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Monday, March 31, 2008

2008 Mitsubishi Concept-RA Concept

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA offers a unique interpretation of the sporty coupe. This two-seat pure coupe concept explores the transversely mounted, front engine packaging theme. Generous helpings of technology create a vehicle that combines exotic appeal, outstanding, fun-to-drive dynamics and heightened sensitivity for the environment.

Design

Developed as a technological showcase for Mitsubishi Motors, the Concept-RA displays athletic sport coupe proportions wrapped in dynamic flowing lines that provide a powerful and compelling showpiece for the car's advanced, high technology features. Broad, muscular wheel arches house 21-inch wheels and lend graphic expression to the high degree of road control and tenacious grip afforded by the next generation S-AWC system. Meanwhile, an exposed engine cover highlights the presence of the car's high output, efficient, clean diesel engine design. The Concept-RA's inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille fascia reinforce Mitsubishi Motors' new design identity, albeit suitably revised to reflect the concept's sporty coupe attributes.

Concept-RA's deep red exterior hue graphically accentuates the coupe's fluid, muscular body lines, and offsets a matte black engine hood that helps impart the vehicle's strong mechanical flavor. The interior has been developed to show a fusion of tradition with leading-edge touches. The cockpit's wraparound control layout uses minimal visual instrumentation and optimizes the switch and control layout. This reduces the driver's physical and mental workload, allowing full concentration on driving. The interior also makes extensive use of fine-quality natural materials in a design that delivers the utmost control, confidence, and vehicle involvement to the driver.

Mechanical

The Mitsubishi Concept-RA's Super-All Wheel Control driveline is a next generation all-wheel-drive system that adds Active Steering and Active Suspension control to the ACD1, AYC2, ASC3, and Sport ABS components that comprise the highly capable system used on the 2008 Lancer Evolution. Concept RA's S-AWC system integrally manages these components to realize advanced levels of control over drive torque, steering input, vehicle roll, and braking at each wheel, thereby raising traction, cornering and vehicle stability levels. Such capability affords Concept-RA intuitive, on-demand vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent by reacting instantly, under a variety of driving conditions, from everyday use to emergency avoidance situations.

Mitsubishi Concept-RA is powered by a new, high output, high-efficiency 2.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve turbo diesel engine with MIVEC4. This clean diesel's MIVEC system incorporates valve lift control with low and high-speed cam profiles actuating the intake valves. A Piezoelectric injector, common-rail direct fuel injection system allows the engine to use of a lower static compression ratio. The new diesel showcases a VD/VG (Variable Diffuser / Variable Geometry) turbocharger whose internal vanes can control airflow over the turbine and compressor surfaces to produce optimum boost characteristics at all times. The efficient, low emissions diesel unit delivers a maximum output of 201 bhp and maximum torque of 310 lb-ft. For compliance with Tier 2 Bin 5 emission regulations in the United States, the clean diesel powerplant relies on a new catalytic converter system that combines a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), NOx trap catalyst (NTC) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) technologies.

In an effort to reduce vehicle weight to improve fuel economy, vehicle performance and safety, Mitsubishi Concept-RA features a new, rigid body structure using an aluminum space frame made from extruded aluminum sections and die-cast aluminum components. In addition, the engine hood, fenders and other outer panels made from lightweight, impact-resistant and easily recyclable plastic resin.

Lotus Exige S by 'Union Jack'

The Lotus Exige must be one of the most curvy car designs pounding our roads at present. So when Discovery Channel’s popular series ‘How Do They Do It?’ needed a donor car to show how a professional team wraps vehicles in all manner of advertisements and murals, they chose a difficult specimen in the Exige.

A team of four expert technicians took 10 hours to completely wrap the Exige in its new red, white and blue livery and the Lotus is said to be a real crowd pleaser on the track.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus commented, “At Lotus we pride ourselves in spearheading the development of technology in the vehicle market and working on this project was a truly unique opportunity. Lotus Design captured a very special element of our heritage with the brief, ‘great British racing’. The Union Jack theme and the flying flag concept perfectly embody the Lotus spirit”.

Lotus intends to show the unique Exige at a number of UK dealers over the next few months as part of its ‘Lotus Roadshow’.

Press release:

'Union Jack' Lotus Exige 'S' hits the great British roads
It’s not unusual for a Lotus Exige ‘S’ to turn heads, but one particular car is rousing more curiosity than most. Covered in a patriotic red, white and blue Union Jack design, one Exige ‘S’ is the recent star of the Discovery Channel’s popular series ‘How Do They Do It?’.
With its voluptuous curves and cut-away details, the Exige is one of the most distinctive and unique cars on the road, so it was a perfect choice for the ‘How Do They Do It?’ team who were looking for a challenging case study for their vehicle wrapping feature. ‘Totally Dynamic’ who specialise in the application of vinyl wraps were assigned the project and took 10 hours to transform the iconic Exige for the documentary which follows the project from brief to the finished car making its track debut.
The scheme was developed by Lotus Design to move away from the traditional static Union Jack to that of a flying flag to show the essence of movement and speed. The finished car is a real attention seeker and has amazing track presence.
Lotus has a fantastic history of producing one-off and collectors-edition cars and Union Jack Exige sits amongst Lotus most exceptional and extraordinary looking vehicles. Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus commented, “At Lotus we pride ourselves in spearheading the development of technology in the vehicle market and working on this project was a truly unique opportunity. Lotus Design captured a very special element of our heritage with the brief, ‘great British racing’. The Union Jack theme and the flying flag concept perfectly embody the Lotus spirit”.
‘Totally Dynamic’ supplied the expertise for the intricate process in which a team of 4 installation technicians expertly applied a vinyl wrap to the Exige ‘S’, transforming the car in just 10 hours. The process was exciting but extremely complex, as ‘Totally Dynamic’ MD Adrian Rope explained, “Our whole team was excited by the challenge that the Lotus Exige’s stunning contours presented us. It was a pleasure working on such a thoroughbred car and our experience with high performance vehicles was crucial to creating the professional finish it deserved.
“It was a real privilege to have been chosen out of all the vehicle wrapping companies in the UK by the Discovery Channel and Lotus and their faith in us demonstrates why Totally Dynamic is the cutting edge choice for vehicle transformation.”
For a limited time the Union Jack Lotus Exige ‘S’ will be joining the Lotus Roadshow which consists of the latest Lotus models and is visiting the UK network of Lotus dealers.

