Car Wallpaper: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

2012 NAIAS Detroit Auto Show: Part 3, Coda

Coda set up a booth at NAIAS, which was surprising to me. See, Coda will only be for sale at first in California, and has an unknown timetable to sell in the rest of the country. I asked one of the Coda reps why they were in Detroit, and they said simply to build awareness.

Coda, you have a lot of work to do. Your car does not look like it is worth $15,000, much less $40,000.

Coda's biggest problem, I think, is that their car looks like an old Toyota from about 2001.

Coda's second biggest problem is that this thing is put together about like a Chrysler from 2001, or worse. Look at the loose headliner fit. That's not me pulling on it, that's some guy who got into the front seat after I got into the back, and said, "hey, check this out!".

The interior can charitably be called functional. Hard plastics, wide gaps, and cheap feel abound.

The "high-tech" PRNDL knob. It feels about as cheesy as it looks.

The powertrain cutaway was interesting. Here is where most of the $40,000 is: in the wide, flat battery pack slung under the body.

The face of Coda. Notice the huge gap between the hood and the headlight/fascia. It screams "cheap".

I have no idea how Coda is going to make it. With elegant and refined electric cars in the market such as the Leaf and Focus, as well as the half-gas Volt, Coda looks very weak. They claim to have a 150 mile range, which would be world class. But who will spend $40,000 on an ugly car, made mostly in China, with an unproven record and a minuscule dealer network?

2012 NAIAS Detroit Auto Show: Part 2, Tesla

First up, we visit Tesla. Tesla's display was quite busy. There was one car, the Model S, and some cut-away parts to look at.

Model S front suspension. Notice the extruded aluminum tubes and cast aluminum suspension arms. This is not a cheap high volume chassis.

Rear suspension and powertrain.

Charging port nicely hidden in rear tail lamp assembly.

Interior with huge LCD and touch screens. I wonder if they are protected against daylight glare?

Sadly, the car was too mobbed at the moment for me to get a clear picture of it. Here is someone elses.

2012 NAIAS Detroit Auto Show, Part 1

I went to the auto show. I took a lot of photos. It has taken me a while to get to them. Better late than never?

One of the more interesting design models at the Michelin design challenge display.

Michelin sponsored city of the future display, with 3 concept cars that weren't drawing much attention.

Coming soon, much much more...

2012 Detroit NAIAS: Shelby GT500 Dyno Pull

Ford had some cojones. Not content to just show off the outrageously powerful 650HP GT500, they actually set up a dyno, strapped one down, and did 140mph pulls ever hour. It was LOUD.I am amazed the fire marshal allowed it.

Monday, January 30, 2012

California ZEV Mandate Rolls On as ACC

Continuing with its previous nonsensical policy, California's ARB (Air Resource Board) has published new regulations which require automakers to sell a certain percentage of vehicles which are BEV, PHEV, hydrogen, or otherwise not just gasoline powered.

This is bad pollicy because the mandate tells the producers what they must sell, without forcing anyone to actually buy the cars.

This puts automakers in a difficult spot. If they can't make the vehicles attractive enough for consumers to buy, they have to dump them into the marketplace somehow. They would have to sell these ZEVs at a substantial loss, and make up for the financial damage by raising prices on traditional vehicles. The result is the same as a tax on gasoline vehicles, but done through a back-door which causes consumers to be angry with the automakers and not the regulators.

A better policy for California would be to encourage consumers to buy ZEVs, through more direct measures. For example, fuel taxes could be used to large fund tax rebates, so that gasoline consumers would subsidize ZEV purchases. Currently, CA offers a $2,500 rebate for a BEV vehicle, but this does not come close to offsetting the cost.

The previous ZEV mandate was watered down significantly because it wasn't a feasible goal. I don't expect this one to be feasible either, based on people's sensitivity to higher up front purchase costs.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Vorsteiner Ferrari 458 Italia and BMW 5-series wheels

While Vorsteiner has released a new kit for the Bentley Continental GT last week, now comes the news of their own aluminum wheel on the Ferrari 458 Italia and BMW 5-series. Both files are measured by 21-inches in diameter and comes with five rays, which looks good. Ferrari 458, Vorsteiner wheels in black and BMW 5-Series has a bronze finish.

New 2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Ford Mustang is one of the most American of all American sports movement automobila.Sadrzaj modern muscle car, she loved people around the world. Of course, that even the legends better.

Ford was able to do that in 2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible.
Exterior and stuff

2013 Mustang has a few minor alterations made retro-style, more swagger. With his new style and the inclusion of some new technology, this car is reborn, literally and figurativno.Više grille, along with the front splitter and bonnet vents, and create an aggressive yet functional for-note style.

Smoked back lights complete the desired look. HID headlights are also new for this car. To the new look, a new round of elections in the range of 17-19 centimeters in diameter to a prospective owner can choose to complete. Another Recaro seats in the same place for Mustang Shelby premium, such as Boss and models are also available.

performance

Regarding the mechanisms previše.5 a huge improvement, 0-liter V8 found in the improved performance of the GT 420 hp sil.Klíčem for this improvement is what they have learned in the development of a limited edition Boss MODELA. SELECT shift 6-speed automatic with manual mode is also standardno.Opcijski package allows tracking of the car enthusiasts to improve their performance ponies.
There are many things to love in 2013 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. With this car, but have shown that even the best even better.

