and greener.
The first move was unveiled last week at the Frankfurt auto show, an LR2 with a stop and start system to prevent idling. The system will first debut on the TD4 turbodiesel model with manual transmission, due to its ease of integration. Land Rover says that this change, applicable around the globe to all of its TD4-powered LR2s would save 10 million tons of CO2 per year, based on the annual production of 28,000 units traveling 24,000 km (15,000 mi) apiece. However, you can bet that as a part of the investment, Land Rover will be adding it to its other vehicles, especially those with bigger V8s that drink more fuel.
Land Rover Going Green
The race against the clock is on for Land Rover to adapt itself to a world where CO2 emissions count. Currently Land Rover’s range of heavy, powerful sport utility vehicles puts it in a potentially dangerous spot for the future where the European Union’s impending legislations threaten to wipe out the great off-roader altogether. As such, Land Rover and Jaguar have announced a £700m ($1.4 bn US/CAD) investment into making their vehicles leaner and greener.
The first move was unveiled last week at the Frankfurt auto show, an LR2 with a stop and start system to prevent idling. The system will first debut on the TD4 turbodiesel model with manual transmission, due to its ease of integration. Land Rover says that this change, applicable around the globe to all of its TD4-powered LR2s would save 10 million tons of CO2 per year, based on the annual production of 28,000 units traveling 24,000 km (15,000 mi) apiece. However, you can bet that as a part of the investment, Land Rover will be adding it to its other vehicles, especially those with bigger V8s that drink more fuel.
MINI SUV to be Built by Magna?
MINI has been in the news lately with regards to the forthcoming Clubman model, the much awaited MINI Cooper wagon. Much like the internationally-inspired wagon concepts, the new Clubman will feature a rear-hinged access (suicide) door plus an extended wheelbase for much-needed extra interior room. Undisguised interior and exterior spy shots have already made their way onto the internet and it’s common knowledge that the car will be debuting this September in Frankfurt. But what’s also got MINI in the news is word regarding a forthcoming compact sport utility vehicle, filling in the niche that smart didn’t when the formore compact SUV was canned.
According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, Canadian automotive consortium Magna is in talks with BMW to produce this vehicle, which is rumoured to be called the Colorado (although GM, with its Colorado pickup truck, may have something to say about this… how about Mini Moke instead). The Colorado would utilize the stretched platform of the Clubman, but would feature additional ground clearance plus a new all-wheel drive system. The little SUV is expected to account for 65,000 units per year. Surprisingly, along with this info came news of a scheduled production figure of 20,000 units for a Volkswagen roadster.
MINI SUV to be Built by Magna?
MINI has been in the news lately with regards to the forthcoming Clubman model, the much awaited MINI Cooper wagon. Much like the internationally-inspired wagon concepts, the new Clubman will feature a rear-hinged access (suicide) door plus an extended wheelbase for much-needed extra interior room. Undisguised interior and exterior spy shots have already made their way onto the internet and it’s common knowledge that the car will be debuting this September in Frankfurt. But what’s also got MINI in the news is word regarding a forthcoming compact sport utility vehicle, filling in the niche that smart didn’t when the formore compact SUV was canned.
According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, Canadian automotive consortium Magna is in talks with BMW to produce this vehicle, which is rumoured to be called the Colorado (although GM, with its Colorado pickup truck, may have something to say about this… how about Mini Moke instead). The Colorado would utilize the stretched platform of the Clubman, but would feature additional ground clearance plus a new all-wheel drive system. The little SUV is expected to account for 65,000 units per year. Surprisingly, along with this info came news of a scheduled production figure of 20,000 units for a Volkswagen roadster.
Seat Is Displaying The New Ibiza SportCoupe At The London Motor Show
The London Motor Show is the first car showcase where SEAT is publicly displaying the new Ibiza SportCoupe, the vehicle that completes the Spanish brand’s range of this successful model after the launch last May of the five-door version, and whose new exterior design and compact coupé styling greatly increase its sporty appeal.
The Ibiza unit chosen by SEAT is characterised by the addition of customisation elements on the Sport version that heighten the new model’s already good looks, and reflects the strategy introduced at the international trade press presentation of gradually increasing the possibilities of customising the Ibiza SC.
At first sight, the suggestive exterior in Lumina Orange is immediately visible; a colour that perfectly matches the car’s sporty looks. The Ibiza SportCoupe's exclusive colour palette is completed with Galia Blue Limette Green and Furia Grey. The car also features a spectacular black roof, which draws even more attention.
On the inside, the car’s looks are even more personalised with the addition of body colour detailing on elements such as the steering wheel, gearknob, door panels, ventilation nozzles, the area of the softpad, and the area surrounding the air vent located between the steering wheel and the door. Furthermore, the Ibiza SC features attractive, efficient seats upholstered in a combination of leather and black Alcántara with double orange stitching.
Seat Is Displaying The New Ibiza SportCoupe At The London Motor Show
The London Motor Show is the first car showcase where SEAT is publicly displaying the new Ibiza SportCoupe, the vehicle that completes the Spanish brand’s range of this successful model after the launch last May of the five-door version, and whose new exterior design and compact coupé styling greatly increase its sporty appeal.
The Ibiza unit chosen by SEAT is characterised by the addition of customisation elements on the Sport version that heighten the new model’s already good looks, and reflects the strategy introduced at the international trade press presentation of gradually increasing the possibilities of customising the Ibiza SC.