Gas prices creep higher

Gas prices continued to inch higher Thursday, according to a widely followed survey from motorist group AAA.

Regular unleaded gasoline edged higher to a nationwide average of $3.267 a gallon, up from $3.261 a gallon Wednesday.

Diesel: The truck stops here

Gas prices reached an all-time high of $3.285 a gallon on March 16, according to AAA's Web site.

The cost of diesel fell about five tenths of a cent to $4.022, according to AAA. Diesel fuel hit an all-time high of $4.037 on March 22, and has declined only slightly since then. Hawaii led the nation with the highest gas prices at an average of $3.638 a gallon.

California follows, with drivers paying $3.624 a gallon. Gasoline in Missouri, Minnesota and New Jersey continued to trail with average prices under $3.10 a gallon. The AAA report is a daily survey conducted for the group by Oil Price Information Service.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

2009 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG Roadster

MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a fourth member of its iconic SL sports car family – the SL63 AMG. Perhaps the sportiest SL roadster ever, the new SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-liter, 518-hp, all-AMG V8 engine that’s coupled to a newly developed MCT transmission.

Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car. Topping off the SL chassis is an even more agile AMG sports suspension based on the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension.

MCT Transmission – The Best of Both Worlds

Providing the direct feedback of a manual transmission with the total convenience of an automatic, the new seven-speed MCT with AMG Speedshift is an all-new design available only in the new SL63 AMG. Featuring seven speeds, four shift modes and a double-clutching function, the MCT transmission offers impressive versatility and even faster shift times.

At the heart of the new AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission is a new start-up clutch, which runs in an oil bath and replaces a conventional torque converter. Thanks to its low rotational mass, the start-up clutch helps the transmission respond instantaneously and dynamically with no slip.

Fitted with four drive modes: “C” (Comfort), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual), the transmission provides customized shift control for maximum driving pleasure, and does so with no interruption of power. In Comfort mode, smooth shifts coupled with a “soft” accelerator response are set up for silky smooth power transfer. In Sport mode, the engine and transmission interact quicker – upshifts and downshifts take place at higher engine speed. Gearshifts are around 20 percent faster than in Comfort mode. Switching to the Sport Plus mode cuts another 20 percent off shift times, while the sportiest mode, Manual, reduces shifting times by another 10 percent – a total reduction of 50 percent compared with Comfort mode. In Manual mode, the gearshifts take just 100 milliseconds.

Ultra-fast, spontaneous multiple downshifts are another forte of the new MCT sports transmission. For instance, kickdown will shift directly from seventh down to fourth gear or from fifth to second. In the “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes, an automatic double-clutching function is active. Every manual or automatic downshift is accompanied by precisely metered double-clutching – from “S” through “S+” to “M” incrementally. Not only does double-clutching make driving more fun, but virtually load-free downshifting minimizes any jerking, a special benefit when braking into a curve.

The First Engine Developed From the Ground Up by AMG

The SL63 AMG is powered by an AMG 6.2-liter V8 engine that features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket tappets (rather than rocker arms) and a variable intake manifold. Sharing no parts with Mercedes-Benz V8 engines, the 6.3-liter engine was a completely autonomous development at AMG.

Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the cylinder bores make use of a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.

The 6.3-liter engine block boasts an especially rigid bedplate acting as the overall support of the main bearings (similar to a one-piece set of main bearing caps), cast-in steel reinforcements and a sturdy closed-deck layout in the cylinder head area. The high-flow intake and exhaust ports form a vertical straight line, helping the 6.3 AMG engine rev freely to more than 7,000 rpm, yet the highly flexible AMG engine still produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at only 2,000 rpm.

A finely balanced crankshaft with six counterweights spins in five main crankshaft bearings. The crankshaft counterweights feature heavy metal plugs – a detail usually found only in racing engines – which means they can be significantly smaller, increasing power by reducing rotational inertia and oil drag.

Each forged connecting rod is precisely “cracked” with the help of a laser beam, so the irregular fracture contributes to its strength when the two halves are clamped around the crankshaft. The connecting rods and lightweight pistons are matched for extremely close weight tolerances that contribute to smooth running at high speeds. Small nozzles in the engine block spray cooling oil onto the underside of each piston crown.

“Bucket” Followers Instead of Rocker Arms

Twin overhead camshafts in each cylinder bank open the 32 valves via bucket-type followers. In other words, instead of rocker arms, the cam lobes sweep across the flat top of the followers, which sit directly on top of the valve stems. This space-saving design provides a very stiff valve train that allows for large valve openings and dependable high-speed operation for maximum horsepower and torque. However, in contrast to racing engines, each bucket incorporates a hydraulic lifter that automatically maintains valve clearance, which allows for long service intervals and low costs.

The AMG V8 makes use of variable intake and exhaust valve timing to maximize efficiency and torque over a wide RPM range. Valve timing can be automatically adjusted within a range of 40 degrees using electro-hydraulic vane-type adjusters on each camshaft. At part throttle, the valve timing adjuster keeps the exhaust valves open as the intake valves are opening, using this valve overlap for internal exhaust gas recirculation, reducing exhaust emissions and improving fuel economy. However, approaching full throttle, the camshaft adjustment optimizes valve timing for maximum power. The intake cams are driven by a double chain from the crankshaft, and small gears on the intake cams in turn drive the exhaust cams.