Ramp Travel Index: 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser with KDSS

With showers. I did not KDSS equipped 4x4 for more than one year ago, but now we had two in two weeks. It's not because we have a RTI ramp, it just worked that way.

I'm not complaining.

The first time I drove Toyota KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), returned in late 2007 when it was introduced completely redesigned 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. All the cruises of the moment, come standard with KDSS.

The operating principle is the same as the 2011 Lexus GX 460 we saw last week. But the 200-series Land Cruiser platform used here is different from the 150-series Land Cruiser Prado GX platform that supports this fact becomes clear when you see the roll bars are different in these KDSS applications.
Place one of the poles in the GX 200 Series Land Cruiser KDSS system uses a two-part stabilizers. The majority of the front stabilizer bar (green) includes the chassis and extends to the other side where it connects to the lower control arm using a standard connection in the usual manner.

But on this side of the bend in the direction of a swivel joint to the second piece, which goes back and a link to this page together. If the screws on the bottom KDSS after the war.

On the pavement, swing and right and behind the pressure that is created to make this a solid cylinder and provides a solid pivot point, which is directly in line with the main stabilizer bar bushes. In this way the two pieces act as a bar and stabilzer functions normally.

Large pressure differences generate the opposite phase of the field conditions, a valve opens, allowing KDSS cylinders and small around the central point of the bar to swim. I mean the two stabilizer bar to break and does not exclude the ability to produce roll torque resistance.
Still feel? Maybe Toyota illustrations from the original 2008 press kit will help you. When the war is wrong with bureaucracy is a free service for missing around aimlessly response to the proposal on the left front tire. At this point, screw connections on the blue arrow to the right wrist.

When KDSS cylinder is solid, but the rear bar 2 / 2, because all joints distributed along the yellow axis. Despite all the hinge is marked with blue arrows to move, but it must, for floating-point, which is bolted to the frame in any way.
He decided to leave to us the smell, it seems, Toyota uses a slightly different approach KDSS two parts back. Such movements shaken up over a fixed point (yellow), only the front and rear cylinder (green). When the cylinder is confirmed by the relationship of all, to the point where they join the stabilizer (blue) remains fixed in space. Solid blue dot on the rear stabilizer bar to build up speed in the corners.

It is also published in the cylinder and connect endpoint (blue) to go around, stabilzer bar prevents the emergence of any resistance.
A tremendous amount of articulation, especially on the back, where the fixed axis, is the result.
And the numbers are good. Well, actually, the 200 Series Land Cruiser is a new leader in stocks unaffected cars we have tested with a score of 24.81 cm oil elevator wheel. This means that travel 72.6 inches to our RTI ramp.

Factor in the 112.2-inch wheelbase Cruiser and ramp travel index of 647 - on the top while the stock category. It's not bad for something so long wheelbase.

Until now, only in our short wheelbase 2-door Wrangler is better, but only after it has large tires, widened front track and stabilizer manually. Wrangler is also greatly helped by a solid front axle instead of the Land Cruiser "independent front suspension.

Of course. The Land Cruiser drives and processes much better than the modified Jeep Wrangler (or shares) on the road, but that's not what RTI is all about testing
Unfortunately, the powerful Land Cruiser and Highlander trick suspension, however, is affected by the disease. For smooth styling has the same type of plastic bumper integrated unit we saw in the 2011 Lexus GX 460th

The risk of scratches and damages in connection with this institution is exacerbated by the loss approach, which fell 24 to 20 degrees when the body was introduced in 2008. In addition. The 200 Series Cruiser to do with the nearly empty less ground clearance than the generation before, and a full 1.9 inches less than the 80-series Cruiser, which both preceded

But if you like 15 years, I am sure that the equipment that had something to do. KDSS is too good to ignore.

$ 1200000 AR of the Dragon 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom ER udsolgt

Hand-painted golden dragon on each side, custom embroidery dragon and hand sewn back cushions, the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon Year majors in China. How big? Above $ 1.2 m price special edition already sold out. Rolls-Royce is not known how many are actually built.

If the reports claim that RR Phantom Episode own demons in the Middle East rose by 75 percent in 2005, an incredible 99 percent in 2011, while sales in the United States own phantoms are only 84 percent. Only 56% of all spirits, are individual. I personally would wait Phantom, but fantasy 7 series? No.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Project Kahn's widebody Porsche Panamera Tune

For his next tune, chose the British design house Project Kahn Porsche Panamera detailed person, inside and out to receive.

The first thing you notice Project Kahn Panamera a wide body kit includes front bumper, which bits of vertical LED strips, improved front and rear with matching side sills and rear bumper with integrated parts of the rear air dam covers.

The outer shell also adds a rear spoiler, rear fender, tinted glass, aluminum side vents house, available tinted tail lights, red brake calipers, new tubes and 22-inch Kahn RS600 closed matter what color the customer chooses.

