2012 Kia Sportage - Review

Small SUVs sometimes earn the nickname "cute-utes," and it's never been more true. Trucky imitation is so 2005; crossovers like the Kia Sportage are sleek little gym shoes, packing the same convenience in much more stylish duds. It's grown up and out, in size and price and performance, and that means the latest Sportage is now in the thick of things, alongside best sellers like the Ford Escape and Honda CR-V, its kin Hyundai Tucson, and the grassroots favorite Subaru Forester.

Priced from below $20,000 in base form to more than $30,000 as a turbo SX, the Sportage overlaps a lot of larger vehicles now, but it does it with a confident look. We think it's one of the best-looking compact utes, with its deft mashup of SUV and hatchback lines. The tipped-back stance shares some sass with the Soul, and a few well-chosen details lighten up thick body sides. It's chunky, but not at all clunky--we think, what the Jeep Compass could have been. The cockpit relates to the sheetmetal in a way most cars and utes gloss over. Big gauges are framed by a rectangular dash that's toned down significantly versus the one in the Tucson, though if you look hard, you can see how the two share some common hard points. It's workmanlike in the best way possible--it looks substantial, and feels authentic.

All Sportages offer a four-cylinder engines, and in most models the 2.4-liter four makes 176 horsepower. Direct injection is new this year; it hasn't changed the measured acceleration the engine and a six-speed automatic dole out (a manual's available), but pokey, the Sportage is not. It's fairly refined in motion, too, and the automatic's unstressed and reasonably quick to shift when you move the lever to manual mode.
Opt for the turbocharged SX and the Sportage's output rises to a breathy 260 hp, enough to spin the front wheels a little before traction control mellows out the party, and the automatic gets shift paddles for less distracted driving and better response. All-wheel drive is an option across the board, and comes with a differential lock that splits power 50:50 at speeds up to 25 mph. Gas mileage ranges from 22/32 mpg with the front-drive four-cylinder, to 20/27 mpg with the SX AWD.

In either trim, the base four-cylinder Sportage isn't quite as savvy at muting road surfaces as, say, a Subaru Forester. Ride quality's improved a bit this year with more sophisticated shocks on base versions, like those standard on EX and SX versions. Big 18-inch wheels don't help, so think twice before blinging out. Kia tunes its electric power steering systems on the heavy side, which gives them a little more realistic feel than its Hyundai cousins, and better control over minor road modulations. The SX makes great strides toward a truly sporty driving experience, something a little bit more tuning could bring home.
With its wider footprint, the Sportage delivers more interior space than its ancestors, but it's still on the smaller side of crossovers. The front seats benefit from the relatively high dash, and have good leg and shoulder room. As usual, add a sunroof, subtract headroom. The seats themselves are well-shaped and can be air-cooled on high-line Sportages. The back seat's like that in the Tucson--bigger adults will slouch a bit to find a good seating position perched on the otherwise nicely angled cushions. Cargo space measures 26.1 cubic feet, more than some luxury utes, and the rear-end styling means more of the cargo space is hidden behind sheetmetal--great for valuables, not so great if you carry pets often.

Standard curtain airbags and stability control are joined by optional rear parking sensors and rearview camera, which help with the Sportage's sizable blind spots. The IIHS calls the Sportage a Top Safety Pick, too.
Standard features include air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; and 16-inch wheels. Moving up to more expensive models adds features like keyless start; satellite radio; Bluetooth; steering-wheel audio and phone controls; and a USB port. Top models get a telescoping steering wheel; a cooled glove box; a power driver seat; 18-inch wheels; leather steering wheel and shifter trim; roof rails; and a rear spoiler. Major options include leather upholstery; seat heaters; a cooled driver seat; and finally UVO, Kia's version of the Microsoft voice controller sold by Ford as SYNC. Kia's version has a more limited vocabulary and controls fewer functions, but it can search all your media to find the perfect soundtrack to your next drive, whether it lives on your iPod, an SD card, or HD Radio.