The SL63 Gets Unique Styling Touches

The SL63 comes with a distinctive AMG front hood that’s noticeably different from other SL models, as well as a new front apron with a more pronounced wedge shape, larger cooling air intakes, and a black grille. Bi-xenon headlights with black surrounds and large round fog lights ringed in chrome and set well to the side emphasize the vehicle’s width.

Hot air from the engine exits through side air outlets in the front fenders and from the “gills” behind the front wheels. Trim panels finished in matte silver with “6.3 AMG” lettering catch the eye, as do new outside mirrors with arrow-shaped LED turn indicators.

SL63 AMG body styling also includes deeper AMG side sill panels and a beefy-looking rear apron that incorporates a large black air diffuser and two pairs of chrome tailpipes. An AMG rear lip spoiler on the trunk lid reduces lift, especially at high speeds.

Finished in nappa leather and genuine carbon fiber, the interior features standard AMG sport seats, an AMG three-spoke steering wheel and a sport instrument cluster with red tach and speedometer needles that swing to the max position and back whenever the ignition is turned on.

Optional Performance Package for the SL63 AMG

An optional Performance Package is also available for the SL63 AMG, which includes even higher-performance components that are well suited for sporty-minded drivers:

· Top speed raised to 186 mph · Vented ceramic front brake discs that are 15.3 inches in diameter · Multi-disc limited-slip rear differential with a 40 percent locking factor of for enhanced traction · 19-inch AMG twin-spoke forged light-alloy wheels · Staggered-width tires: 255 / 35 R 19 in front and 285 / 30 R 19 at the rear · AMG high-performance suspension based on ABC active suspension · Smaller AMG sport steering wheel with a flattened underside and silver-aluminum shift paddlesv

AIRSCARF Around the Head and Neck

All 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters are now available with AIRSCARF, an innovative feature that can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Another technological first from Mercedes, AIRSCARF is an extra heating system built into the driver and passenger seats. At the touch of a button, warm air flows from vents in the head restraints, acting as an invisible scarf around the head and neck.

Testing revealed that warming just a relatively small area around the neck dramatically improves comfort in cooler weather. The AIRSCARF neck-level heating system blows warm air from the head restraints of the driver and passenger seats, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop open in colder weather. AIRSCARF uses a heating element made primarily of barium titanate, which heats up in a matter of seconds when electrical current is applied.

Optional on the V8-powered SL AMG model and standard on the SL65 AMG, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system even compensates automatically for changes in air temperature and vehicle speed. AIRSCARF comes with a three-speed switch and an electronic control module that monitors data from the speedometer as well as from inside and outside temperature sensors. AIRSCARF automatically adjusts the fan speed based on this information, and at the same time, the switch can override the automatic settings.

New Audio Technology

With its 6.5-inch color display screen, the standard COMAND system with GPS navigation has been refined with a new MMI interface and a four gigabyte hard drive as well as an integrated six-disc CD-DVD player and a Music Register for around 1,000 MP3 tracks. The interface makes it easy to connect an iPod, USB stick, memory card and other devices. Music tracks can be indicated on the COMAND display located on the center console as well as a smaller display in the center of the instrument cluster, and they can be selected easily using the buttons on the multi-function steering wheel.

Any Bluetooth-enabled cell phone will work hands-free – even with the phone in a pocket or purse, the audio is automatically muted when a call is made or received, and callers are heard over the audio system speakers. In addition, phone address book info can be displayed by the COMAND system

From Coupe to Roadster in 16 Seconds

At the push of a button, the SL’s retractable hardtop can be fully opened or closed in just 16 seconds, transforming the car from a quiet, weather-tight coupe to a top-down open-air convertible. A hydraulic pump and 11 computer-controlled hydraulic cylinders power the system, and roof operation is controlled by a switch on the center console. A clever folding design allows for a surprisingly large cargo area of 7.2 cubic feet when the top is down. With the top up, the trunk holds 10.2 cubic feet.

The World’s Safest Convertible

Widely acclaimed as one of the world’s safest convertibles, the SL provides sports car performance with all the built-in safety that’s expected from Mercedes-Benz. Since an open car can leave its occupants vulnerable in a rollover, Mercedes engineers met the challenge in the SL with the world’s first automatic roll bar.

Normally part of the interior’s rear-compartment surround structure, the padded, leather-covered bar pops up, locking in place in a third of a second if sensors detect an impending rollover. The driver can also raise and lower the bar by a switch on the console.

Shoulder belts are integrated directly into the seats for greater occupant protection, especially in roll­overs. The Mercedes SL was also the first car with side airbags, which are part of a safety system that includes dual front airbags and emergency tensioning retractors that tighten the seat belts in a collision.

V8 and V12 Power

The two AMG SL roadster models for 2009 feature a choice of V8 and V12 power. The SL63 AMG is powered by a 6.2-liter four-valve-per-cylinder V8 with 518 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, while V12-powered SL65 AMG, makes 604 hp and a monstrous 738 lb.-ft. of torque.

AMG High-Performance Braking

Excellent stopping power for the SL is provided by large, four-wheel disc brakes enhanced with four-channel ABS anti-lock control. Matched to its power and speed capability, the SL63 AMG comes with large 14.2-inch vented rotors up front and 13.0-inch vented rotors at the rear, while the SL65 AMG boasts vented discs that are another 1.2 inches in diameter.

Also new are 19-inch AMG staggered-width alloy wheels – 8.5 and 9.5 inches wide – fitted with 255 / 35 R 19 (front) and 285 / 30 R 19 (rear) tires. With triple-spoke styling and a titanium grey finish, the AMG alloy wheels complement the new AMG body styling.

ABC Active Suspension Gives Cat-Like Agility

The SL chassis uses a fully independent, double-control-arm front suspension and the patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension. All SL models come with second-generation Active Body Control (ABC), the Mercedes-Benz active-suspension technology that virtually eliminates body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration and dive during braking.

