2008 GMC Canyon

The 2008 GMC Canyon lineup builds on the significant product enhancements that were implemented in 2007, including two all-new, more powerful engines. As a result, changes for ’08 are minimal and include halogen front fog lamps on all models and the addition of three new exterior colors: Red Orange Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic and Dark Steel Gray Metallic. Unchanged is the stylish, capable package that truck customers have come to expect from Canyon.

2008 GMC Canyon SLT Crew Cab2008 GMC Canyon SLT Crew Cab

Canyon’s lineup includes regular cab, extended cab and crew cab body styles; two pickup bed lengths; two available suspensions and two inline engines. Vehicles are offered in Work Truck, SL, SLE and SLT trims. The popular Z71 Off Road package offers distinctive visual cues to augment its suspension differentiation; it is available on 2WD and 4WD models.

The base engine in all but Z71-equipped crew cabs is a powerful, 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder with variable valve timing (VVT) that delivers 185 horsepower (138 kW) and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 Nm).* Available in all models – and standard in the crew cab with Z71 – is a 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder with VVT that is rated at 242 horsepower (180 kW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm).*


Standard and available features

Canyon models can seat up to six while offering much higher levels of ride comfort, handling, quietness and interior space than many other midsize trucks. Standard features include rack-and-pinion steering, intermittent wipers, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control and folding outside mirrors. Available equipment includes remote keyless entry; traction assist (2WD models); XM Satellite Radio; fog lamps; self-dimming inside rearview mirror; running boards; power, heated leather seating and high-back bucket seats. A glass package consisting of deep-tinted side windows and a rear sliding window is available on all trim levels and comes standard on SLE-2 and SLT trims. For 2008, the sun and sound package now offers a power tilt and sliding sunroof and XM Satellite Radio.

The instrument panel has large, easy-to-read analog gauges, with switches and controls designed for easy operation with gloves. Crew cab models offer a 60/40-split/folding rear seat capable of accommodating three adults. Extended cab versions have four doors, and its two folding rear seats face forward. Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot 1-inch (1.85 m) pickup bed with taller sides than many competitors, providing best-in-class volume for deeper storage and higher overall payload. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot 1-inch (1.55 m). Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, and tailgates that are both lockable and easily removable. The tailgate opens to almost 90 degrees, but can be set at a 55-degree opening – putting the tailgate edge at the same height as the top of the rear wheel wells within the cargo box, creating a sturdy, flat platform to conveniently transport longer items or 4-foot by 8-foot (1.2-meter by 2.4-meter) panels.

With its efficient packaging, Canyon looks and feels more like a spacious full-size pickup than a typical midsize truck. Canyon has a stiff frame that enables more precise suspension tuning to deliver a smooth, isolated ride without sacrificing responsive handling. Canyon also delivers class-leading refinement with features such as hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering; large front disc brakes with twin-piston calipers; coil-over front suspension on 2WD models and torsion bar front suspension on all 4WD and 2WD Z71 models; and specifically tuned body mounts that help reduce interior noise and vibration.



A pair of suspension choices is available: the rugged Z85 suspension standard on 2WD or 4WD models, and the Z71 off-road suspension, also available in 2WD and 4WD. Canyon crew cab models also add molded carpeted floor mats and brushed aluminum side steps – the latter is exclusive to Z71-equipped models.

Powertrains

Canyon offers two, powerful inline engines in most regions. Standard on all models except crew cabs with Z71 is a 2.9L DOHC four-cylinder engine, rated at 185 horsepower (138 kW)* and 190 lb.-ft. of torque (258 Nm).* A 3.7L DOHC five-cylinder is standard on crew cab Z71 models and 4WD and available on all other Canyon models. It is rated at 242 horsepower (180 kW) and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm).*

Both of Canyon’s engines are based on GM’s modular inline engine design, which also serves as the foundation for the 4.2L inline-six engine of the GMC Envoy. They feature dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, electronic throttle control and other features that contribute to high levels of operating efficiency and fuel economy. Balance shafts help ensure smooth operation of the engines, providing a higher level of refinement.

Transferring the Canyon engines’ torque to the axles is an Aisin five-speed manual transmission or a Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The manual transmission is standard with the four-cylinder engine – except for crew cab models, where it is not available. The automatic is standard with the five-cylinder engine and available with the four-cylinder (standard with crew cab models).

Drivetrain

All Canyon models feature standard rack-and-pinion steering to deliver precise steering response. Canyon’s standard four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) was designed for heavy-duty service, with tandem power brake boosters, dual-piston disc front brakes with 280-mm vented rotors and audible wear sensors, and 295-mm diameter rear drums. Fifteen-inch aluminum wheels and tires are standard. Steel wheels are standard on Work Truck models.

In off-road or inclement weather driving situations, Canyon’s four-wheel drive system provides added confidence and safety for the driver. The dash-mounted electronic “shift-on-the-fly” system allows the driver to move from rear- to four-wheel drive at any speed when road conditions demand a change. Enhanced power/torque-management traction control also is available on 2WD models. A locking differential is included with traction control on 2WD models and available on 4WD models. Additionally, three rear-end gear ratios are available: 3.42:1, 3.73:1 and 4.10:1.

Safety features

Safety belts remain the primary and most effective form of occupant protection and Canyon features three-point safety belts at all seating positions. Helping to remind front passengers to buckle up is an enhanced passenger seat belt reminder system. It provides a repetitive, progressively strident message to any unbuckled front seat occupant, as a reminder to fasten seat belts. GM’s Passenger Sensing System is standard equipment.



Additional protection is found in the available head curtain side air bags. They act like a protective curtain when deployed, unfolding from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header. When the bag deploys in a moderate to severe side impact, it is angled somewhat toward the window to help provide protection for front- and rear-seat outboard passengers.

