The S2000, with its combination of aggressive racetrack performance and daily functionality, is the icon of the Honda marque. The 2006 version retains the best features of its predecessor, but has been refined and updated for improved performance.The 2006 S2000 now comes with an electronically controlled “Drive by Wire” (DBW) Throttle System, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), headrest speakers as standard, an exterior thermometer, maintenance minder system, a distinctive alloy wheel design and an upgraded console and seat setup.
According to John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc, “It’s a car designed by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, and it represents the ultimate expression of the fun-to-drive characteristic found in all Honda’s vehicles.”
Styling and features
The S2000 comes with a powered convertible top as standard, along with 17-inch aluminium alloys, leather trim seats and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Options include a hardtop and XMO Satellite Radio.The interior has been overhauled for 2006, including a new seat and console design. The digital gauges are racecar style, and echoes of Formula 1 can be seen in the driver-oriented controls. An AM/FM stereo and CD player, electric windows, central locking and keyless entry are standard. The maintenance minder system advises the driver of service intervals, basing its information on oil condition and road conditions, not on standard mileage or time deadlines.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
2007 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible
The Ford Special Vehicle Team (or SVT for short) has worked together with track legend Carroll Shelby on the production of the brand new GT500, calling it “a modern interpretation of the Shelby Mustang of the 60s”. Shelby himself was brought to the launch at the Cobo Arena in one of these new vehicles. The launch was timed perfectly to rival the Camaro and Challenger concepts revealed by the marque’s two Detroit competitors.
The first Mustang to be tweaked by Shelby came in the mid 1960s, with his production of the GT-350R model. The range later came to include the GT-500KR (the so-called “King of the Road”), boasting a 428 cu-in Cobra Jet V8 engine. More than 14,000 Shelby Mustangs were purchased until the range was discontinued in 1970.A number of “hot” Mustangs were produced in the 1990s by Ford’s SVT, but the consensus was that these were just not as good as the Shelby versions. With Shelby back in the fold as senior consultant on the GT500, SVT are left to concentrate on the engineering side. The new GT500 is available both as a convertible and a coupe, and boasts a 5.4 litre super-charged V8 powerplant, producing 475bhp. Transmission is through a 6-speed manual gearbox, mirroring the set-up in the Mustang FR500C racer. SVT have improved and fine-tuned the shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, springs and brakes, making use of a number of FR500C components.As ever, the new Shelby Mustang does away with the pony motif, replacing it with the well-known Cobra badge. There are a number of subtle hints which suggest the influence of the original Shelby models, such as the widened grille openings to the front, the slant of the headlights, the bulge of the bonnet, the spoiler and the wheel caps which display SVT logos. Again in deference to the original range of Shelby Mustangs, the new GT500 convertible does not feature the full-length white stripes which are found on the coupe version.Inside, the cockpit is suitably dressed, with high-bolstered sports seats, pale instrument dials, and high-quality aluminium trim. The decision has been taken to move the speedometer and tachometer to improve driver information access. The interior leather upholstery is available either in charcoal black, or a combination of charcoal black and crimson red. Both colour schemes feature the cobra logo on the seat backs.Fans of the muscle car genre will be pleased to hear that the GT500 is only the first of a number of high-performance Mustang variants in the pipeline. According to one company spokesperson, “The GT500 points to a brand new era in Ford’s performance future.”
The first Mustang to be tweaked by Shelby came in the mid 1960s, with his production of the GT-350R model. The range later came to include the GT-500KR (the so-called “King of the Road”), boasting a 428 cu-in Cobra Jet V8 engine. More than 14,000 Shelby Mustangs were purchased until the range was discontinued in 1970.A number of “hot” Mustangs were produced in the 1990s by Ford’s SVT, but the consensus was that these were just not as good as the Shelby versions. With Shelby back in the fold as senior consultant on the GT500, SVT are left to concentrate on the engineering side. The new GT500 is available both as a convertible and a coupe, and boasts a 5.4 litre super-charged V8 powerplant, producing 475bhp. Transmission is through a 6-speed manual gearbox, mirroring the set-up in the Mustang FR500C racer. SVT have improved and fine-tuned the shock absorbers, anti-roll bars, springs and brakes, making use of a number of FR500C components.As ever, the new Shelby Mustang does away with the pony motif, replacing it with the well-known Cobra badge. There are a number of subtle hints which suggest the influence of the original Shelby models, such as the widened grille openings to the front, the slant of the headlights, the bulge of the bonnet, the spoiler and the wheel caps which display SVT logos. Again in deference to the original range of Shelby Mustangs, the new GT500 convertible does not feature the full-length white stripes which are found on the coupe version.Inside, the cockpit is suitably dressed, with high-bolstered sports seats, pale instrument dials, and high-quality aluminium trim. The decision has been taken to move the speedometer and tachometer to improve driver information access. The interior leather upholstery is available either in charcoal black, or a combination of charcoal black and crimson red. Both colour schemes feature the cobra logo on the seat backs.Fans of the muscle car genre will be pleased to hear that the GT500 is only the first of a number of high-performance Mustang variants in the pipeline. According to one company spokesperson, “The GT500 points to a brand new era in Ford’s performance future.”