Each SL uses software programming specific to the model, akin to tuning the spring rates, shock damping and roll stiffness of a conventional suspension. Special AMG struts with firmer damping and fully reworked systems such as ABS anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, ASR traction control and ESP stability control complement the enhanced AMG chassis.

Mercedes-Benz engineers use ABC’s interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent (compared to the same vehicle with a conventional suspension), providing the driver with needed feedback through the vehicle chassis. A ‘Sport’ switch on the center console can make it 95 percent reduced roll, along with tighter shock damping. Active suspension solves the usual tradeoff between ride comfort and handling precision, so SL roadsters offer excellent comfort and league-leading handling.

Woof, woof.. Stormy!

It has been awhile since I talked about Stormy. I remember the last time I mentioned her was her latest pictures, which I also posted here. Since then Stormy's became quiet, and not so active as she use to be. Although, she eat her food and drink her water regularly, but her moods and behavior change. No, she's not wild, she just quiet. Also, she doesn't like to run- race with me when I took her out, then I wonder why. Her health is our main concern, that is why we decided to bring Stormy to her doctor right away. We are very anxious about her condition because she is not getting any younger, and we want to spend her life for more years. Yeah, she's our baby.
Well, her doctor spoke to us and told that she needs to spay that causes her being sickly. Also the doctor noticed her liver and spleen become bigger. He had a doubt about it for not taking her uterus right away. So, he suggested us a thorough check and test for Stormy. We came home with Stormy's medicine for her to take twice a day. From then on Stormy didn't eat her food, luckily she drink her water. But when I walked her out, she likes eating those human food she found in the garbage or on the street, which is kinda bad for her. We change her normal kind of food into a soft food looks and smell like a meatloaf but it's a dog food. Oh gosh, she just loves it!Generally domesticated animals are used to eat food prescription. Anyways, prior on her spay operation, in the past few days we brought Stormy to the cancer specialist doctor referred by Stormy's vet, to have a thorough test to know if she has a cancer or not. Again, we hope that she will be clear out about that disease in order for her to have spay. Thankfully, when we got the result is negative. We are very happy to heard about it although the process to get her health back to normal is not yet done. On Monday she will get spay, and test her liver and spleen to make sure her condition. Right now we are constantly praying for our Stormy's good health, and that she can survive her spay operation on Monday.

Saturday, March 29, 2008

WALD Black Bison Edition Sports Line

WALD has developed a hot-looking Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based WALD special, developed for W221. Called the Black Bison Edition Sports Line, the car is said to be for serious status seekers, all in black. WALD is known as one of the leading tuners in Japan specialising in German marques.

Black forged wheels make the main statement, along with different looking side skirts, front grille, side gills and rear air diffuser. No official word on power or stats yet, these will become available as they get released by WALD. Even if it is stock standard 386 kW/525 hp high-tech engine that accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, we don’t mind. You will agree though that aggression seemed to be the main brief when turning this thing inside out.

SPIN 12 Penumpang

Meskipun SUZUKI SPIN 125 bodynya imut tapi mempunyai tenaga yang sangat ruuuar biasa, dibandingkan matik-matik merk lain yang di produksi di Indonesia. Terbukti dalam keadaan standar pabrik SUZUKI SPIN 125 kuat di kendarai oleh 12 penumpang dan rekor yang pernah dipecahkan oleh teman-teman SMC JEMBER adalah 15 penumpang dengan berjalan lurus dan tanpa memodifikasi motor. SUZUKI SPIN : LEBIH IRIT, LEBIH GAYA, LEBIH BERTENAGA

Friday, March 28, 2008

BMW AC Schnitzer ACS3 Sport

When beads of perspiration form on the brow of experienced sports car drivers, it's not necessarily down to a faulty air conditioning system. With the 420 bhp V8 of the BMW M3, the ACS3 Sport catapults even its keenest challengers into the rear view mirror. The sporting coupe is ideal for anyone seeking to gain advantage on twisting tracks. A normal M3 would be a tough competitor here, because in comparison with the "civilized" 3-series Coupe it has a totally different axle construction. With racing suspension developed on the legendary Nürburgring, AC Schnitzer has succeeded in refining the handling potential of the chassis even further. And fitted with the Short Shift from Aachen, the ACS3 Sport becomes the automotive hero of the day: No-one is changing gears faster!

Best of all: The vehicle loses nothing of its qualities as a daily driver. Instead, AC Schnitzer inserts even more M-otion into everyday life, for example when the Aachen exhaust system plays its bewitching baritone in a road tunnel. The left/right system with two tailpipes per side, linked into a horizontal figure of eight, is however a visual work of art. In a play on the mathematical symbol for "infinity", at the same time it symbolizes the powerful reserves of the vehicle which reaches 60 mph from a standing start in an effortless 4.6 seconds. No less carefully arranged are the aerodynamic attachments, which for AC Schnitzer are always more than mere visual decoration. At the rear, a diffuser of visible carbon presses the car down onto the tarmac as if there were magnets below the road surface. The front spoiler is also made from this high quality material, and is supported against the front skirt with alloy struts as in motorsport. Further downforce is provided by a subtle rear roof spoiler and rear wing which also give the body exciting new contours. Side skirt extensions, in particular when combined with the white paint of the photo model, give the profile an aura of stature and dynamism. Finally the AC Schnitzer racing rims Type VI embody pure culture, on the ACS3 Sport in sizes 9.0J x 20" on the front and 10.5J x 20" on the rear. The combination of Y-spokes and contrasting five fork spokes superimposed in two planes, produces a design that is as exciting as it is elegant.

Further highlights of course include the forged wheel Type V in 20". With its strikingly curved, interrupted spokes, it not only looks superb but thanks to the lightweight construction method, keeps the unsprung weight to a minimum. A no less attractive alternative is the Type IV racing wheel in silver - and with trendy black finish as "Magic Black”.