Canyon is constructed with a reinforced safety cage and side guard door beams to enhance the protection of the driver and passengers. Canyon also features high-intensity halogen headlamps and available halogen fog lamps for improved visibility.

Other safety features include: energy-absorbing steel structure, standard four-wheel ABS brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, a driver information center, three-point lap and shoulder belts in all three rear seating positions on crew cab models and LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system anchors for child safety seats. This system provides two lower anchors and a top tether anchor used to secure a child seat to the vehicle seat structure. These anchorages are designed to make it easier to properly install compatible child safety seats.

OnStar is available on all models – it is standard on SLE and SLT trims and optional on SL and WT trims. Its digital equipment includes enhanced hands-free voice recognition capabilities, including more intuitive continuous digit dialing and improved voice recognition accuracy. OnStar is the leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services in the United States and Canada. Using the GPS satellite network and wireless technology, OnStar features core safety services and OnStar Hands-Free Calling that allows drivers to make and receive voice-activated phone calls using an externally mounted antenna for greater reception. OnStar-equipped models also offer Turn-By-Turn Navigation.

The Canyon is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years/36,000 miles for non-powertrain components – the best coverage in America.

Nissan GT-R

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, today announced the launch of the new model - GT-R. it is peoclaimed as “an ultimate supercar enjoyable to anyone, anywhere, at anytime”. The car will be available mainly through Nissan High Performance Centers.

New GT-R embodies the new understanding and appreciation of natural forces of gravity, inertia and aerodynamics. The car transforms these forces into an absolutely new design, maximal tire grip and airflow.

To increase the interaction between a driver and a vehicle a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) never seen before in the marketplace was designed and became an integral property of a new model. The main principles of a new GT-R are speed and efficiency, high-output with environmental mindfulness and high performance and safety.

So Nissan has designed a completely new model offering advanced high performance for secure and enjoyable driving free of climatic, road condition or driving technique limitations. The car suits to drive on snow, rain or urban areas owing to its advanced technology and driving dynamics.

The perfect characteristics of a new car were reached also through specialized production process. The components are assembled with a special high-precision process, which includes a series of vibration tests. Engines and transmissions are assembled in a “clean room” environment and after its completion every car of the present series undergoes several comprehensive tests to ensure the proper operation of all vehicle components.

The owners of a new GT-R will be offered total support for the first three years of ownership including measurement and adjustment of the engine, transmission and wheel alignment after the first 1000 km.

2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Sportshift

While its V8 Vantage is understandably grabbing the headlines, Aston Martin has another handsome new roadster worth a look, the Sportshift.

In return for an extra $4000, Aston will replace the standard six-speed stickshift with a clutchless manual "Sportshift" system, operated by steering wheel-mounted paddles. This is the same Magneti Marelli system as used in the Ferrari F430 and the Lamborghini Gallardo, among others, but it's been tuned by Aston's engineers to suit the characteristics of the Vantage's 4.3-liter V-8.

There are three different shift modes from which to choose, selected by buttons on the center console. Prod the crystalline starter button, and the gearbox defaults to "Sport." In this mode and at above 5000 rpm, the gearbox will swap cogs in 240 milliseconds. This sounds rapid, until you consider that an F430 shifts in 150 milliseconds or that the F599 requires just 100 milliseconds. In the world of the bar bore, such statistics matter.

2007 Aston Martin Vantage Sportshift
Base price: $117,200
Vehicle layout: Front engine, RWD, 2-pass, 2-door hatch
Engine: 4.3L/380-hp/302-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8
Transmission: 6-speed auto-clutch manual
Curb weight: 3600 lb (mfr)
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Length x width x height: 172.5 x 73.5 x 49.4 in
0-60 mph: 4.8 sec
EPA CITY /HWY fuel econ: 13/19 mpg
On sale in U.S.: May 2007

"Comfort" offers slower, smoother shifts, and there's also a fully automatic option. Aston has designed some creep into the transmission in all three modes to make the Vantage easier to maneuver at low speeds. In first gear, the car creeps forward at up to four mph, even if no throttle pressure is applied. It's a useful aid for city folks, but other aspects of the 'box's behavior still need work.

In auto mode, the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts are accompanied by an awkward jolt. Automated downshifts, such as when the car approaches a junction, have a somewhat unnerving shunting motion. Aston's engineers are promising changes to the gearbox's calibration before the Sportshift goes on sale here in May.

They also are considering altering the software to prevent the system from automatically shifting up at 7000 rpm, even in Sport. This feature could prove an irritation to enthusiastic drivers, especially those who like to venture onto a test track.

At $117,200, this Vantage is far from cheap, but it's exclusive, and, thanks to the Aston-driving exploits of Mr. James Bond, it has an enviable image. It isn't quite a 911-beater, but the Sportshift transmission suits the car's character. If some of its foibles can be finessed, it'll be a welcome addition to the range. And, of course, it still makes a fine ornament.

from...

2008 Ford Super Duty Pickup

RVers have vehicular needs beyond those of average drivers. Especially if their needs include towing a hefty travel trailer, toy hauler or fifth-wheel. For those RV motorists, Ford claims to have the right trucks for the job, properly equipped to tow straight from the factory. If an RVer wants to tow a 24,500-lb fifth-wheel trailer, the 2008 Ford F450 Super Duty can handle it, boasting the best tow rating ever for a non-commercial-grade pickup truck. If it’s a conventional-hitch travel trailer to haul, the same truck can pull up to 16,000 lbs., again the best in its class.