At first sight, the suggestive exterior in Lumina Orange is immediately visible; a colour that perfectly matches the car’s sporty looks. The Ibiza SportCoupe's exclusive colour palette is completed with Galia Blue Limette Green and Furia Grey. The car also features a spectacular black roof, which draws even more attention.
On the inside, the car’s looks are even more personalised with the addition of body colour detailing on elements such as the steering wheel, gearknob, door panels, ventilation nozzles, the area of the softpad, and the area surrounding the air vent located between the steering wheel and the door. Furthermore, the Ibiza SC features attractive, efficient seats upholstered in a combination of leather and black Alcántara with double orange stitching.
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin comes to brilliant close with Vivienne Westwood
STUTTGART/BERLIN - July 23, 2008: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2009 was concluded in glamorous style with a splash of eccentricity, with Vivienne Westwood’s show adding the crowning touch. Taking part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin for the first time, the ‘grand dame of punk’ turned to Ancient Greece for inspiration for her latest ‘Anglomania’ line of casual wear. Scores of celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Eva Padberg and Karoline Herfurth were on hand to admire the English fashion queen’s column-like draped jersey robe creations, vine and vase printed t-shirts, as well as dresses that combined antique tailoring with 50s accents.
The audience was equally impressed by the new collection of Kai Kühne, who once again surprised with an astonishing mix of classic lines and avant-garde vision. Shortly before the show, actress Karoline Herfurth and Mercedes-Benz fashion ambassador Eva Padberg had a chance to chat with Kühne backstage about the latest fashion trends and ‘must-haves’ for women next summer. The New York-based German designer revealed to them that architecture is his current source of inspiration, and that he intends to stay in Berlin for two more days. Perhaps Kühne will be inspired by Berlin’s architecture as he designs his next fall/winter collection.
The fashion designers, event organizer IMG and title sponsor are all extremely pleased with how successfully the third Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin unfolded.
read full report at [ theautochannel.com ]
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin comes to brilliant close with Vivienne Westwood
STUTTGART/BERLIN - July 23, 2008: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin Spring/Summer 2009 was concluded in glamorous style with a splash of eccentricity, with Vivienne Westwood’s show adding the crowning touch. Taking part in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin for the first time, the ‘grand dame of punk’ turned to Ancient Greece for inspiration for her latest ‘Anglomania’ line of casual wear. Scores of celebrities including Kim Cattrall, Eva Padberg and Karoline Herfurth were on hand to admire the English fashion queen’s column-like draped jersey robe creations, vine and vase printed t-shirts, as well as dresses that combined antique tailoring with 50s accents.
The audience was equally impressed by the new collection of Kai Kühne, who once again surprised with an astonishing mix of classic lines and avant-garde vision. Shortly before the show, actress Karoline Herfurth and Mercedes-Benz fashion ambassador Eva Padberg had a chance to chat with Kühne backstage about the latest fashion trends and ‘must-haves’ for women next summer. The New York-based German designer revealed to them that architecture is his current source of inspiration, and that he intends to stay in Berlin for two more days. Perhaps Kühne will be inspired by Berlin’s architecture as he designs his next fall/winter collection.
The fashion designers, event organizer IMG and title sponsor are all extremely pleased with how successfully the third Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin unfolded.
read full report at [ theautochannel.com ]
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Electric cars: the future of personal transportation?
Electric cars: the future of personal transportation?
1968 Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet
When it comes to muscle cars, I'm not generally a Ford man--the major exception being the Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet.
The Cyclone Cobra Jet teases my imagination like no other FoMoCo muscle car. For starters, the Cylone Fastback has just the right look for a muscle car--obviously muscular without being too tastelessly overt. It's bluff and tough in front, but with sweeping, elegant flanks terminating in a tasteful rear fascia. The Cyclone was one of the early wave of slightly more aerodynamic muscle cars built to jockey for dominance in NASCAR--a philosophy that led to its ultimate expression in the form of a former Car Lust, the Plymouth Superbird.
Beneath the skin, the Cyclone looks even better. Many Ford engines of the time were simply outgunned by their GM or Mopar counterparts. While the typical 390 big block was a fine engine when considered on its own, it was too small and too tame to compete with the Hemi, 440 Six Pack, or the GM big blocks. Meanwhile, the ruffian of the family, the racing Ford 427, was too raw and uncivilized to allow for acceptable drivability on the road.
[ carlustblog.com ]
1968 Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet
When it comes to muscle cars, I'm not generally a Ford man--the major exception being the Mercury Cyclone 428 Cobra Jet.
The Cyclone Cobra Jet teases my imagination like no other FoMoCo muscle car. For starters, the Cylone Fastback has just the right look for a muscle car--obviously muscular without being too tastelessly overt. It's bluff and tough in front, but with sweeping, elegant flanks terminating in a tasteful rear fascia. The Cyclone was one of the early wave of slightly more aerodynamic muscle cars built to jockey for dominance in NASCAR--a philosophy that led to its ultimate expression in the form of a former Car Lust, the Plymouth Superbird.
Beneath the skin, the Cyclone looks even better. Many Ford engines of the time were simply outgunned by their GM or Mopar counterparts. While the typical 390 big block was a fine engine when considered on its own, it was too small and too tame to compete with the Hemi, 440 Six Pack, or the GM big blocks. Meanwhile, the ruffian of the family, the racing Ford 427, was too raw and uncivilized to allow for acceptable drivability on the road.
[ carlustblog.com ]