And naturally AC Schnitzer continues the theme of sports performance in the driver's workplace, offering attractive and ergonomically perfect aluminum controls for the gear knob, handbrake
handle, pedals and i-Drive controller. A carbon interior trim and sports airbag steering wheel are also available on request.

Reworked Golf R32 by Abt

German tuner Abt Sportsline have gone to town on Volkswagen's fastest Golf model. The Abt R32 is the ultimate expression in performance for the everyday. Compact Golf dimensions and the R32's renowned sporting setup, the model is an 'ideal basis' for the tuner. "Whoever wants such a Golf wants an extremely fast compact car," says Hans-Juergen Abt. And it's evident the clientele won't go disappointed.

Horsepower raises from a leisurely 250 hp in production form to a rather more Abt 370 hp, the 120 hp hike achieved via a modified motor management system and the introduction of an Abt compressor kit with supercharger and air cooling system. The upgrades power a hike in top speed to over 270 kph (or 168 mph), while acceleration to 100 kph or 62 mph decreases from 6.2 seconds in production form to just 5.0 seconds.

The same dynamic performance is delivered both on the Autobahn and on winding country roads thanks to Abt's sports suspension kit, 'perfectly harmonising' with all 370 horses of the Abt R32's V6 engine.

An extraordinary vehicle is kitted out as such, primarily featuring 19-inch wheels and Abt decals but otherwise including only subtle bodykit modifications. A new side skirt and blackened once chrome dual exhaust pipes are the principle alterations. No details on any interior upgrades or kit release dates have been announced.

What do you have to bear in mind to settle on a highly regarded car shipping company?

Though vehicle shipping may seem quite an easy job as long as you just have to choose an auto mover, which can carry your vehicle right to your doorstep. In fact it can turn out to be rather frightening if they give you with poor service. So take care of finding out as a lot of details as possible about the car shipper that you want to turn to.

Start with inquiring if the selected auto mover is accordingly licensed, have reasonable orientation and enough experience of car moving of an exacting type of vehicle. So if you are looking for a car shipper to transport some particular type of vehicle such as heavy RVs, boats or other types of vehicles create sure the car shipping company has relevant experience to assurance proper care and delivery conditions of your vehicle. These vehicles may need

Thursday, March 27, 2008

2008 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500KR

Shelby GT500KR is such a hit that more examples are to find their way into enthusiasts’ garages in the next year or so. This after the demand began to outstrip supply to dangerous levels, such that Ford and partner on the project Shelby Automobiles decided to produce an additional 746 units for the 2009 model. US buyers will receive 571 units for their top dollar. Production of the car began the day Carroll Shelby celebrated 85 years of his own birth back on January 11, 2008.

GT500KR fits a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 on its bones to make a hefty 540 bhp, working with a short-throw shifter and racing suspension tuning. “This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we can deliver a Mustang that will compete with the best in the world,” is what Shelby himself was heard to say.

The cars arrive at Shelby Automotive in Las Vegas as standard Mustang GT500 cars where they undergo an extensive metamorphosis of chassis tuning, performance kit installation and exterior mods to come out the way they are. Such is the interest in GT500KR that at a recent charity auction a unique one – glass roof and all – went for a shivering USD550,000! Curiosity will only heighten when it debuts as K.I.T.T. in the next installment of Knight Rider.

Saleen Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang

Dan Gurney said that he only had one request before agreeing to endorse a special-edition Saleen Mustang designed in his honor: it had to be "faster than Parnelli's." Saleen was happy to comply, and the Dan Gurney Signature Edition was born. Like the Parnelli Jones Signature limited edition, the Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang features graphics inspired by classic Trans Am race series cars, an extremely limited production run and of course some serious performance parts.

The Dan Gurney Signature Edition Mustang is set apart by a special body kit, duckbill rear spoiler and a "stinger"style hood scoop. Inside, a signature plate is personally signed by Gurney, and the two-tone seats have blue or red Alcantara inserts that are color-matched to the exterior. Saleen will build 100 Dan Gurney Signature Editions in each available color: Torch Red, Performance White and Vista Blue. Like the Parnelli Jones edition, the racing stripes and number stickers will be available so owners can create a road-going race replica if they desire. It's a tasteful package that will appeal to fans of vintage racers without looking too garish.

To ensure that Gurney's performance wishes were fulfilled, Saleen installed a supercharged 465-horsepower 281 cubic-inch V8 under the hood and connected it to a short-throw shifter. A 3.73 limited-slip Max Grip rear end helps to get the power to the road. Handling is improved with a Racecraft suspension, a second-generation Watts-Link rear end and Pirelli Corsa tires. The suspension setup was approved by Gurney himself.

It's a cool package; all we can hope is that someone will arrange a track-day shootout of each Saleen special edition, with its namesake at the wheel.

What are all the ways of getting a Car shipping quote?

What is car shipping? It is the procedure of shipping a vehicle from a departure place to a destination place. These points are not constantly your old and new houses they can be any places that were approved between you and a car mover before hand.

If you want to have your vehicle transported directly you have to settle on the vehicle mover as soon as possible because auto shipping companies generally need some time to arrange the time of shipment your vehicle in order to deliver your vehicle on the stated date without excessive delays.

One of the main questions you would like to identify before turning to this or that auto mover is the amount of car shipping quote. You can easily find out this information on the Internet presently filling out the forms online and getting back the information about the auto transport quote for the stated location.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mortgage Comparison

My husband and I bought a house last year. This is the biggest investment we have made since we just got married. As a home owner, my personal opinion about home loans is that I'd rather have a fixed rate mortgage in order to decrease the interest rate. And I think it's the best way to do it. That way our burden is lessened, and it would motivate us to pay our mortgage loan faster. The advantage of a fixed rate mortgage is that the repayments are known or fixed, and there will be no unpleasant or even pleasant surprises. I have just read in the news article about Mortgages UK, that "The National Housing Federation (NHF) has said that first-time buyers could be given help in getting on the property ladder through long-term fixed-rate Mortgages."