From the lighter-duty F-150 to the new Super Duty F-250/350/450, Ford’s best-selling F-Series line-up has a dizzying array of body styles, bed lengths, trim levels, drivetrain options, axle ratios and available equipment. This year, Ford has completely redesigned their popular F-Series Super Duty, the first overhaul since 1998. Representing 40% of Ford F-Series sales, the Super Duty is a vital part of the Ford truck line-up, which now includes the heavy-duty truck segment’s first Class 4 pickup, the F-450. The new 2008 Super Duty trucks began shipping out of the Louisville, Kentucky, factory in early February, 2007.

To share the news of this significant new vehicle with automotive journalists, Ford carefully planned an elaborate media-only ride-and-drive event in mid-January. Ford chose Texas hill country near San Antonio to show off the new Super Duty because, 1. Texas is truck country, and 2. the weather should be pleasantly mild, even in January. Just as dozens of journalists were arriving for a bit of balmy Texas hospitality, so did a record-breaking blast of Arctic air. Combined with rain. The San Antonio Airport closed. Actually, the city of San Antonio virtually closed, under a thick layer of ice.

Ford Super Duty F-450Texas Run-Around

The group of journalists who had arrived in Dallas the previous evening were looking forward to taking the Ford corporate jet to San Antonio the next morning for a full day of truck activities at a scenic ranch about 30 miles from the airport. Instead, we awoke to snow in Dallas and a long day of delays, finally getting the jet de-iced and into the air in late afternoon. But instead of San Antonio, where the airport was still closed, we flew further south and arrived in Corpus Christi at about 5 pm, where the fleet of new trucks had been moved to greet us. We then hit the interstate for a three-hour cruise to San Antonio.

For the drive, I chose an F-450 Crew Cab 4x4 duallie with the new 6.4-liter Power Stroke diesel engine and exclusive, top-of-the-line King Ranch package. My traveling companions and I first marveled about the gorgeous, butter-smooth Chaparral leather, in a rich burgundy color, embossed with the King Ranch logo. We then settled into the power captain’s seats, moved the power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, positioned the power telescoping side mirrors and started our cruise. As we drove at speeds between 70 and 80 mph, what became immediately apparent as we chatted about the truck’s new features was the ease at which we could, well, chat. We had a Ford engineer in the back seat who was a wealth of information, and we could all converse at a completely natural level. The diesel engine was remarkably quiet, even under heavy throttle. The large side mirrors produced no noticeable wind noise. Tires and road were as muted in the cabin as we’d expect in a luxury car. Our on-board engineer credited a host of improvements to the truck’s body structure, including extra sound deadening, thicker side glass, better body sealing, selected use of a composite laminated steel sheet called Quiet Steel, and extensive chassis, exhaust and engine acoustical tuning.

Ford Super Duty Lariat interiorWe couldn’t resist stopping on the side of the lightly-traveled road, and stomping the gas pedal from a dead stop all the way to 70 mph. The 8,687-lb. truck took off with urgent authority, without even a trace of visible diesel exhaust in the rearview mirror. It helps us forget those older diesel trucks – from Ford and other makes – that would clatter at an offensive level and leave a smokescreen in their wake under such acceleration. In satisfying contrast, the new truck powers smartly up to speed without drama, and the Torqshift five-speed automatic transmission, with new three-plate torque converter, shifts with impressive fluidity.

Thanks to new Ultra-Low-Sulfur-Diesel fuel and the new engine’s diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter, the new 32-valve, 6.4-liter V8 Power Stroke turbodiesel engine is the company's cleanest, quietest pickup diesel ever, with particulate (soot) emissions equivalent to a gasoline engine. The powerplant delivers 350 horsepower and a whopping 650 lb.-ft. of torque, with excellent low-end torque – including peak torque at only 2,000 rpm – thanks to dual sequential turbochargers. A high-pressure Electronic Variable Response Turbo spools up first to provide quick, lag-free response, followed by a larger low-pressure turbo that provides added airflow at peak power and torque. The effect is seamless power all through the rev range. It's also the first pickup engine in North America to use a high-precision, common-rail fuel injection system featuring piezo-electric injectors.

During our drive, we made good use of the trucks’ navigation system, especially as we neared San Antonio, where many Interstate overpasses were still closed because of ice. Although most surface roads had dried and were no longer treacherous, we engaged four-wheel drive – simply by turning a dial – for the occasional patch of ice we encountered as the nav system guided us as directly as possible to the hotel.

Ford Super Duty trioRanch Chores

Ford announced during dinner that it had reorganized its program, again, and that we would still be going to the ranch – at 6:15 am the following morning. Groggy, but adhering to the new schedule, we drove to the hill-country ranch just in time for sunrise. Rather than the BBQ lunch planned for the previous day, the crew of chuck-wagon cooks whipped up a hearty breakfast, accompanied by a lively five-member Texas country band – probably their first 6:45 am gig. The surrounding landscape was absolutely stunning, still covered in ice. The sun rose and the world glistened. Thickly frozen grass crunched underfoot. Everything that had been left at the ranch overnight, such as cutaway chassis and parked trucks on display, had become surreal ice sculptures.

A small fleet of trailers for towing demonstrations had settled into deep, thick mud. But the show must go on, and so it did. We were all surprised at the ease in which the 4x4 Super Duty trucks simply pulled the heavy trailers directly out of the goo. Freeing the trailers gave us a chance to test-drive a hilly paved-road route towing a variety of different weights, ranging from a 10,000-lb. box trailer to an 18,000-lb. fifth-wheel RV.

The Power Stroke's abundant torque became our best friend once again as acceleration from a standstill and full-throttle passing power were smooth and reassuringly easy, regardless of which trailer we were towing. Sure, we could tell there were a few extra tons of weight behind us, but the truck’s response and ease of driving were exactly what we would want for a relaxed, long-distance journey. At the end of the shift lever, the selectable tow-haul mode adjusts transmission to match towing and driving conditions. When descending hills, the TowCommand system helps to maintain speed by engaging engine braking or downshifting as necessary. Unlike some “Tow” systems that just seem to lock the transmission out of top gear, the Ford TowCommand actively seemed to anticipate what we needed, helping to improve throttle response, reduce gear hunting and utilizing each of the five gears appropriately.

