David Brabham Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Chevy Says: GM Claims 1 in 3 Sports Car Sales Is A Camaros or Corvette
General Motors claims the�Chevrolet Camaro and Chevrolet Corvette are responsible for one-third of sports car sales in the U.S. during 2011. Chevrolet sold 88,249 Camaros and 13,164 Corvettes in 2011. The most interesting bit of GM?s claim is the models it compares its two sports cars with. In the sports car class, the Camaro outsold [...]
2011 Season Review: Renault v Force India v Sauber v Toro Rosso
Some of the most intriguing and captivating battles in 2011 came in the midfield as four teams battled it out for mid-table supremacy. Renault: Renault?s season suffered an early set back as a rally crash in February put Kubica on the shelf for the rest of the season. Petrov and Heidfeld stepped up and they [...]
George Connor George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard Piers Courage Chris Craft Jim Crawford Ray Crawford
Land Rover builds its 1,000,000th Discovery
Land Rover has built their 1,000,000th Discovery / LR4. It will embark on an expedition that takes it from Birmingham, UK to Beijing, China.Richard Attwood Manny Ayulo Luca Badoer Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa
2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 - Four Seasons Update - February 2012
The curious case of the Countryman's clutch.
Months in service: 7
Miles to date: 15,688
Photo Gallery: 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 - February 2012 Update - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 - February 2012 Update - Automobile Magazine
Chris Amon Bob Anderson Conny Andersson Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella
Recall Affects 79,275 Nissan Juke, Infiniti M, QX Models for Fuel System
A problem with the fuel system has prompted Nissan to issue a recall for 2011-2012 models of the Nissan Juke, Infiniti M, and Infiniti QX SUV. This recall has affected several global models, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reporting 79,275 U.S. models are affected. 2011-2012 Nissan Juke, Infiniti M, Infiniti QX The [...]
Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco
2007 BMW X3
When the BMW X3 debuted back in early 2004, it seemed to be an anachronism: an upscale, premium-branded, premium-priced, small sport-utility. After all, the Land Rover Freelander had landed like a thud in our market and was on its way to hiatus status. It turns out that BMW was ahead of the curve, though, because for 2007 the X3 has plenty of competition.
When the BMW X3 debuted back in early 2004, it seemed to be an anachronism: an upscale, premium-branded, premium-priced, small sport-utility. After all, the Land Rover Freelander had landed like a thud in our market and was on its way to hiatus status. It turns out that BMW was ahead of the curve, though, because for 2007 the X3 has plenty of competition, including the Freelander's successor, the LR2, plus the all-new Acura RDX. Time for a mid-cycle face-lift, then, for BMW's small SAV, or sports activity vehicle. The freshened 2007 model made its public debut at the Paris salon.
Photo Gallery: 2007 BMW X3 - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine
Colin Davis Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler Pedro Diniz Duke Dinsmore Frank Dochnal Jose Dolhem
Spied: 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette
Peeking through the camouflage at America's next favorite sports car.
You may think that southeast Michigan, home to General Motors’ proving ground in Milford, gets plenty cold enough in winter. Yet for true cold-weather testing, GM engineers subjected the next-generation C7 Corvette to the extreme chill of northern Canada. That gave our spy photographers a chance to snap photos of this prototype version of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette as it is readied for production.
Photo Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette - Spied Vehicles - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2014 Chevrolet C7 Corvette - Spied Vehicles - Automobile Magazine
Richard Attwood Manny Ayulo Luca Badoer Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball Marcel Balsa
Magna Unveils MILA Coupic, Three-in-One Pickup/Convertible/SUV Concept
What has the roof from a Pontiac G6, the layout of a Chevrolet Avalanche, and the general shape of a Range Rover Evoque? It’s the Magna MILA Coupic, a three-in-one concept that promises to combine the best attributes of a convertible, pickup truck, and sport utility vehicle and will debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor [...]
Enrico Bertaggia Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti
Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet Concept caught with top up
The fact that it has been caught a second time in a different location defies belief and leads one to consider it as a cheap marketing ploy by the Tata-owned British brand.Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi Chuck Arnold Rene Arnoux Peter Arundell
Driven: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC
Efficient motoring doesn't get any more painless.