2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
Apparently, you can tell a lot about a person’s personality by the type of car they choose to drive. If this is the case, owning a Ferrari speaks volumes! If you’re looking for the ultimate in sports car luxury, look no further than the 2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. This vehicle first appeared at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, and it replaces Ferrari’s 456M GT/GTA coupe. The model is named after a coachbuilder named Sergio Scaglietti who spent many years working with Enzo Ferrari when the company was first established.
All-Aluminum Construction
One of the most notable features of this vehicle is the fact that the Scaglietti is the company’s first V-12 car built with an all-aluminum space body and frame. In addition to the exterior components, this model’s interior is even constructed of aluminum components.
Unique Exterior Styling
The 2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti contains clean lines with a few details such as the scalloped, concave flanks similar to the Pininfarina-styled 375 MM model. The Scaglietti features a teardrop profile with a cockpit that is located much further back in the vehicle than in previous models. It contains a rear-mounted differential and gearbox and an engine located behind the front axle.The company claims to have achieved a very normative weight distribution by moving the location of the fuel tank, battery and cockpit to the rear. In fact, Ferrari has indicated the vehicle has a weight distribution of 54 percent at the rear and 46 percent at the front. This is definitely unexpected for a front-engine vehicle.The Scaglietti also features integrated headlight covers that blend discreetly into the front fenders. Ferrari’s renowned logo is surrounded by a low mouth-shaped grille with horizontal bars. The 612 Scaglietti contains a 116.1-inch wheelbase and a long head. The vehicle is 193 inches long and 52.9 inches high which is 5.5 inches longer, taller and wider than the previous two-plus-two model. It also has an approximate curb weight of 4100 pounds.
All-Aluminum Construction
One of the most notable features of this vehicle is the fact that the Scaglietti is the company’s first V-12 car built with an all-aluminum space body and frame. In addition to the exterior components, this model’s interior is even constructed of aluminum components.
Unique Exterior Styling
The 2007 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti contains clean lines with a few details such as the scalloped, concave flanks similar to the Pininfarina-styled 375 MM model. The Scaglietti features a teardrop profile with a cockpit that is located much further back in the vehicle than in previous models. It contains a rear-mounted differential and gearbox and an engine located behind the front axle.The company claims to have achieved a very normative weight distribution by moving the location of the fuel tank, battery and cockpit to the rear. In fact, Ferrari has indicated the vehicle has a weight distribution of 54 percent at the rear and 46 percent at the front. This is definitely unexpected for a front-engine vehicle.The Scaglietti also features integrated headlight covers that blend discreetly into the front fenders. Ferrari’s renowned logo is surrounded by a low mouth-shaped grille with horizontal bars. The 612 Scaglietti contains a 116.1-inch wheelbase and a long head. The vehicle is 193 inches long and 52.9 inches high which is 5.5 inches longer, taller and wider than the previous two-plus-two model. It also has an approximate curb weight of 4100 pounds.
Chevrolet Camaro Concept
The Chevrolet Camaro Concept brings together eye-catching design and thrilling performance, updating one of the most popular coupes in history for a new generation of enthusiasts. The latest incarnation of this classic model now boasts a fuel-efficient power train, modern design and an elaborate chassis.
The latest Chevrolet remains a concept car at this stage, with the manufacturer looking to gauge opinions on the new version. The short deck, wide base and long hood of the Camaro Concept leave the observer in little doubt that this is a powerful sports car with exceptional performance. The statistics tell the full story: the car comes with a 400 bhp, V8 engine, 6-speed manual gearbox and an elaborate chassis with independent suspension for each of the Camaro’s four wheels.Despite its sporting pedigree, the Camaro Concept can be used as an everyday vehicle, with fuel-saving technology in the form of “Active Fuel Management” cylinder deactivation. In practice, fuel economy of over 30 mpg can be achieved in motorway driving.