In addition, each test truck was equipped with a redesigned integrated Trailer Brake Controller (TBC). Ford has engineered their new factory-installed TBC to be part of the truck’s own computer network, using braking input, vehicle speed and ABS logic to balance the performance of the truck brakes and electric trailer brakes. The driver can adjust the truck/trailer brake balance and sensitivity, shown in a gain/output digital display.

Ford Super Duty in the mud bogThrough the Mud

The Ford team borrowed a nearby construction site to create an off-road torture course, which became a slimy, muddy bog. We drove an F-250 with FX4 Off-Road package and venerable 362-hp 6.8-liter V-10 Triton gas engine through the deep water, thick mud and over rocky mounds and failed to get it stuck. The FX4 Off-Road package includes such items as limited-slip rear axle, specially tuned shocks, skid plates, wheel upgrades, body-colored grille and more.

In addition to the V-10 engine, a base 300-hp 5.4-liter V8 gas engine is also available. Both are essentially carryover from last year. But neither provides the satisfying performance, efficiency and durability of the new Power Stroke diesel. Truck buyers agree: After the first month of sales, the new ultra-clean diesel engine was the run-away favorite, accounting for 75% of Super Duty sales.

During our testing, we tried out an assortment of Super Duty trucks in a variety of situations, and came away most impressed with these features:

Ford Super Duty mirror

Ford Super Duty TBC

Ford Super Duty bed extender

Ford Super Duty MP3 jack

Powerscope Mirrors: The industry’s best trailer tow mirrors are sufficiently large, and they telescope up to 2.75 inches further away from the body at the touch of a button. Another button folds them in, tight against the cab. They also include heated glass, a convex spotter mirror, integrated turn signals and clearance lamps. Simply brilliant.

Ford TailGate StepIntegrated Trailer Brake Control: Described above, almost all Super Duty trucks are ordered with this optional feature, located on the lower dashboard panel. Also available on the same panel are four prewired auxiliary Upfitter Switches, ready to operate heavy-duty accessories.

TailGate Step: Fully integrated an d virtually invisible when not in use – the exclusive TailGate Step slides out of the lowered tailgate and flips down to make it easy to climb into or down out of the bed to load or unload cargo. A grab handle folds up for extra ease. The step holds up to 1,000 lbs., and the grab handle can support up to 300 lbs. Strong, simple and clever.

Stowable Bed Extender: With the tailgate down, this strong, lightweight polypropylene gate swings to the end of the bed to extend storage space. Or it can be used to section off part of the bed. But what makes it unique and extra-practical, is that it separates into two pieces that fold and snap securely to the sides of the bed when not in use.

Entertainment Features: An auxiliary input jack for MP3 players is standard. A wide variety of optional equipment includes a DVD-based navigation system, Audiophile premium sound system, Sirius Satellite Radio, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and rear-seat DVD system with two sets of wireless headphones and remote control.

Rapid-Heat: We know from experience how long it takes a typical diesel engine to warm up and finally provide heat to the cabin. The new Power Stroke diesel overcomes excessive shivering with its optional Rapid Heat supplemental cab heater that provides quick warm-up on cold mornings.

Ford Super Duty storageInterior Storage: Pockets, trays, cubbyholes, cupholders, storage bins and thoughtful compartments are everywhere, just where we like.

Interior Design: The quality of materials, stylish luxury details and bold style project a well-crafted, high-end ambiance that Ford likes to call “Tough Luxury.” Super Duty chief designer Pat Schiavone explains: “Think of it like a modern kitchen, in a way. A kitchen can be very stylish and look very expensive, but it also must be very functional. It was that kind of thinking that drove tough luxury.”

More content and greater capability naturally translates to a higher price, right? Amazingly, Ford went the other way, and actually lowered the base price. The base MSRPs (including destination and delivery) for the 2008 F-250 Super Duty range from $23,305 for a Regular Cab XL 4x2 model to $38,425 for a high-line F-250 Crew Cab Lariat 4x4. The same configurations for the 2007 model year were priced at $23,455 and $38,670, respectively.

Since its debut in 1948, Ford has sold more than 32 million F-Series trucks around the world. It has also been the best-selling truck in America for 30 consecutive years and the best-selling vehicle for 25 years in a row. The well-engineered Super Duty will certainly contribute to Ford keeping its top truck title. We came away from icy Texas with a new respect for nature, and appreciation for the Ford Super Duty’s capability to handle it.


from...

SPYKER C12 ZAGATO

Geneva, Switzerland, 6 March 2007 Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars, and Andrea Zagato, CEO of Zagato, today unveiled the Spyker C12 Zagato at the 77th Geneva International Motor Show. Norihiko Harada, Zagatos Automotive Chief Designer, and Muller co-operated closely to design this limited edition of 24 sports cars to be delivered from March 2008 onwards. The world premiere of this ultra-exclusive version of the C12 range celebrates Spykers entry into the world of Formula One and marks the first integration of design elements and styling cues from the Spyker F8-VII Formula One car into the Spyker road car range. This point was underlined by the unveiling of the car being performed by Spykers Formula One race driver, Adrian Sutil.

Partnership Spyker and Zagato

Victor Muller comments:

At the age of 18 I acquired my first Zagato bodied car: a Lancia Flavia Zagato rally car in dire need of restoration. Ever since that date, some 30 years ago, I have been in love with the unique and distinctive designs penned by this noble design house. Many Zagato bodied cars have followed the Lancia Flavia and I am proud to still have a number of Zagatos in my collection.