It probably will surprise no one when I say that travelling in a Mercedes-Benz S-class is a pretty swell experience. The stretch-out-spacious cabin is lined with soft leather and burnished with glossy wood and metal trim. Electronic servants are on hand to assist with most any task, be it closing the trunk, moving the steering column, or raising the blinds over the rear windows. The chassis is poised and the steering is creamy yet direct. Cruising is hushed, and the powertrain is responsive.
Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: Driven: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC - Automobile Magazine
Eitel Cantoni Bill Cantrell Ivan Capelli Piero Carini Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris
2012 Hyundai Veloster DCT
We love the Hyundai Veloster.
Every time I get into a Veloster, I'm amazed by the value. I realize the car has faults, a rather unrefined powertrain chief among them, but good golly, you get into the thing and immediately take in the snazzy cabin, illuminated from all sides by a big, two-section moonroof; a big, double-paned hatch window; and a big, broad windshield. You shift into reverse and a rearview camera image pops up onto the screen and you think, how much does this car cost, anyway? So you fish the Monroney window sticker out of the glove box and see it's only $22,550 and it has this wonderful greenhouse, a rearview camera, a superb navigation system, an automatic transmission, and a climate control system with controls that are not only attractively displayed but also 100 percent intuitive to use. And if you're like me, and you just spent eleven days in our Four Seasons Mini Cooper Countryman, which costs about $35K, you think, jeez, Mini could learn a LOT from Hyundai about secondary control interfaces. A lot.
Photo Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster DCT - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster DCT - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Colin Chapman Dave Charlton Pedro Matos Chaves Bill Cheesbourg Eddie Cheever Andrea Chiesa Ettore Chimeri Louis Chiron
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
2011 Infiniti QX56 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up
An opulent, reliable, and thirsty draft horse.
With the unrelenting news reports about the lingering recession, it would be easy to think that expensive, full-size luxury SUVs are becoming extinct. Although it's true that some of the casual buyers who wandered into this segment during boom times have moved on to less pricey, more modest vehicles, there are still plenty of people with means who need a large vehicle to move their families and their trailers but don't want to sacrifice comfort and all-weather capability while doing so. Infiniti, betting that this profitable segment won't completely disappear, redesigned the QX56 for 2011 to meet the luxury and utility needs of these coveted customers.
Photo Gallery: 2011 Infiniti QX56 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2011 Infiniti QX56 - Four Seasons Wrap-Up - Automobile Magazine
David Brabham Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli
Marussia Virgin Racing Launch Their 2011 Car
Marussia Virgin Racing have launched their car to take on the 2011 world championship in a lavish London ceremony. The Marussia name now preceeds Virgin following a major tie up with the Russian sportscar manufacturer and the team at the end of 2010. �It has led to the new car being designated as the MVR-02. [...]
Luiz Bueno Ian Burgess Luciano Burti Roberto Bussinello Jenson Button Tommy Byrne Giulio Cabianca Phil Cade
2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe and Convertible
The addition of 120 hp is the primary difference between the XKR and the normally aspirated XK, but it's by no means the only one. Consider also the stiffer suspension, a new rear suspension brace, and larger front brakes. A bespoke, aluminum-trimmed front bumper, body-color hood vents, unique nineteen- or twenty-inch wheels, and quad tailpipes distinguish the XKR's exterior.
The subtle whine of the supercharger and the healthy growl of the exhaust motivate you to keep the transmission one gear lower than necessary. The well-damped suspension perfectly modulated the optional twenty-inch wheels over rough sections of tarmac, and the light but communicative steering points you exactly where you want to go. This is a car that inspires you to stop, tap the paddle shifter down to first, and hit the gas for another intoxicating run through the gears, just to experience the blissful marriage of the engine and the fast-shifting manu-matic. Welcome to the new Jaguar XKR.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Jaguar XKR Coupe and Convertible - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine
Joie Chitwood Bob Christie Johnny Claes David Clapham Jim Clark† Kevin Cogan Peter Collins Bernard Collomb
2012 Hyundai Veloster DCT
We love the Hyundai Veloster.