Dodge Challenger 725 hp by Hennessey

Hennessey is apparently not happy with what Dodge has provided for its new millennium Challenger, among other cars, and has set out to rectify things the Hennessey way. Therefore what you are about to read is a true account of how things stand as far as a vehicle called the SRT700 Turbo is concerned.

Starting off with a 426 ci motor that strokes forged aluminum pistons, forged steel connecting rods, a 426 stroker crankshaft, polished intake manifold and a balanced rotating assembly, Hennessey then built upon this mighty house that’s clearly not founded on sandy land.

Added is a single 67mm turbo that works alongside a stainless steel turbo Y pipe, a single 44mm wastegate and a front-mounted intercooler. You know at some point, probably soon after turning the ignition, things are getting’ hot up in here!

How hot exactly? Try 725 bhp hot. Or 750 lb-ft of torque hot. It’s all downhill from there as the Challenger SRT700 literally charges down the road from naught in a matter of 3.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The old school performance measurement of quarter mile is covered in 11.3 seconds at a speed of 126 mph, with the SRT700 stopping clock at 190 mph.

At these levels of showmanship a car can begin to shed a few screws here and there, let loose one or five bolts in all the wrong places. So Hennessey is providing an upgraded engine management system, pro installation as well as a one year limited warranty. If you should happen upon one of these on the road know that it’s one of only 25 to be made. Other challengers are welcome.

The main things you should know about car moving.

Sometimes when you move out and go to live anywhere else, particularly when it quite a distance from the place where you lived before or when it is another country you have to turn to an auto mover for car shipping service. Car shipping is a procedure of moving your car from a shipper's terminal or from other place to a customer in the most effective way.

Auto shipping companies can offer you a wide range of various services and can transport any type of vehicle from a motorcycle to a truck or even a boat. So sometimes it is logical to order this service from some professional company.

First of all you have to choose a vehicle shipper which specializes in transporting this exacting type of vehicle that you have and find out if the car mover, you have chosen, specializes in international transportations so as they can give professional assistance for moving your vehicle to the destination country.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

2008 Venom 700NM

Upscale luxury goods retailer Neiman Marcus Direct has teamed up with John Hennessey’s Hennessey Performance Engineering to bring us a stampede of 700 horses through their spring Neiman Marcus Men's Catalog. And boy do them horses look healthy and sound in that jet black!
"The Venom 700NM offers world-class power,” says John Hennessey, “performance and looks in typical Hennessey style. We are very excited about our new partnership with Neiman Marcus."

Persuaded by the thunderous Dodge Viper SRT-10 engine, the VENOM 700NM musters up a whole 700 bhp/ 522kW and 645lb-ft of massive torque. Figures suggest a 0 – 60 mph time of 3.3 seconds, 0 – 100 mph in 7 seconds and a top end of 214 mph.

A number of special kits are added to the Venom 700NM, including VenomAero Exterior Aerodynamic Upgrades and lightweight alloy wheel upgrade (19x10 inch front; 20x13 inch rear).

Sounds good to you? We thought so. Be a good boy then and put aside USD179,500, which by the look of the US dollar lately, isn’t much. Be quick about it too as only 7 are being made available. If you can make it to the New York Motor Show 2008 even better, 'cause then you can scope out the real deal in the metal.

Mercedes G-Class by ART

Surely the GL-Class offers more practicality, but the Mercedes G-Class has been refined through and through over its now 29 year long life span. Last year Mercedes gave their cult car a minor facelift while staying true to the all-road classic.

A.R.T. Tuning has a few more features up their sleeves for the G-Class, like a 104 hp boost to 580 bhp on their top-of-the-range G 55 K model and sports exhaust system with four 80mm tailpipes (older models will have to do with a dual exhaust).

But besides extra power, ART has also developed a new body kit, consisting of a new front spoiler with fog lights and dual-integrated xenon headlights, underride protection guard, fender flares with illuminated running boards and optional extras like protective grilles, cable winch, new rear lamps, front and rear bumpers, brush guard, roof spoiler and a different hood. The Mercedes G-Class by ART sits on 22 inch monoART1, 10-spoke wheels, or 20 inch monoART2 wheels.

Of course the interior is not forgotten and comes equipped with a generous amount of leather, wood and carbon fibre details in various color schemes like the pictured Blue Eye variation. Also, ART is more than happy to install any kind of audio system you might fancy.

Some tips to ensure high-quality car shipment service

Today car shipping is wide-spread: there are a lot of new implementations and technologies which permit to complete vehicle shipment to almost any destination. Thus a great number of auto moving companies have appeared recently and they can offer you a wide multiplicity of delivery services. So nowadays you can ship any type of vehicle, no matter whether it is a small motorbike or a hefty lorry.

So it may seem to you that the car shipment process is a mire trifle, nevertheless take care of a few key points of an automobile transport process to ensure proper delivery of your vehicle.

The main things you should know about car moving.

What are the possible ways of getting an Car shipping quote?

What do you have to bear in mind to settle on a reputable car shipping company?

How can you find a vehicle shipper?

Monday, March 24, 2008

Dental Experience In The Foreign Land

Today is my very first time to have a dental check up since I move here in Florida for more than a year now. It's very timing, my dental insurance arrive when the time I needed it most because my tooth with filling on it are seriously bothering me recently. And I am also decided to take off my braces on my lower teeth. After looking and searching a right dentist for me on the net, I finally seek one, and got a schedule for an appointment to them today. I was a bit nervous before I go to see my dentist, I am hesitant to know if how they gonna treat me there. Knowing I am a foreign here, which needs time to adjust the new culture. Well, actually I was wrong because they are very good to me from the receptionist to the hygienist.