The co-operation and partnership between Spyker and Zagato is entirely logical if one looks at the rich heritage both companies share in the fields of aviation and racing. A better fit of aesthetics, skill and passion would be hard to find.

Two brothers, Jacobus and Hendrik-Jan Spijker, coach builders in Amsterdam, built their first Benzengined motor car in 1898 and won immediate acclaim for the supreme craftsmanship of their bodywork. In the period prior to World War I, a worldwide slump in the luxury car market meant that Spyker had to diversify its production, and so it merged with the Dutch Aircraft Factory N.V. This combined company evolved its business model and started developing and building aircraft. After the war Spyker was able to return to its roots and resumed car production in 1919. True to its motto Nulla tenaci invia est via (For the tenacious no road is impassable), Spyker continued building record-breaking cars which now featured extensive aircraft influences, including sophisticated aerodynamics absorbed from the aircraft building years.

Similarly, Zagato was established at the end of World War I by Ugo Zagato, putting aircraft industry construction techniques to use in the expanding market for passenger vehicles. Just like the Spyker cars, Zagatos cars were advanced in design and became synonymous with light weight and excellent aerodynamics.

Spyker C12 Zagato: the rationale

Victor Muller continues: Andrea and myself have known each other for many years and met at events such as Pebble Beach Concours dElegance and Villa dEste Concorso dEleganza on numerous occasions. Last April, at Villa dEste, we sat down and discussed the increasing market demand for truly one-off and limited edition super sport cars. In a certain sense the modern market is not unlike the 1930s, where wealthy customers would order exotic bespoke designs from high-end coach builders on Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Delage, Delahaye and Isotta-Fraschini chassis, just to mention a few.

Zagato established its name by designing exquisite cars for Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari in particular, but it is probably the Aston Martin DB4 Zagato that best represents the artistic expertise of what they do. Andrea and I agreed to meet each other in Arese and to define what a Spyker Zagato would have to embody. In view of market demand, it was decided to use Spykers flagship chassis, the C12, as a basis -its space-frame being exceptionally suitable for crafting a bespoke body onto.

After the initial design meeting in July 2006, it became apparent that Spyker would succeed in acquiring the Midland Formula 1 team and design activities were suspended until early October when that transaction had been consummated. With the F1 team part of the Spyker Group it was decided that the C12 Zagato should embody as many of the Formula 1 design cues as practically possible so as to set a new design vision for future Spyker road car models.

In the months following, Spyker and Zagato finalized the design and the manufacturing of the C12 Zagato was entrusted to Spykers long time fabrication partner, Coventry Prototype Panels in Coventry, UK. Under the guidance of Brendan OToole, CPPs Managing Director, and tienne Beijersbergen van Henegouwen, Spykers Project Manager, the vehicle was built by a dedicated Spyker and CPP crew from aluminium in an amazing 4 weeks.

Spyker C12 Zagato: the vehicle

The Spyker C12 Zagato is an all aluminium rear wheel drive sports car, based on the Spyker C12 Spyder. The C12 is powered by the 6.0 liter, 12 cylinder, 500 bhp W12 engine from Volkswagen AG and accelerates from 0-100 km (0-60 mph) in 3.8 seconds. The Spyker C12 Zagato is equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic gear box with F1 style shifting, Chronoswiss instruments and a Zagato designed full leather interior with brushed aluminium instrument panel. The C12 Zagato has an aluminium body with stainless steel roof rails and has many F1 derived design details such as an F1 nose, air scoop, chimneys, mirrors, rain light, fuel flap and diffuser. It has a panoramic roof that features the Double Bubble, a typical Zagato style element. The Spyker C12 Zagato has a length of 4.5 m, a width of 2.02 m excluding mirrors, a height of 1.25 m and weighs 1480 kg. The fuel tank capacity is 70 litres (15.4 gallons). Top speed is 310 km/h (193 mph).

The Spyker and Zagato Atelier brands perfectly align because of their common aeronautical origins and because of the shared passion of Victor Muller and myself for sports cars states Andrea Zagato. Nevertheless Victor, before starting this extraordinary adventure with Spyker, was a Zagato collector owning cars like the Flaminia SS and TZ. Together with our neo-classical approach, this Spyker C12 Zagato shows the capabilities of Zagato Atelier for innovative and non conventional solutions.

Norihiko Harada, designer of the new Spyker C12 Zagato, adds: All Spyker cars have their own very unique style: the aeronautical retrospective style co-exists with craftsmanship and elegance. The new Zagato body becomes even more unique, aggressive and sensual at the same time. It features a new double bubble panoramic roof , F1 influenced nose and air intakes, chimney and a coda tronca, the typical Zagato cut off tail end.

Maintaining Spykers styling philosophy, Zagato design put all these elements together and created an extremely stimulating example of contemporary exotic high performance sports car by using typical modern Zagato lines which started from the Raptor Zagato in 1996.

The Spyker C12 Zagato will retail for EUR 495,000 (excluding any taxes, ex factory).

from...

2008 Honda Accord Coupe Concept Unveiled VIDEO

from...

2008 Porsche Cayenne

So, there I am, ripping down a Spanish autovia, twin-turbo V-8 wailing away, wind whistling past the roof rails. There I am, downshifting through a roundabout, flat-footing that direct-injected lump and using errant Peugeots as apexes (“Si, policia! Un Porsche grande!”). There I am, doing 150 mph. And not having very much fun.

How did we get here? Ten years ago, sport-utility vehicles didn’t walk all over sports cars, and it was impossible not to have a good time in a Porsche. Since then, we’ve watched a host of manufacturers build apex-inhaling, racetrack-lapping trucks, and we’ve seen most of those trucks prove an important maxim: capability and sheer speed aren’t always everything.