Lexus GS 450h

  

CARBARN | Lexus GS 450h | The Lexus brand injects passion and drama into its styling language. The GS sedan's evolving new look has settled into a low, stretched shape with a long hood, a set-back greenhouse, and short rear deck. With That lines are clean and fluid, this car expresses simplicity and class simultaneously. The GS's sleek shape combines with engineering focused on reducing aerodynamic turbulence Beneath the car, to Reduced-drag. This results in a quieter interior and Greater fuel efficiency.

The GS features advanced high-intensity-discharge headlights with an available system automatically compensates That headlight aim for different passenger loads. The power-adjustable mirrors have de-fogging heat elements, and fast-acting LEDs are used in the rear brake lights. The GS also offers rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch wheels available. For 2008, the GS 450h the which receives minor updates include a new front fascia, revised grille, and integrated turn signals in the side mirrors.

Designed around the cockpit, the GS Gives the driver every possible creature comfort. That starts with a highly-bolstered 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with heat, complimented by a wood-trimmed, thick-rimmed, electric tilt / telescoping steering wheel. The dash, laden in handsome wood trim, houses a sophisticated instrument panel. Buttons and controls are very ergonomic and offer soft-touch electronic actuation. The face of the center console is a seven-inch electronic screen with touch-screen controls, the which Operates the audio system, climate control, and optional navigation system with backup camera. Unlike the frustrating features of i-Drive from BMW, this system makes navigating through the Submenus simplistic and straight-forward. Furthermore, voice recognition makes the system a hands-free experience.

Passenger safety for the GS is unparalleled. There are a total of 10 airbags, including dual-front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and full-length head curtain airbags. Lexus's optional Pre-Collision System activates the seatbelt pretensioners, as well as taking other safety measures an imminent collision is detected. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has Issued a top "Good" rating for Both frontal-offset and side-impact safety. The only obvious shortcoming for the GS 'interior design is trunk space. The hybrid battery pack reduced the space to 7.5 cubic feet, the which is much Smaller than other sedans of similar size.

Gearheads, take note: Formula 1 racing is now permitting the gas-electric hybrid technology in F1 Competitions. Automobile shoppers can get a taste of the F1 gas-hybrid future today-by driving the new Lexus GS 450h sedan. While it'll never compare with Formula 1 cars for speed, this gas-electric hybrid provides race-car-like acceleration and luxurious appointments in the same package. The center console's screen will from toggle to hybrid mode and display your energy consumption. See, the GS 450h is Perhaps the purest expression of power harnessed for the "no compromises" hybrid side of the ledger. Toyota mated a high-output, electric motor-generator rated at 197 horsepower with a 297-horsepower, 24-valve, 3.5-liter gasoline engine to yield the Hermes of hybrids, a 339-horsepower brute (do not ask; Toyota wizardry at work here) That motivates this 4.100-pound luxury sedan.

It's the first purely rear-wheel-drive hybrid sedan. And yet it has superlatives That transcends hybrids. Few, if any, high-horsepower luxury sedans in the world can Boast the combination of speed and quasi-economy as the GS 450h. Fewer still Boast, as this Lexus does, of being rated a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) in California, the which certifies a car's emissions are 90 percent cleaner than the average new car in California. The GS's sleek shape combines with engineering focused on reducing aerodynamic turbulence Beneath the car, to Reduced-drag. The GS features advanced high-intensity-discharge headlights with an available system automatically compensates That headlight aim for different passenger loads. The GS also offers rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch wheels available.



The interior of the Lexus GS 450h is opulent and plush-from the stainless-steel scuff plates, to the Buttery soft leather, to a Barrage of techno-savvy amenities. This is a world-class luxury car. Designed around the cockpit, the GS Gives the driver every possible creature comfort. Buttons and controls are very ergonomic and offer soft-touch electronic actuation. Passenger safety for the GS is unparalleled. There are a total of 10 airbags, including dual-front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, and full-length head curtain airbags. Lexus's optional Pre-Collision System activates the seatbelt pretensioners, as well as taking other safety measures an imminent collision is detected.  The only obvious shortcoming for the GS 'interior design is trunk space. Government fuel economy ratings for this hybrid is 22 city/25 highway. That's not bad, but Those figures compare to the gas-powered GS '19 city/27 highway.