Every time I get into a Veloster, I'm amazed by the value. I realize the car has faults, a rather unrefined powertrain chief among them, but good golly, you get into the thing and immediately take in the snazzy cabin, illuminated from all sides by a big, two-section moonroof; a big, double-paned hatch window; and a big, broad windshield. You shift into reverse and a rearview camera image pops up onto the screen and you think, how much does this car cost, anyway? So you fish the Monroney window sticker out of the glove box and see it's only $22,550 and it has this wonderful greenhouse, a rearview camera, a superb navigation system, an automatic transmission, and a climate control system with controls that are not only attractively displayed but also 100 percent intuitive to use. And if you're like me, and you just spent eleven days in our Four Seasons Mini Cooper Countryman, which costs about $35K, you think, jeez, Mini could learn a LOT from Hyundai about secondary control interfaces. A lot.
Photo Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster DCT - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2012 Hyundai Veloster DCT - Editors' Notebook - Automobile Magazine
Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert Eugene Chaboud Jay Chamberlain Karun Chandhok Alain de Changy Colin Chapman Dave Charlton
Red Bull reflect on another year of glory
Red Bull won both the drivers' and constructors' championships for the second successive year in 2011. Here, design chief Adrian Newey and team principal Christian Horner talk to me about their plans for 2012 and praise the dedication, hunger and desire of Sebastian Vettel, who became the youngest ever double world champion.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.
Eric Brandon Don Branson Tom Bridger Tony Brise Chris Bristow Peter Broeker Tony Brooks Alan Brown
Ten Cars We Want Back
Following the Acura NSX's lead, these ten cars are primed for a comeback.
It's not surprising that a mid-engined concept stole the 2012 Detroit auto show, but the Acura NSX's appeal was much stronger than the usual draw of a sexy, unattainable exotic. The NSX concept reminds enthusiasts of better days for the troubled Japanese brand. Its low, sleek lines and sophisticated powertrain take us back to the fourteen-year period when the original aluminum-bodied NSX epitomized Acura's (and Honda's) innovative spirit and engineering prowess. Even with the production car three years off, the NSX has already changed how we think of Acura.
Photo Gallery: Ten Cars We Want Back - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: Ten Cars We Want Back - Automobile Magazine
Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert Eugene Chaboud Jay Chamberlain Karun Chandhok
2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds two doors to the iconic rock crawler which adds to its everyday usability and on-road handling characteristics. The new Wrangler, both in two and four-door form, adds a bevy of interior upgrades and top options which adds up to hundreds of ordering possibilities.
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited adds two doors to the iconic rock crawler which adds to its everyday usability and on-road handling characteristics. The new Wrangler, both in two and four-door form, adds a bevy of interior upgrades and top options which adds up to hundreds of ordering possibilities.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
David Brabham Gary Brabham Jack Brabham† Bill Brack Ernesto Brambilla Vittorio Brambilla Toni Branca Gianfranco Brancatelli
Williams begin ?beginning of a rebuilding process?
If Ferrari fans thought that their team had perhaps not lived up its name last season then they should talk to fans of Williams. The team that dominated in the early 90?s winning multiple World Championships managed to score only five points last season. Five. It?s a sad fall from grace and one, that at [...]
Kurt Ahrens Jr Christijan Albers Michele Alboreto Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot Cliff Allison Fernando Alonso
Sneak Preview: Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce has more Ghost variants up its bespoke sleeve.
Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes is highly fit, dapper, and eloquent. But he's also very cautious with the press. When he revealed over lunch that Rolls-Royce is going to appoint a handful of new dealers, his voice was so hushed you'd think he was about to reveal the access code to Fort Knox. Known as TMOe within the company, the marketing expert joined the brand in the middle of a boom period that saw sales soar to more than 3000 units in 2011, thanks to the highly successful Ghost. The cagey and coy new chairman is the exact opposite of his predecessor, the outspoken and jovial Tom Purves. It took a long meal and a couple glasses of fine sauvignon blanc to coax TMOe into shifting from P to D. In the end, however, he came across as a man with a vision and some strong ideas on how automotive luxury may evolve in the coming decade.