In spite of its impressive performance and record-setting sales, the first-generation Porsche Cayenne was a little lacking in character. Unfortunately, the 2008 Cayenne continues that theme. It has a new face, mildly reworked interiors, and revised engines, but little else feels or looks different. The Cayenne S and Turbo are even more muscle-bound than before, with power increasing from 340 and 450 hp to 385 and 500 hp, respectively. Porsche says that highway fuel economy for is up 15 percent for the Cayenne S and 11 percent for the Turbo, thanks to new direct injection. The base Cayenne is no longer a gutless wonder, since its Volkswagen-supplied V-6 has been enlarged from 3.2 to 3.6 liters for an additional 43 hp and 44 lb-ft of torque. Finally, active antiroll bars are now available on air-suspended models.

All of these changes should add up to a truck that’s better to drive, and they do. Trouble is, while Porsche’s SUV is amazing, it still isn’t particularly entertaining. Yes, it’s fast as stink, and, yes, it does things no 4800-pound vehicle should be able to do. (Wheel control and chassis composure on undulating pavement will blow your mind.) But once the novelty wears off, boredom sets in. The Cayenne is so good, so capably idiotproof, that the driver is all but left out in the cold. Oddly, the V-6-powered, manual-transmission Cayenne is now the most involving driver’s car of the bunch. The engine doesn’t outshine the chassis, the steering is light and responsive, and you find yourself giggling as you heel-and-toe around every bend.

Absurdly potent? Yes. Hard-core enthusiast’s dream? Not so much. But then, if it were, it probably wouldn’t sell as well. What a shame.
from...

2008 BMW M3 Concept

There's no question about it, the M3 is one of only a handful of cars on just about every enthusiast's dream list for the last twenty years or so. The reason for that is simple: It uses the BMW 3-series-the best sports sedan in the business-as a starting point, and trims the fat even farther.

Since the first M3 debuted in 1988, it has grown in just about every way, and the new M3 is no exception. It has twice the amount of cylinders as the first M3 and more than twice the horsepower. Luckily, it doesn't weigh twice as much weight.

That means this M3 will be the fastest one yet. We're still waiting for BMW to release final numbers, but under the hood resides a 4.0-liter V-8 that we expect to make about 415 horsepower. That's 115 more horses than the twin-turbo 335i, which is already almost as fast as the last generation M3.

It used to be that quick cars made 115 horsepower - not 115 more than other ridiculously fast cars. Here's to wretched excess! Sign us up.

The car you see in these photographs is being shown in Geneva as a concept, but expect the production car to look the same. Changes relative to the coupe include the power dome hood, unique front and rear fascias, rear diffusers, a carbon fiber roof, and the vented front plastic fenders. In fact, the only body parts the M3 shares with the standard 3-series coupe are the angel-eye headlights, taillights, doors, deck lid, and glass.

The nineteen-inch, sixteen-spoke forged alloy wheels should make it to production, and we expect they will be connected to the high-revving V-8 by way of either a conventional six-speed manual transmission or a new twin-clutch unit a la DSG. SMG is, thankfully, dead.

But the M3 is very much alive.

from...

Aston Martin Rapide concept

With the sales success of the sub-$200,000 Bentley Continental Flying Spur ultra-luxury sedan, it was just a matter of time before another exotic nameplate showed its hand and made a foray into this very lucrative market. And who better than another exclusive low-volume Brit builder than the legendary Aston Martin.

Looking essentially like a stretched AM Vantage luxury sports coupe, the attractive Rapide is the first 4-door for the venerable brand since the Lagonda.

A good sign that the Rapide is well on its way to production is that the show car at Detroit drove onto the stage under its own power for the unveiling ― a mechanically-functional show car.


from...

Noble M15 specs

Top Speed: 175 mph / 282 km/h
0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Engine: 3-liter V6 Twin-Turbo 455 HP

The Noble M15, a supercar for 2007, promises speed and power with its modified three-liter Ford V-6 engine. Although this racing car is similar to the M12 and 400 in performance, it has two additional turbo chargers to accommodate the bigger overall specifications and provide equal or more acceleration than the M400. Lee Noble, British designer and engineer, has always emphasized high standards and individuality in his sports cars and the M15 is no exception.

With the same wheelbase as earlier Noble exotic cars and an improved suspension, the new and stronger steel and aluminum frame chassis of the M15 meets worldwide crash test rules and regulations. The V-6 engine is placed front to back, rather than crosswise, which is different from earlier models, and along with the customary six-speed transaxle and forged pistons, it has numerous new components. The larger Pirelli tires and wheels easily accommodate the heavier engine and the overall weight of the supercar, 2,750 pounds, which is much less than the Porsche or Aston Martin.

The exterior of this exciting new race car features lots of angles, similar to the Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars, with twin air intakes, oversized air outlets behind the wheels, distinctive L-shaped headlamp covers, long wedge-shaped fenders, an almost flat rear window, and a high rear spoiler.

The M15 exotic car compares favorably with its competitors, the Porsche Carrera S and the Aston Martin V 8 Vantage in custom features, but surpasses its predecessors in comfort and convenience for the sports car enthusiast or race car driver. Lots of bells and whistles have been added to this supercar including ABS, Sat navigation, traction control, and electric windows. In addition, Noble has brought in more new touches including air conditioning, heated mirrors and windscreen, and an MP3/DVD player. In comparison to other mid-engine race cars, there are two luggage compartments, one in the rear, and one between the twin radiators in the front for extra convenience.

Noble has introduced a superior race car, with a distinctive style and increased performance. The M15 supercar is practical, reliable, and easy to handle with a fast, smooth ride.
from...