Lexus GS 250

  

CARBARN | Lexus GS 250 | The 2013 Lexus GS 250 was Revealed today, ahead of global oh its premiere, the which Will take place at the 2011 Guangzhou motor show. The engine of the Lexus GS250 comes equipped with Dual VVT-i technology with D-4S direct injection port, and it's mated to a 6-speed sequential-shift, intelligent electronically controlled (ECT-i) automatic gearbox.

The new transmission of the GS250 offers Several driving modes, through the Drive Mode Select System.  The equipment list of Lexus's new GS 250 includes a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, an S-flow air conditioning system with water purifying technology, and Mark Levinson audio system with up to 17 speakers.

In terms of safety, equips the Lexus Gs 250 with its Pre-Crash Safety system, the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management, the Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitor the system and Their Night Vision system. We'll have more details regarding the Lexus GS250, including pricing information, as soon as they're available.
 

 

BMW X5 M50d

  

CARBARN | BMW X5 M50d | The BMW M550d, the M550d Touring, the X5 and the X6 M50d M50d are the first diesel models to be developed by the M division. The BMW M550d (saloon and touring), the X5 and the X6 M50d M50d are all equipped with 8-speed Sports automatic transmission, the carmaker's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, EfficientDynamics technology, and an Auto Start-Stop function.

BMW's M division upgraded the cars' suspension system, bodyshell, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the mapping for the hydraulic Servotronic steering. The distinctive design features of the BMW M550d (plus Touring) include the new front bumper with larger water intakes in each side, and the discreet boot lid spoiler. 

The M550d comes with two exhaust tail pipes, left and right. The BMW M550d Control Driving Experience features the switch, the which offers the PRO ECO driving mode, and the Performance Control system. The M550d BMW sedan is rated with a 0-100 km / h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km / h (155 mph). The BMW Touring M550d requires 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km / h (62 mph), but it has the same top speed. 

The BMW X6 M50d is rated with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km / h) acceleration time of 5.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km / h (155 mph). BMW's X6 M50d EU6 is not compliant, but its 204 g / km CO2 emissions level grants him an EU5 certification. The average fuel consumption of the X6 M50d is rated at 7.7 litres/100 kilometers (36.7 mpg imp). In terms of technology, the BMW X6 M50d comes equipped with Dynamic Performance Control, BMW's air suspension, Adaptive Drive, rear-view camera with Top View and huge 20-inch alloys.

In terms of performance, the BMW X5 M50d is a bit slower in comparison to its coupe brother. With a EU5-compliant, 204 g / km CO2 emission level, the X5 M50d promises to offer a 7.5 litres/100 kilometers (37.7 mpg imp) fuel consumption on the combined cycle. The BMW X5 M50d Will be available with the same equipment as the X6. You can watch the BMW M550d (sedan and Touring), the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 M50d M50d in action on video lower down this page.

BMW M550d xDrive Touring

  

CARBARN | BMW M550d xDrive Touring | In what seems a like the blink of an eye, the BMW 5 Series range has established Itself as the best-selling model in the executive segment. The M550d BMW xDrive and BMW's xDrive Touring M550d capture the imagination with the performance figures leave That Their Rivals class diesel-powered firmly in the shade. And They combine these values with the efficiency leading drivers have come to expect from BMW diesel cars. The sporting focus of the BMW xDrive and BMW M550d M550d xDrive Touring is highlighted by bespoke modifications to the power transfer, chassis components and design. The outstanding power of the tri-turbo straight-six diesel engine is translated into thrilling driving dynamics with impressive precision. This allows the 5 Series Performance-based BMW M Automobiles to offer the driver not only supreme power diesel, but also remarkably agile handling and predictable, controllable responses Exploring Their dynamic limits. The new and globally unique M TwinPower Turbo Performance Technology Gives the six-cylinder in-line diesel engine powering the BMW xDrive and BMW M550d M550d xDrive Touring maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft ). 