Photo Gallery: Sneak Preview: Rolls-Royce - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: Sneak Preview: Rolls-Royce - Automobile Magazine
Chuck Arnold Rene Arnoux Peter Arundell Alberto Ascari Peter Ashdown Ian Ashley Gerry Ashmore Bill Aston
First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
A mid-life refresh that’s more than a face-lift.
It’s been four years since Hyundai introduced its Genesis coupe at the 2008 New York Auto Show, unabashedly presenting it as an alternative to not only obvious competitors like the Ford Mustang but also luxury coupes like the Infiniti G37. The Genesis coupe’s key feature, of course, was its rear-wheel-drive chassis, a relative rarity among affordable cars in general and virtually unheard of from a Korean manufacturer. In fact, the only other inexpensive, rear-wheel-drive car from an Asian manufacturer back in 2009, when the Genesis coupe actually went on sale, was the Mazda Miata roadster, if we take the slightly-out-of-reach Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 370Z out of the equation.
Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe - Automobile Magazine
Eugene Chaboud Jay Chamberlain Karun Chandhok Alain de Changy Colin Chapman Dave Charlton Pedro Matos Chaves Bill Cheesbourg
Caterham principal aims for ?fresh impetus?
Caterham team principal Tony Fernandes has spoken about the decision�to axe�Jarno Trulli in favour of�Vitaly Petrov for the 2012 season. Go here for Red Bull v Cowboys! You heard right! Trulli was under contract for the team, but his future in Formula 1 now looks uncertain after being replaced by the Russian. Speaking about the [...]
Eitel Cantoni Bill Cantrell Ivan Capelli Piero Carini Duane Carter Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris
2007 Volkswagen Touareg
Volkswagen clams that they've added more than 2300 redesigned parts. It's what's inside that counts, right? After all, that's where the optional V-10 diesel makes its home.
While it would appear that only three parts-two headlights and a grille-have been changed to freshen the Touareg for 2007, Volkswagen clams that they've added more than 2300 redesigned parts. It's what's inside that counts, right? After all, that's where the optional new 350-hp, direct-injection V-8 makes its home. A 3.6-liter, 280-hp V-6 from the Passat now comes standard, and topping the range above the V-8 is a massive turbo-diesel V-10 that belongs in a Panzer tank. The latter returns to the U.S. this year after an EPA mandated hiatus of more than two years.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Volkswagen Touareg - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2007 Volkswagen Touareg - New and Future Cars, Trucks, and SUVs - Automobile Magazine
Bill Aston Richard Attwood Manny Ayulo Luca Badoer Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey Mauro Baldi Bobby Ball
2007 Nissan Maxima
It's time for a mid-cycle face-lift for Nissan's flagship sedan, but you'll have to look closely at the face of the 2007 Maxima, because Nissan's stylists were awfully stingy with the Botox. The freshened front end has had its nose stretched slightly, and new, sleeker headlamps are surrounded by more wedge-shaped sheetmetal. A bigger rear spoiler for the SE model, more aggressive side sills, and a reshaped rear bumper round out the exterior modifications.
It's time for a mid-cycle face-lift for Nissan's flagship sedan, but you'll have to look closely at the face of the 2007 Maxima, because Nissan's stylists were awfully stingy with the Botox. The freshened front end has had its nose stretched slightly, and new, sleeker headlamps are surrounded by more wedge-shaped sheetmetal. A bigger rear spoiler for the SE model, more aggressive side sills, and a reshaped rear bumper round out the exterior modifications.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Duke Dinsmore Frank Dochnal Jose Dolhem Martin Donnelly Carlo Abate George Abecassis Kenny Acheson Andrea de Adamich
Karthikeyan Makes Surprise F1 Return With HRT
Narain Karthikeyan has made a surprise return to Formula One after being announced as one of Hispania HRT’s drivers for the 2011 season. The Indian driver was unveiled as the first racer to be working with the Spanish based squad, who look likely to enter into a second season of racing despite on-going financial concerns. [...]