I like my dentist, she is so warm and likable. She did not resist me to put another braces again or having a tooth in plant for my spaces. In fact at first she told me to look for an orthodontist to take off my braces because I know she is a general dentist. Anyway, later on she came back and told me that they will gonna take care my braces for my convenience, which I'm glad not to have another time for an appointment. The hygienist clean my teeth gently, and persevere until all my tartars gone. They are not finish yet, I have to go back there on Thursday to have tooth filling which is my main reason why I seek for a dentist. Tooth filling is hurt, I have to prepare on this praying all the saints of the Philippines. lol

Anyway, when I'm home, I told my husband how I content to their services, and how they are pleasant to me.


Easter 2008

Christians celebrate this day in observance of their belief that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, now estimated to have taken place between the years AD 26 and AD 36. Many non-religious cultural elements have become part of the holiday, and those aspects are often celebrated by many Christians and non-Christians alike.
Since I came here, my family friends always invited us for a dinner to their home every Easter Sunday. It has always been a blessing to have a good friends like them, who have the same belief and love of Jesus.

What is car shipping?

What is auto shipping? Auto shipping is a procedure of transporting your car from one place to another (from one city to another city or even country). Vehicle shipping is the way to transport your beloved car to wherever you like around the world.

Before shipping your vehicle you have to hold an inspection of your car and fix all earlier damages, scratches and other injures in car shipping details to be able to claim damages if they take place during the process of car moving.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

The core points while dealing with auto shipping companies

Now a day if you need to move your car you have a multiplicity of auto shipping companies to choose from, including overseas shipping companies, international transport shipping companies, auto shipping companies, specializing in transportation of custom built automobiles, luxury cars and other rare cars. So you can without difficulty find an auto mover which will meet your requirements and will be quite affordable.

Automobile shippers can suggest you a wide selection of services such as door-to-door, roll-on-roll-off, enclosed car transport, rail service and multi car carrier services.

When arranging the shipment of your vehicle, make sure that the auto shipping company you have chosen gives you with an insurance certificate for transporting your car with full cover of losses and damages, which may occur. Be certain that all the terms and conditions in high opinion of the deal have been fixed. You have to indicate the method of payment, the delivery date, the fees the auto shipping company will have to pay you if it fails to deliver the vehicle on the date specified in the contract; and the fees, you will have to pay to the vehicle shipper if you want it to keep your vehicle for a specified period before you pick it up. Finally you have to be aware of the total price, which is specified in the contract, because at first some auto car movers may state quite low prices for shipping services, which eventually may contain a number of hidden extra costs. Thus being prudent about all the terms and conditions, offered by an auto shipping company, you will guarantee safe shipment of your car.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Mountain biking trail grades

* Green grade trails are fitting for: beginners or novice cyclists.

* Bike required: most bikes and mountain bike fusion are suitable.

* Skills needed: basic bike skills are required for this grade.

* Trail and surface types: these will be somewhat flat and wide. Trail surface might be loose, uneven or muddy at times. Might contain short flowing single track-style sections. Some green routes can take trailers.

* Gradients and technical trail features: climbs and descents are typically shallow. No challenging features.

* Suggested fitness level: suitable for most people in good health. Blue grade - intermediate trails

* Blue grade trails are suitable for: intermediate cyclists or mountain bikers with essential off-road riding skills.

* Bike required: basic mountain bike or mountain bike hybrid.

* Skills needed: basic off-road riding skills to cope with rough surfaces and small obstacles.

* Trail and surface types: as for 'green', plus particularly constructed single track trails. Trail surface might contain small obstacles of root and rock.

* Gradients and technical trail features: most gradients are reasonable but might include short steep sections. Technical features such as roots and rock might be present.

Avro’s 720 Mirage Ford GT

The Ford GT may be in the process of passing into supercar history, but that hasn't stopped Avro Motor Cars from taking one last spin at making the beast faster. The Brooklands-based tuner recently announced a 10-car run of modified GTs called 720 Mirage. Avro partnered with Roush Technologies to push the GT's power output to 720 horses. The company previously teamed up with Roush to produce the 600RE edition of the GT.

The additional urge comes courtesy of a larger Whipple supercharger and Accufab throttle body, inlet sleeve and X pipe exhaust, among other minor modifications. Specific output is 720bhp at 6950 rpm and 815Nm (627 pound-feet) torque at 4800 rpm. Unleash that power and the 720 Mirage will run to an un-governed top speed somewhere north of 220mph.

Suspension upgrades include a 5mm wider track and a 25mm drop, as well as KW Variant 3 adjustable coil-overs. Six-piston AP Racing brake calipers are used in the front, and drilled and slotted rotors sourced from Stillen are installed front and rear. The modifications are subtle but should help to ensure that the Avro 720 Mirage can handle its increased power with the same poise as the factory version.

The 720 Mirage stands out thanks to a distinctive metallic orange paint job with matte-black detailing. The wheels are blacked out as well. Avro adds special decals and sill plates, and ditches the GT's rear bumper in the name of weight savings for an even more exclusive appearance. Naturally, there's a numbered plaque on the console.

BMW 1 Series Coupe by Hartge

Hartge has released its new body kit programme for the BMW 1 Series coupe and convertible. As no pricing has yet been announced, all there is to go on for now are specs on what to expect. Bodywise Hartge has provided a set of carbon casings for the exterior mirrors, adjustable sports suspension for E82 and E88 and sports suspension for 120D, 123D and 135i. The latter will run 25mm lower.

Interior promises even more with goodies like a series of 3-spoke sports steering wheel to choose from, aluminium handbrake, aluminium pedals and Hartge speedos reading up to 300km/h. Not sure if it will do this type of speed but it may certainly try.

Hartge gives customers a choice between Continental or Pirelli tyres, although run flats are available on request. These range from 8.5 x 18" offset 40 with 225 / 40 ZR 18 front to 9.0 x 19" offset 46 with 255 / 30 ZR 19 rear
No info on engine changes, if any yet. But we know they can make a BMW run over 300km/h per with no sweat at all.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Rules of the Road:

* Before riding out of a driveway into the street, stop and look left, right, and left again for traffic.

* Ride on the right-hand side of the street in the same direction as the flow of automobile traffic.