The BMW xDrive Sedan M550d goes from 0 to 100 km / h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, while the BMW xDrive Touring M550d records 4.9 seconds for the same sprint. CO2 emissions are 165 grams per kilometer for the BMW xDrive Sedan M550d and 169 g / km in the case of the BMW xDrive Touring M550d. Standard-fitted BMW BluePerformance technology also allows the two models to meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust standards. The M550d BMW xDrive and BMW's xDrive Touring M550d benefits, Among other Things, from the pace-setting efficiency of an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with long-high gears, precisely graded responses and minimum converter slip. 

The BMW xDrive and BMW M550d M550d xDrive Touring also come with Brake Energy Regeneration, need-based operation of ancillary units, water active flap control and a disengageable air conditioning compressor The BMW M Performance Automobiles come as standard with BMW's xDrive to channel the engine's power variably and as the situation demands the between the front and rear wheels. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system works using a bespoke control strategy, the which allows the threat of understeer in extremely dynamic driving Situations to be counteracted by adjustments to the power split, without the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system linked up to xDrive having to intervene. The system's M-specific tuning accentuates the traditional rear-wheel bias of BMW cars Pls it comes to power distribution.

The all-wheel-drive system of the BMW xDrive and BMW M550d M550d xDrive Touring sends more drive to the rear axle on the entry into a corner, delivering aspects Exceptionally precise cornering and impressive directional stability. In Addition, the Standard Performance Control likewise divides power the between the rear wheels to maximise the cars' sports performance. The chassis technology of the BMW xDrive and BMW M550d M550d xDrive Touring is based on a double-wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle. Special rubber bearings and anti-roll bars mounting optimize the bodyshell of the BMW xDrive and BMW M550d M550d xDrive Touring. If the optional Dynamic Damper Control or Adaptive Drive system is specified, COMFORT + mode can also be selected using the switches Control Driving Experience. The overall M-specific set-up of the BMW M Performance Automobiles also includes modifications to the tuning of the electronically controlled dampers and anti-roll control. BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim for the B-pillars, exterior mirrors and window surrounds base also comes as standard. Its extremely powerful form an integrated diffuser element and allow the bespoke rear apron of the BMW xDrive and M550d BMW xDrive Touring M550d to optimize Both the cars' sporting appearance and airflow around the underbody. Lending the interior ambience are a familiar M Such features as the gearshift lever with M logo, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M driver's footrest, BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and Aluminum Hexagon interior trim strips. 

The standard equipment of the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring also includes xenon headlights, Cruise Control with braking function, electrically adjustable seats with memory function for the driver's seat, 4-zone climate control, a rain sensor, the Radio Professional, a hands-free facility with a USB interface, ambient light and the iDrive control system. Such high-quality options as Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard in Germany on the BMW xDrive Touring M550d), hands-free tailgate opening, electrically operated glass / panoramic sunroof, Soft Close Automatic doors with function, trailer coupling, heated steering wheel , active seats, navigation systems with hard disk storage, and high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems deliver a Further boost to comfort. Almost all of the BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services laid on for the BMW 5 Series can also be specified here. Such features as the Park Distance Control system, rear-view camera, Adaptive Headlights, Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Speed Limit Info, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Surround View and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition are all available.

2012 Jeep Liberty - Review

The Jeep Liberty is boxy and rugged. And while we're becoming accustomed to seeing carlike vehicle masquerading in trail clothes, that's not at all the case here: The 2012 Jeep Liberty remains mostly truck. But for families who plan on spending most of the time on pavement—and with the trail-focused Renegade model dropped—the Liberty's appeal is limited because of its poor fuel economy and lack of comfort.