Red Amick Chris Amon Bob Anderson Conny Andersson Mario Andretti Michael Andretti Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis
Porsche 911 Individualization Package by TechArt
 |
Known Porsche tuning extraordinaire, TechArt, has prepared a tuning package for the new generation Porsche 911 that accentuates the vehicle’s individualization potential. Their individualization package includes changes for both the exterior and interior, but the future engine modifications are what will tickle everyone’s fancy once they are revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.
For now, the exterior package includes a full carbon fiber body kit and a new set of 20- or 21-inch five-spoke TechArt Formula light alloy wheels. The wheels are combined with large spaces between the spokes that revitalize the look of the car, show off the body color matching calipers, and offer effective heat dispersal. These wheels also create a 15% weight loss for the 911, reducing the rotating and unsprung mass and increasing the driving dynamics. There is also a new set of polished stainless steel sport tailpipes with either a dual oval tube or a round tube.
For the interior, the tuner is offering full leather trim with a decorative stitching in any custom color or in a sporty diamond design. There is also sport steering wheel variations with TECHART paddle shifters and plenty of carbon fiber insertions.
Stay tuned as more details will be revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show!
UPDATE 02/27/2012: With Geneva set to open its doors in a week?s time, TechArt has officially taken the wraps off of their new program for the 2012 Porsche 911. The program fits right in the Carrera and Carrera S models and comes with plenty of aerodynamic parts, including a two-part front spoiler with an integrated splitter that fits perfectly into the ergonomics of the 911. The kit also has two aero wings that are integrated into the front air inlet vents, a fixed rear spoiler with a trailing edge, an integrated third brake light, a new rear diffuser, new side skirts, side mirror panels, trim panels for the front headlights, and a new set of either 20" or 21" TechArt Formula five-spoke light alloy wheels.
As far as the Geneva-bound show car is concerned, TechArt opted to show the 911 with a modified interior dressed in black leather and Alcantara with matching matte-painted interior components in racing yellow and black to go with a carbon fiber trim.
Porsche 911 Individualization Package by TechArt originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 14 December 2011 16:00 EST.
Gino Bianco Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Art Bisch Harry Blanchard Michael Bleekemolen Alex Blignaut
Next-generation Renault Twingo / Smart ForTwo mule spied
The Daimler-Renault alliance is starting to bear fruit as our spies have caught the first photos of a next-generation Renault Twingo / Smart ForTwo mule.Ivor Bueb Sebastien Buemi Luiz Bueno Ian Burgess Luciano Burti Roberto Bussinello Jenson Button Tommy Byrne
Monday, February 27, 2012
Range Rover Evoque Cabriolet Concept caught with top up
The fact that it has been caught a second time in a different location defies belief and leads one to consider it as a cheap marketing ploy by the Tata-owned British brand.Ettore Chimeri Louis Chiron Joie Chitwood Bob Christie Johnny Claes David Clapham Jim Clark† Kevin Cogan
2007 Ford Shelby GT
The 2007 Ford Shelby GT is a version of the Shelby GT-H that you can actually buy.
They say you should never buy a used rental car, and now fans of the Ford Shelby GT-H won't have to. While the GT-H is exclusive to Hertz, Ford is adding a retail version, the Shelby GT. The Shelby GT reaches dealers early next year as an '07 model. Ford has yet to finalize specs, but expect all the major GT-H goodies, including the Ford Racing intake and exhaust (and its resultant 25 extra hp), the horizontal-bar grille, the hood pins, and the side scoops. Don't expect the black-and-gold Hertz color scheme; instead, the Shelby GT will have silver stripes over a black or white body. Best of all, though, is that whereas the Hertz cars are all equipped with automatic gearboxes, the civilian version can be had with either an automatic or a manual. Of course, the other good part is that buyers of the Shelby GT won't have to wonder how many knuckleheads performed neutral drops or smoky burnouts in their baby; they'll be secure in the knowledge that all the abuse their cars endure will be owner-inflicted.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Ford Shelby GT - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: 2007 Ford Shelby GT - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco Hans Binder Clemente Biondetti Pablo Birger Art Bisch
First Look: 2012 MX-5 Miata Special Edition
Only 450 examples will be built.
Mazda has sold 900,000 examples of its MX-5 Miata roadster globally since 1989, and the company is celebrating with a Special Edition package for the car, unveiled at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The new trim pack consists primarily of styling changes for the fun Japanese roadster.