Koenigsegg CCR specs

Top Speed: 242 mph / 395 km/h
0-60 mph: 3.2 seconds
0 - 1/4 Mile: 9 sec. @ 146 mph (235 km/h)
Engine: 4.7-liter V8 806 bhp

Koenigsegg CCR – the new champion

Koenigsegg CCR is better known as the 'record-breaker'. Yes, the CCR beat the The McLaren F1 supercar, the fastest production car ever built, at Italy's Nardo Prototipo on February 28th 2005, with a breath-taking performance at 387.87 km/h, a 15 km/h increase from the later's past record.

Koenigsegg is an exclusive manufacturer of super sports cars, the latest being the Koenigsegg CCX with a performance speed of 403 km/h. The CC (Competition Coup) led by Koenigsegg is unlikely to be defeated in the near future. The McLaren F1 and Ferrari Enzo supercars still have to come a long way to prove superior in the squad of Production cars. The performance speed of McLaren F1 is 372 km/h and that of Ferrari Enzo is 355 km/h as per the results at Nardo/Prototipo.

Koenigsegg CCR is synonymous with speed. The engineering and design of this sports car substantiate this fact. The aerodynamic body and the lightweight chassis display the main purpose of the vehicle, the speed. The front bumper reminds you the cutting shark with pointed face and deep nostrils. The materials of the body are the lightweight carbon fiber compounds reinforced with Kevlar and aluminum honeycomb. These features ensure the complete safety along with the super speed even in extreme driving conditions. A feather-touch driving experience from Koenigsegg!

Koenigsegg CCR is specially designed considering the tastes of the sporty car customers. The low and broad appearance of the body adds a pleasant feeling of safety; added to this is the fashionably designed semicircular windscreen and organically shaped rear hood. Under roofless driving conditions, the hardtop can be turned to fit under the front bonnet. The whole chassis can be exposed when the hoods and the roof are open; this adds a lot of convenience while inspecting the body.

The most important feature of any sports car is the design of its body. Koenignsegg CCR's body is perfectly symmetrical adding a sense of equilibrium while driving. The gear lever is located at the center point of the supercar. All other important mechanisms are mounted around the steering so as to have a good control over them, and these instruments are visible from the upper spokes of the wheel avoiding unnecessary acrobatics while driving.


A lot more technological additions, such as the cutting edge brakes, new racing shock absorbers, CCR advanced throttle, a monocoque carbonfibre intake plenum, and 19" front wheels, etc., are applied to make Koenigsegg CCR the choice of the leaders.

Thanks to Joachim Nordwall, the designer who made the racing car CCR a champion on the roads. He is fascinated by its compelling 'predator' look with the diamond-shaped eyes searching for the prey. Why not take it out for a hunt?

The drive never ends at Koenigsegg!

from...

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren specs

Top Speed: 207 mph / 334 km/h
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
0-100 mph: 7.6 seconds
0 - 1/4 Mile: 11.6 seconds
Engine: V8 5.5 liter 626 bhp @ 6500 rpm

A blast from the past and a taste of the future, this might just be a good description of the latest sports car that came out from a collaboration of Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, two big giants in the car manufacturing industry. We're talking about the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. This sports car combines the old yet astounding SLR race cars of the 50s and the latest and meanest technology of high-performance supercars. With the power of race cars and the sleek, curves and designs of a luxury car, the combination from the two car manufacturers is hard to beat.

This supercar is definitely fast. SLR McLaren sports a 626-horsepower supercharged 5.5-liter V8. Also, it has a full carbon-fiber monocoque, features crash structures and body panels. And with the supercharge V8 engine, you can see the 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren go from naught to 60 miles per hour in less than 3.6 seconds. Top speed has been measured to exceed 200 mph, a feat that can only be achieved by very few even among the high performance sports cars. It was the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz which created the V8s. The AMG were the ones who hand-build the supercharged V8 engines with top notched precision and quality. It is not at a big surprise to see the supercharged 5.5 (5439 cc) liter dry sumped 90 degree V8 engine to produce around 466.8 kW at 6500 rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm. The numbers maybe daunting but the sound of the engine will appease the minds of those who long for the perfect high performance cars.

Mounting that V8 engine into the body of SLR exotic car is also not as traditional as one would like to expect. The engine in SLR sports car is placed in a front mid-engine position just behind the front wheels. Instead of using the traditional oil-pan, dry-sump lubricants are used. With this innovation, it is highly possible to mount the engine to a level that used to be unachievable. Because of the low position of the engine in the supercar's body, the results are more than one hoped. The new Mercedez-Benz SLR McLaren race car has better aerodynamics and better handling due to the lower center of gravity.

Not only does the mean features of the sports car that attracts attention but how the two car companies were able to fuse their own traditions and expertise into a single exotic car. For one, McLaren's expertise in Formula 1 has been imbibed wholly by the SLR's design. The composition of carbon fiber material that was used in the body of the new SLR sports car is so Formula 1. Because of this body, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has become more rigid and surprisingly strong.

But not to be outdone, counterpart Mercedes-Benz has also put a few tricks of its own. The German car maker added features that are deemed essential to the most important part of the vehicle: the passengers. Due to backgrounds in mostly luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz has ensured maximum occupant protection and safety. To my knowledge, the SLR is the only car so far that utilizes front crash structure made entirely of carbon fiber. The importance of this carbon fiber design can only be appreciated in actual crash test simulations. What the front carbon fiber crash structure does is it absorbs crash energy, four - five times more energy than ordinary steel structures actually, during a severe frontal collision. This protects the passengers during such accidents four times more than traditional steel structures found in other sports cars and supercars.