Looking tough and traditional—though a bit slab-sided from some angles—the Jeep Liberty appearance hasn't changed much over the years. A few years ago, Jeep amped up the macho-man appeal and added chunky details to look even more trail-tough. The Liberty's styling inside keeps to that role with a stark and simple look, although there are more hard plastics than in most crossovers this size.
The Liberty's powertrain can move the Liberty quickly enough, but we have no kind words for it. The 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 engine is torquey enough, but its rather low-revving, raspy, and not altogether smooth character just barely fits in with the Liberty's more rugged character. Because it's a low-revver, relatively speaking, it manages just fine with the somewhat rough-shifting four-speed automatic. But this powertrain's true downfall is gas mileage; at 15/21 mpg with 4WD, the Liberty is no more fuel-efficient than a full-size SUV.

Off-roading remained one of the best reasons for choosing the Liberty over a more easygoing crossover model, yet Jeep has, puzzlingly, dropped the trail-focused Renegade model for 2012. Two 4WD systems remain offered: Selec-Trac II is a full-time system that's also off-road capable but better oriented for snowy roads, while Command Trac is a part-time system intended for trail-running.

At first impression, the 2012 Jeep Liberty feels relatively well laid-out—as well as airy, given the tall greenhouse. Seats feel skimpy, though, and don't offer much support. But there's enough space in back, even for adults on a weekend trip, for instance. And the story is pretty good if you plan to haul cargo and gear: The cargo floor is low, too, and the seats fold neatly.
But there's still plenty to make the Liberty an unappealing choice in today's market, which is brimming with well-designed, family-friendly utility vehicles. The Liberty's on-the-road ride and refinement are probably the biggest turn-offs of this vehicle. There's a fair amount more interior road and wind noise than in more carlike compact crossover vehicles. And as a tall, narrow vehicle with a pitchy ride, the Liberty results in lots of 'head toss' on rough roads, or even choppy freeways, and blemished road surfaces seem to upset the composure of occupants just as much as they seem to upset the Liberty's grip.
Safety features are respectable in the 2012 Liberty, but the federal government hasn't tested it under the new ratings system, and the IIHS gave it a worrisome 'marginal' in side impact and 'acceptable' in rear impact. Base Sport, more luxurious Limited, and new Limited Jet trims are offered. Limited Jet models offer a spiced-up appearance, with big 20-inch aluminum wheels, chrome molding, and other black and bright trim throughout, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel and alarm system. Limited models are dressed up with a a long list of equipment over the sport, including leather upholstery, heated front seats, steering-wheel audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free interface, and a garage-door opener. There are plenty of cool options, such as a music hard drive system, a new Garmin nav system, rain-sensing wipers, and a Sky Slider sunroof, if you don't mind the higher price tag.

For 2012, Jeep has dropped prices on Liberty Jet models by $795, and it's added a Bluetooth hands-free interface (with voice command), a garage-door opener, overhead console, and rear park assist as standard equipment on all models.

2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept Design by Douglas Hogg

Price £900,000, Engine microturbine/electric hybrid, Weight 3000 lbs, Aspiration turbine, Torque 1500 lb-ft, HP 450 hp (electric), HP/Weight 6.7 hp per liter, 1/4 mile 10.5 seconds, 0-62 mph 2.7 seconds, Top Speed 220+ mph.

2025 Bugatti Aerolithe Concept By Douglas Hogg, Coventry University Graduate, now a designer at Ford Motor Company

HISTORY

Ettore Bugatti was the founder of Bugatti cars and in many ways the ultimate perfectionist. He believed his cars should be the best in the world and constantly strove to make them the fastest, lightest and most luxurious cars possible. "Nothing is too beautiful, nothing is too expensive" was one of his guiding mantras. Together with his son Jean, they were a world leading force in premium automobiles. Many believe that Ettore’s engineering genius and Jeans visionary styling reached their collaborative zenith with the 1935 Aerolithe prototype.

The original Aerolithe was unveiled at the 1935 Paris motor show and was the instant star attraction. It looked like nothing else - Its elegant, highly aerodynamic styling and super lightweight construction was years ahead of its time. Such was the reception the Aerolithe received that 1936 a production version was offered as the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic, of which three exist today and sell at auction for around $40 million. As for the Aerolithe, it disappeared sometime in the late 1930’s. To this day no one knows for sure its fate.
The 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe – The vanguard of a new wave of intelligent Luxury.