Photo Gallery: First Look: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Automobile Magazine
Photo Gallery: First Look: 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Automobile Magazine
Derek Bell Stefan Bellof Paul Belmondo Tom Belso JeanPierre Beltoise Olivier Beretta Allen Berg Georges Berger
2007 Nissan Maxima
It's time for a mid-cycle face-lift for Nissan's flagship sedan, but you'll have to look closely at the face of the 2007 Maxima, because Nissan's stylists were awfully stingy with the Botox. The freshened front end has had its nose stretched slightly, and new, sleeker headlamps are surrounded by more wedge-shaped sheetmetal. A bigger rear spoiler for the SE model, more aggressive side sills, and a reshaped rear bumper round out the exterior modifications.
It's time for a mid-cycle face-lift for Nissan's flagship sedan, but you'll have to look closely at the face of the 2007 Maxima, because Nissan's stylists were awfully stingy with the Botox. The freshened front end has had its nose stretched slightly, and new, sleeker headlamps are surrounded by more wedge-shaped sheetmetal. A bigger rear spoiler for the SE model, more aggressive side sills, and a reshaped rear bumper round out the exterior modifications.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Joie Chitwood Bob Christie Johnny Claes David Clapham Jim Clark† Kevin Cogan Peter Collins Bernard Collomb
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
The Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is hot and fresh for 2007. Read about it in our new cars section.
Toned down from the wild Concept S show car that was seen earlier this year at Geneva, the Gallardo Spyder makes use of a powered top that stows under the engine cover and behind the passenger compartment. In case you invert the car, there is a pop-up roll bar and strengthened A-pillars. While the car was in the body shop, the Lamborghini engineers increased the 5.0-liter V-10's power from 492 to 512 hp. (All 2006 Gallardos receive the power hike.) The six-speed transmission has been recalibrated, along with the suspension and steering. Lamborghini says that the car will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 195 mph with the roof up. Topless, the car is 4 mph slower. The Gallardo Spyder goes on sale in Europe early next year, priced at about $200,000.
Photo Gallery: 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder - 2007 New Cars - Automobile Magazine
Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia Tony Bettenhausen Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco Hans Binder
Petrov in, Trulli out at Caterham
VitalyPetrov has replaced Jarno Trulli at Caterham, and will drive the CT01 in the Barcelona test next week. The move has been rumoured for months, but was delayed while the Russian’s funding was confirmed. The news in effect brings Trulli’s … Continue reading 
Ian Ashley Gerry Ashmore Bill Aston Richard Attwood Manny Ayulo Luca Badoer Giancarlo Baghetti Julian Bailey
Reducing traffic congestion with buses that could drive themselves
Until spending some time behind the wheel of a bus-driving simulator, I?d never rolled a vehicle [knock wood]. Apparently eighteen-ton buses don?t like to take interstate exit ramps at high speeds, even onscreen. The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority?s bus simulator in Burnsville, Minnesota, is used to train bus drivers to operate the Bus 2.0 system, [...]
Roberto Bussinello Jenson Button Tommy Byrne Giulio Cabianca Phil Cade Alex Caffi John CampbellJones Adrián Campos
Testors/Fujimi Ferrari Dino 246GT
This time I'll be doing this classic and historic car that Enzo did to honor his only and late son, and the only one didn't wear the Ferrari badge. The kit I'll be using is a Fujimi Kit that Testors re-boxed in the late 80's with 200+ parts. As an interesting addition, I 'll be using also the awesome detailing kit from Model Factory Hiro with around 125+ more parts. As always, Hiro standars bring us a quality multimedia kit with lots of parts in white metal, vacuuformed glass, turned parts, an exquisite photo-etch set, etc. To add for a little push, parts from Hobby Design and Top Studio will also in this build....So, let's start...
Here's the great Model Factory Hiro Super Detaling kit with lots and lots of parts.
close view:
Some more aftermarket help:
Felice Bonetto Jo Bonnier Roberto Bonomi Juan Manuel Bordeu Slim Borgudd Luki Botha JeanChristophe Boullion Sebastien Bourdais
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)