The SLR also has a five speed automatic transmission. There are modes, the Sport, Comfort and Manual which basically covers every known driving style. Sport is for everyday use, Comfort for bumpy or slippery roads, and Manual gives you control over the gears either through the touchpad or the levers on the steering wheel. When you use Manual, you open up three more modes, namely Sport, Supersport and Race. Speed increased significantly as you go up shifts.

Other notable features in this sports car include the high-performance technologies of ceramic brakes. The SLR uses ceramic reinforced with fiber on its brake pads. This technology allows this exotic car to have astonishing stopping power, and extraordinary high resistance to heat, exceptionally strong structure and long service life for the brakes.

With all these features it is not surprising that the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is classified as a sports car and a supercar. Remember to get this right, though, the "SLR" does not stand for "Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport" which is German for "Sport; Light; Racing" as most people think. Its real meaning is "super-leicht, Rennsport" which means "super-light, racing." The sports car is being sold with a base price of €443,066 £300,000 or $450,000.
from...

Maserati MC12 Corsa specs

Top Speed: 202 mph / 326 km/h
Engine: V12 6.0 liter 756 HP

Maserati MC12 Corsa supercar is a new $1,7 million (1,3 million euro) track-only version of the World Championship winner road legal Maserati MC12. This could as well be called Maserati's version of the Ferrari FXX. Corsa is powered by its V12 6.0 liter engine that is capable of producing 756 horse power. It will only be sold to the most valued customers of Maserati who will be restricted to driving this fancy exotic car on private tracks, because Corsa isn't a road legal car. Total production of the Italian supercar MC12 Corsa will be limited to 12 units worldwide making it a true collectible gem.

from...

Porsche Carrera GT

With its V10 engine providing more than 600 horsepower and with an array of cutting edge technologies including a ceramic composite clutch and brakes beneath its carbon-reinforced body, the Porsche Carrera GT uses the undiluted qualities of a genuine racecar to provide an unprecedented driving experience on the road.

Beautiful Design and Engineering, and 605 Horsepower

The Porsche Carrera GT, which was introduced as a 2004 model, is a low, sleek, lightweight roadster that is as beautiful to the engineer as it is to the eye. Foul weather protection is also available in the form of two removable panels that can be stored in the front trunk.

Among the car’s unique features are its 5.7-liter, 605-horsepower V10 engine, its monocoque chassis with Porsche-patented engine and transmission mounts made of carbon-reinforced plastic and the first use of a ceramic composite clutch in a production car. The Carrera GT’s aerodynamic and race-bred suspension package provides safe and stable travel at speeds of up to 205 mph (330 km/h). The Carrera GT features the extensive use of lightweight materials, such as magnesium for the car’s substantial wheels and the frames of its special sport seats.

The result of such artistic and athletic equipment is a car that accelerates from a standing start to 62 mph (100 km/h) in only 3.9 seconds, reaches 100 mph (160 km/h) in less than seven seconds, 125 mph (200 km/h) in less than 10 seconds, and can achieve a top test-track speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).

Purebred Racing Engine

Porsche’s development center in Weissach, Germany, built a 5.5-liter, normally aspirated V10 engine for racing, and that engine’s bores have been enlarged to displace 5.7 liters in the Carrera GT. Maximum output is rated at 605 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, with peak torque of 435 lb-ft. The engine has a very low center of gravity, a 68-degree V angle and four valves-per-cylinder heads. The engine block serves as a load-bearing part of the chassis structure, yet is so strong that there is no distortion to the cylinder bores. Using dry-sump lubrication reduces the number of engine components and seals and also helps optimize weight and reliability.

The engine has a closed-deck configuration, a principle carried over from motorsports. This closeddesk architecture enables the cylinders to be cooled by internal water chambers that directly surround the cylinders. Three front-mounted radiators and cross flow cooling ensure optimum heat transfer even under high engine loads.

The engine weighs only 472 pounds (214 kg). The block, crankshaft and camshafts are all made of light alloys. The crankshaft is designed to operate at speeds of up to 8,400 rpm and is both forged and designed for minimum mass inertia and thus offers maximum torsional stiffness.

Race-winning Suspension Design

The chassis and suspension of the Porsche Carrera GT are based on the architecture of the Porsche GT1, the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1998. For example, as on the GT1, the rear track control arms of the Carrera GT are made of aerodynamically designed steel tubes. However, Porsche engineers did not forget the need for driving comfort on the street when they adapted such racing-bred systems for the road-going supercar.

Like a racecar, the Carrera GT uses pushrod suspension with double-track control arms at all four corners to give the Carrera GT its refined response and behavior, feeding forces smoothly and efficiently into the car’s chassis. Where many cars use MacPherson spring struts, the Carrera GT’s spring and damper elements are operated by stainless steel pushrods and pivot levers, which separate the guidance function from the spring action.

Functional Ambience is Interior Theme

Even with its racing-quality performance, the Porsche Carrera GT has a cockpit characterized by functional ambience and the extensive use of high-tech materials. Carbon, magnesium and leather dominate interior materials, with composite components either in their natural state or painted to match the magnesium pieces.

The car’s center console is made of composite materials covered in galvanized magnesium and features the chassis number imprinted on the surface. The shift lever is positioned about halfway up the console directly next to the steering wheel.

The seats are finished in smooth leather and have manual adjustment (fore, aft and height) because power motors would add unnecessary weight. The seats are made of a composite carbon shell. Each seat weighs only 23.6 pounds (10.7 kg.), compared to 44.1 pounds (20 kg.) for the seats in a typical Porsche 911.

Air conditioning is optimized for weight and the car comes with a standard air filter system. A glass screen is mounted between the supplemental safety bars to help reduce wind buffeting. Even though the Carrera GT is a serious performance car, it can be equipped with many comfort features, including a navigation system and Bose audio. A battery trickle-charger is included as standard equipment.

from...