‘Super luxury’ Grand Tourer for 2025, inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s principles of automotive design, the original Aerolithe, and the theme ‘aerodynamic elegance’.

Key themes; Extravagant Graceful Sporting

The new 2025 Bugatti Aerolithe concept represents a return to the brand values and holistic attitude of Ettore Bugatti that made Bugatti cars so great – simplicity, beauty and intelligence. The new Aerolithe takes theme and style inspiration from the lightweight original and re imagines it as a futuristic and exclusive GT car for 15 years in the future - the vanguard of a new wave of intelligent luxury.

The typical buyer of a new Bugatti is the man who has it all. He statistically already owns 8+ cars, A boat and/ or a private jet. He can afford to choose to buy the very best in everything and the Aerolithe was designed to be the best grand tourer money can buy.
The dramatic styling is an exercise in pure surfacing. It references the original with its elegant proportions and split windows, whilst carving out a new design direction for Bugatti utilising clean, unbroken surfacing and advanced aerodynamics. The main bodywork is completely smooth, uncluttered by external mirrors, door handles and clunky spoilers. The lines are inspired by organic forms, science fiction and the original 193 Aerolithe. Up front, the signature Bugatti ‘Horseshoe’ grill in is a direct ram air intake to the turbine engine, whilst the headlights apertures in the front double up as cooling ducts to cool the brakes. At the rear, the boot lid features two jet fighter inspired pop up air brakes to stabilise the car under braking, whilst the rear lights also double up as cooling ducts. Advanced technology integrated so harmoniously into the clean bodyshell that you would never know it was there.

Underbody aerodynamics are a key feature of the Aerolithe and allow it to have such clean styling. Two air channels run the full length of the underbody of the car directing air from the front, around the almond shaped cabin, back to the massive double diffuser at the rear. This generates enough downforce to keep the car firmly glued to the road at speed without the need for any visible rear spoiler.

The Aerospace inspired split canopy doors of the Aerolithe concept are a stand out feature designed primarily to allow easy access to the cabin, but also to generate street theatre when the car pulls up. Each side opens independently of the other, and splits into a top and bottom half. The bottom half of each door tucks under the sill, whilst the top half swings up and forwards taking with it a massive swathe of bodywork and the whole dashboard. The steering column can then raise into the space left by the door, giving an enormous aperture to allow users of all shapes and sizes to easily get in and out.
The polished aluminium centre spine is a key styling and construction feature. It references the riveted central seam line of the original and develops it into a key structural component running throughout the interior and exterior. Beneath the sensuous carbon fibre bodywork is a highly efficient and dynamic mechanical package. The Aerolithe features titanium, magnesium and composite materials throughout to keep the weight down to around 1400kg. The passenger safety cell is bullet proof, with Aluminium Oxynitride windows. Driving a one million pound car you never can be too careful.

Propulsion is provided by an advanced Microturbine battery hybrid drivetrain. Microturbines are an emerging technology that will see great use in the automotive industry in the coming years. They are compact, lightweight and highly efficient. They can run on almost anything that burns –petrol, diesel, kerosene, alcohol, even perfume. In the Aerolithe the Microturbine functions only as a generator with no mechanical link to the wheels. Its only function is to generate electricity to charge the batteries on the move. In general terms, the Aerolithe is an electric car. The Microturbine engine is a range extender for the batteries, giving a theoretical range of up to 800 miles on one tank of fuel with minimal harmful emissions.

2012 TIKT Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 Tripple X

Engine 7 liter V8, Torque 671 lb-ft, HP 758 hp, HP/Liter 108.3 hp per liter.

TIKT Corvette C6 ZR1 : Tripple X - for the road Despite its solid technology even an ex-works Corvette C6 Z06 is no weakling. With 648 PS and 810 Nm it quite unashamedly plays in the super sportscar league - and makes a good impression whilst doing so.