* When riding with others, ride single file. Stop at all stop signs and look left, right, and left again for traffic.

* Use reflectors and bicycle lights (required for night riding).

What's For Dinner?

My favorite vegetable salad with chicken strips. Having a simple dinner makes my work easier, and worthwhile. The meal combination of white meat of chicken and vegetable salad alone are not too heavy for the stomack, which is good though. I personally make the salad, in our house this is just our normal meal. I used the spring mix vegetable in a pouch, I add; cherry tomato, black olive, croutons, scrambled feta cheese, and blue cheese for the dressing. That was it? Yap, that's all, you just have to mix all the ingredients together. For the chicken strips I did not cook it, I bought it from Publix.


Private Plates

If you wish to have fashionable private number plates on your car, try to consider the Northumbria Numbers website. Northumbria Numbers has been in the business since 1995, and pride themselves on giving the best services to their thousands of customers.You can make your own style of private plates by visiting their website.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Community Pedestrian Plan and Summit Project Launched

Mayor Jerry Abramson has announced that the city will host the Healthy Hometown Pedestrian Summit May 9-10, 2008, addressing issues that include neighborhood walkability, access to transit, safety and support of exercise. The summit is part of the Mayor's Healthy Hometown Movement, which encourages healthier lifestyle habits.

"In order to walk the walk, we first have to talk the talk," Abramson said. "Pedestrian issues are community issues because we are all pedestrians at some point. Our goal is to transport many voices together to improve our community's pedestrian access and offer ideas for people who want to be on the move."

Cherry Tomato
- is also known as grape tomato here in America, a sweet variety, really wonderful to eat alone or in a salad. A good source in vitamin C and also provide beta-carotene. Currently, tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables eaten by Americans. Tomatoes are members of the fruit family, but they are served and prepared as a vegetable. This is why most people consider them a vegetable and not a fruit.
My family like this a lot. I always make sure to have this on my grocery lists every week.
PRETZEL
Butter Sesame pretzel sticks of SNYDER'S OF HANOVER is one of my favorite snacks along with a cup of tea. Have 0% cholesterol, 20% calories, and with a total fat of 3%.


Rap Artists Site

Sometimes it's hard to find a good resources about a certain rap artists biography. We as fans like to know about our favorite rap artist latest gigs or their latest album. Through searching on the net I finally found a website about all our favorite rap artists. The rapartists.com featured artists like Kanye West, here you can find his biography, pictures, his homepage, his songs listing, and a lot more.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Bicycle & Pedestrian Program

The Bicycle & Pedestrian Program of the Federal Highway Administration's Office of Human and Natural Environment encourages bicycle and pedestrian transportation accessibility, use, and safety.

Each State in India has a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator in its State Department of Transportation to promote and assist the increased use of nonmotorized transportation, including developing facilities for the use of pedestrians and bicyclists and public educational, promotional, and safety programs for using such facilities.

The FHWA Bicycle & Pedestrian Program issues guidance and is in charge for overseeing that requirements in legislation are understood and met by the States and other implementing agencies. Other sponsored resources such as the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center give information on a wide variety of engineering, encouragement, education, and enforcement topics.

The Center was established with funding from the US DOT and is operated by the University of North Carolina Highway security Research Center, in cooperation with the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals.

Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 By Imsa

German tuning shop imsa released a set of technological enhancements and design improvements for the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 late last year. They recently sent us a new stack of photos to pass along to our faithful readership. As if the stock version of the 640hp supercar wasn't advanced enough, Imsa has created a set of features designed to perfect engine tuning and reduce drag.

A follow-up to their GTV Supercar, the imsa LP640 uses the same central locking sports wheels, individually tuned chassis, and engine mods as the GTV. Purchasers of the freshened-up Murcielago will get an Autoklav-moulded carbon fibre design package that can keep the material's original look or be custom painted.

New exterior pieces include wider wheel arches, a new front spoiler, and imsa CFK air ducts meant to reduce drag at incredibly high speeds. Side-skirts direct underside airflow into a new diffuser, which works with a custom rear spoiler to further improve aerodynamics.

With the lowered downforce, imsa claims the driver gets better "stability, safety and enjoyment."

The tuning kit is currently available, and can also be purchased for the standard Murcielago.

Roush P-51A Mustang

The extremely limited run of 151 Roush P-51A Mustangs sold out within 24 hours of its introduction, but you've got one last chance to pick up the most powerful ponycar that Roush has ever produced. Roush Performance plans to auction car number 151, the last of the 2008 production run, at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in West Palm Beach, Florida on Saturday, March 29. The auction will take place live on the SPEED Channel, and proceeds will go to the Salute to Education Scholarship charity.

In case you missed it the first time, the P-51A is a monster modified Mustang that takes its inspiration in part from the World War II P-51 fighter plane. Major modifications to the completely rebuilt 4.6 liter V8 include a forged eight-bolt crank, forged aluminum pistons that lower compression from 9:8 to 8:6, a custom upper and lower intake manifold, custom Roush fuel rail with high-flow fuel injectors, a dual electronic throttle body, and the latest ROUSHcharger supercharger with intercooler. It's all good for 510 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, and all of that even comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, something many tuner cars don't boast.

The P-51A's paint scheme is inspired by the WWII fighter, with steel gray panels accented with the yellow and red colors used by the 357th Fighters Group, Eighth Air Force ETO (European Theater Operations), one of the most successful American aerial combat groups.

Monday, March 17, 2008

CURRENTS
(Stolen from Bridget's blog)
currently:
relaxing at home with Stormy
current book:
Bob Dylan chronicles vol.1
current magazine:
marie claire- april 2008 issue
current music:
No Air by Jordin Sparks
current movie:
BABEL on Netflix
current shame inducing guilty pleasure:
cheese cake on Sara Lee

current drink:
original 100% orange juice

current fetish:
flat shoes

current wish list:
to travel in NYC this year :)

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