The latest Chevrolet remains a concept car at this stage, with the manufacturer looking to gauge opinions on the new version. The short deck, wide base and long hood of the Camaro Concept leave the observer in little doubt that this is a powerful sports car with exceptional performance. The statistics tell the full story: the car comes with a 400 bhp, V8 engine, 6-speed manual gearbox and an elaborate chassis with independent suspension for each of the Camaro’s four wheels.Despite its sporting pedigree, the Camaro Concept can be used as an everyday vehicle, with fuel-saving technology in the form of “Active Fuel Management” cylinder deactivation. In practice, fuel economy of over 30 mpg can be achieved in motorway driving.
Acura RSX Type-S A-Spec
The Acura RSX Type-S is an exceptional car with a difficult job – to fill the shoes of the respected Integra which it replaced in July 2001. Upon its release, after-market suppliers began the frantic development and production of parts and accessories to allow owners to customise their vehicles. Whilst modifications can increase both style and fun, this can often be at the expense of the manufacturer’s warranty, as well as mechanical reliability.
Having realised that 40% of their RSX sales were for the Type-S, Acura took the decision, in 2002, to introduce their own range of factory-fitted performance modifications. Following the example set by Honda, the idea was to offer owners the chance to take the performance of their Type-S to the next level without encountering the pitfalls outlined above. In 2004, Acura introduced the name ‘A-Spec’ to signify its performance upgrade package, helping to feed enthusiasts’ demand for top class sporting machines.
Having realised that 40% of their RSX sales were for the Type-S, Acura took the decision, in 2002, to introduce their own range of factory-fitted performance modifications. Following the example set by Honda, the idea was to offer owners the chance to take the performance of their Type-S to the next level without encountering the pitfalls outlined above. In 2004, Acura introduced the name ‘A-Spec’ to signify its performance upgrade package, helping to feed enthusiasts’ demand for top class sporting machines.
Chevrolet Camaro
Unveiled in 2006, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept sports car embodies the best in performance and styling that has made the Camaros, the most sought after cars. The sophisticated design of the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro concept car is sure to take it places. This concept car captures the true spirit of Camaro, one which has made it the most popular coupe of all time. One thing that is bound to catch your attention immediately with the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro concept car is its long hood. Apart from making a style statement it also shows you the kind of attention that has been paid to the design. The short deck, wide stance and long hood make for greater aerodynamic performance. This is not all; there is a powerful 400 horsepower, six-speed manual transmission engine that is inside this futuristic
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes-Benz SLR represents a renaissance in the high-performance sports car class, whilst celebrating its roots in the 1950s SLR racecars. The new SLR McLaren is an amalgamation of class-leading performance and power, and the classic features of Mercedes-Benz design. Constructed with carbon fibre unibody, crash structures and panels, the SLR houses a 617 bhp, 5.5-litre, super-charged V8 engine. It achieves 60 mph from standstill in less than 3.8 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of over 200 mph.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren in producing the SLR showcases the collective expertise, experience and design capabilities of the two marques. This is demonstrated not only in the outstanding performance of the SLR, but also in the exceptional levels of practicality and safety with which the super car is equipped. Formula 1 technology is in evidence in the strength and durability of the carbon fibre body, achieving a level of rigidity unheard of in road vehicles.Driver and passenger safety is enhanced by the SLR’s unique carbon fibre front crash structure, designed to absorb four to five times more energy on impact than similar steel structures.
V8 super-charged engine
Every V8 engine is super-charged, features intercoolers, and is manufactured by hand at Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance AMG facility in Affalterbach, Germany. The front mid-engine setup sees the engine mounted just behind the SLR’s front wheels. The need for an oil pan is eliminated by the inclusion of dry-sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted as low in the vehicle’s frame as possible. This result is improved aerodynamics and an extremely low centre of gravity, enhancing handling. Another benefit of the dry-sump system is the eradication of the issue of oil starvation around tight corners.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren in producing the SLR showcases the collective expertise, experience and design capabilities of the two marques. This is demonstrated not only in the outstanding performance of the SLR, but also in the exceptional levels of practicality and safety with which the super car is equipped. Formula 1 technology is in evidence in the strength and durability of the carbon fibre body, achieving a level of rigidity unheard of in road vehicles.Driver and passenger safety is enhanced by the SLR’s unique carbon fibre front crash structure, designed to absorb four to five times more energy on impact than similar steel structures.
V8 super-charged engine
Every V8 engine is super-charged, features intercoolers, and is manufactured by hand at Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance AMG facility in Affalterbach, Germany. The front mid-engine setup sees the engine mounted just behind the SLR’s front wheels. The need for an oil pan is eliminated by the inclusion of dry-sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted as low in the vehicle’s frame as possible. This result is improved aerodynamics and an extremely low centre of gravity, enhancing handling. Another benefit of the dry-sump system is the eradication of the issue of oil starvation around tight corners.
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