If a high-tech and precision company such as TIKT from XXXX then decides to lend it its support, then one can justifiably look forward to the results.
First of all the performance was improved by using modified cylinder heads, camshafts, strengthened valve springs, modified compressor ratios, a larger throttle valve and a completely modified exhaust. After a fine tuning of the engine's controls a peak of 769 PS and a top torque of 910 Nm was printed out at the performance test station.

In a second step PS and Torque were stabilised by regrinding and finely adjusting the valve seats.

Even greater adjustments were made to the cooling system of Z06, that thanks to numerous special modifications now push up to four times as much cooling fluid through the engine of this super sportscar.
In addition the cooler was encapsulated and installed in combination with a new front skirt. It sounds simple, but because of the targeted air flow to the side a real venturi effect is created. A real advantage for the Corvette's aerodynamics.

So as not to negatively influence the cinematics of the suspension and still simultaneously increase the performance on the tarmac the leaf springs on the rear axle were retained and new wheel mounts made that brought the vehicle around 30 millimetres to the ground without any lowering. Together with a new suspension set-up - comprising new race shocks - the sportscar was brought approximately 50 millimetres closer to the road, on which the powerful engine can now convert its performance into propulsion better than before.
Better grip can be also be had with the very light Zerra Ultralight Evo 2 wheels, that once more reduce the overall and unsprung mass.

In order to keep so much performance in check you not only need a competent driver but also extremely stable brakes that of suitable size are mounted behind the ultra-light allow wheel rims.

Aerodynamic "assistants" in the shape of a rear spoiler were also constructed of equally weight-saving carbon.

All these measures have turned the Corvette into a Triple X ZR, as improvements have been made to it to fit it for all of sports driving spheres: country roads, motorways and racing tracks.

2012 Scion FR-S Race Car

HP 600 hp

Scion Racing Debuts FR-S Race Car
• FR-S race car will compete in 2012 Formula DRIFT series
• 'First 86' program offers chance to be among the first to own the FR-S
• FR-S will offer brand new connected audio system called BeSpoke

Detroit – January 9, 2012 – Scion today unveiled its Scion Racing/GReddy FR-S race car during a press conference at the 2012 North American International Auto Show. The FR-S will be competing in the 2012 Formula DRIFT series with veteran driver Ken Gushi behind the wheel.
The 600-horsepower FR-S race car is the result of a collaboration between Scion Racing and GReddy, a performance-products company that has been involved with Toyota and racing for over twenty years.

The race car is inspired by the 2013 Scion FR-S, a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that will go on sale in the spring of 2012. The high-performance coupe is the fifth model to join the Scion family.

Peugeot 207 CC

 

  

CARBARN | Peugeot 207 CC | Peugeot Predicts even higher sales as a result, but with Rivals Such as Mitsubishi's Colt CC, Nissan's Micra C + C and Vauxhall's Tigra, competition is Fierce. Emphasising its importance to the Peugeot range, the 207 CC now features a roof the which is designed and built in-house. Inside, there is plenty of space for Those in the front, and a better driving position thanks to a lowered seat and reach / rake adjustable steering wheel. Quality and design have also improved with a soft-feel facia the which can be clad in leather optional.

As for luggage room, the rear seats are best used for squashy bags, but the boot is spacious at 449 litres (roof up) and 187 litres (roof down). The steering column still rotates against your foot, the five-speed gearbox feels imprecise and although rigidity has been greatly improved, there's some shake through the windscreen over bumps. Of the three 1.6-liter engines are available - 120bhp petrol (expected to be the best-seller), 150bhp petrol turbo and 110bhp turbodiesel - We Could only test the latter two.

It's also noisy (roof down) and nose-heavy, with Vague steering. The 150bhp petrol is far livelier (0-62mph in 8.6 seconds), offering purer and more refined steering and snappier direction changes. Both cars ride well, though, and with the hood up, they're quiet and comfortable places to Spend the time. The kit count is high, too, with base Sport-trimmed models coming with the electric roof, air-con and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. The GT adds climate control, white dash dials and an MP3-compatible CD stereo. Prices have Risen by around £ 650 model-for-model, though, and our range-topping test car weighed in at a hefty £ 17.095. Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.