Improving performance is limited to the sports exhaust and suspension module height to drop.

As usual, Kahn says she can update the interior, only this time, the British company actually has some pictures of the Porsche Panamera interior that is customized skin treatment with a mixture of red quilted and perforated leather.

Blue says Panamera Tuner (with AK plate 4) is depicted with a black model on sale for 86,875 pounds (U.S. $ 135,300 / € 104.500).

Half the price "except for the Saab dealers, publishes a letter placing blame on GM

Half the price " except for the Saab dealers, publishes a letter placing blame on GM

You might remember us after Saab earlier this week, where you will be asked if you want 9-3 or 9-5 Sedan buy at half the price. From the list we have gathered a few loans low miles with a 50 percent discount on the sale of Shaw Saab in Norwell, Massachusetts.

As we learned today from the United Saab enthusiast site that lists the store closes shop on Feb. 3 after 44 years of exclusive Saab dealer.

Fred Shaw, the owner, sent a letter on the company page on Facebook, where the conclusion published and outlines their plans for the future that property Herb Chambers (equivalent to an auto shop Dunkin Donuts in Massachusetts) that the sales in the shop Lexus.

Nothing unexpected there, but in his letter, Shaw also refers to General Motors and the role it plays as a result of Saab reorganizes effort. Since it is an official distributor, Shaw's view of things is interesting to read. You can use the letter immediately after the break.

The Nye Viper SRT-Drill, hvis det bliver 10,000 Facebook fans, a day februar

Top Gear is not only promised to repay their fans if they "like" their Facebook page. The combination of social media fever Chrysler Group's SRT brand that promises to show "small sample" next-generation Viper sports car, when it reached 10,000 fans on Facebook on February 1

At this time, instead of ₩ 9686 the "love", which means that the SRT's goal of reaching 24 hours later. Maybe you can speed up by clicking here to visit DriveSRT page and give it a blue thumb.

Here's what it says on Facebook DriveSRT line: "It is true, if we are 10,000 fans on Feb. 1, will have a small sample of the new generation Viper share with you, our dear friends on Facebook Send to a club newsletter. .. contributing to the forums Alert. Club Car. Let's 10K lap. "

Teaser shot by his side, the company plans to fully reveal new Detroit Viper 2012 New York Auto Show in April.

The new BMW X3 T-Shirts, Range Rover Evoque fail tests, Consumer Reports'

Like Rotten Tomatoes score can make or break a film's reputation and box office success, the way Consumer Reports' tests have the potential to increase vehicle sales, or in some cases forcing the car to drive back to the drawing board.

The last set of the vehicles tested by CR contains two SUVs, which, although different sizes, will compete in the premium segment: The second iteration of the BMW X3 and a brand new Challenger category, Range Rover Evoque.

For him, X3 xDrive28i scored 80 in the Czech driving test and got a "recommended" tag failed Range Rover Evoque a test score of 60 points and was placed on the bottom of his class.

"X3 is an impressive work that sporty handling, luxurious interior and surprising combination of fuel," says CR Auto Test Center Senior Director David Champion. He added that a strong acceleration, smooth, mobile transfer and a very good brakes.

Bavarian model got good grades, thanks to the steering wheel, interior quality and the ability to calm the passengers isolated for noise and imperfections. All in all, outscored all other BMW X3 models in its segment, the Audi Q5 at least 3.2.

Range Rover 2.0-liter compressor was praised for the design, impressive acceleration, braking and six-speed automatic transmission. CR also liked the interior and the treatment of full-length glass roof.

But according to Consumer Reports, that the good stuff ends there. Champions in their own words, "although stylistically Evoque has won many awards in the press, including North American Truck of the Year, our rigorous testing reveals very few mistakes."

To begin Evoque was criticized as artificial management, restless ride, cramped and noisy cabin and a lack of visibility. CR notes that accompany the tests also revealed shortcomings in the treatment.

"Evoque corners offer, but its steering feels artificially weighted behavior, damaging feedback. Then pushed his handling of the constraints on our way, the tail slipped out of the vehicle wheels on several occasions during evasive maneuvers."

In the same number assigned to the Consumer Reports 'recommended' tag in the Toyota Prius, VW Tiguan, but Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep 4x4 is not good acceleration and off-road, but was criticized by CR testers almost everything from handling and braking on more trivial matters such as the removal of the roof.

Spied: New Porsche 911 Turbo will be shown on our radar

In the past 38 years, each generation Porsche 911 Turbo at least one variation, the latest iteration of the Porsche sports car icon with the internal designation 991 range.

Stuttgart engineers have worked closely together to a brand new Porsche 911 Turbo for a long time to develop and may not be long before it makes official appearance.

Like the outgoing 997 Turbo is the largest version of the 991-series four-wheel drive system to make things civilized and motivation shows 3.8-liter diesel Flat Six-style turbocharger with variable turbine geometry, which should be good for 520 - normal horse and filling nearly 550 ponies in Turbo taste.

From what I know Turbo comes with both dual-clutch seven-speed PDK gearbox and new seven-speed Porsche gearbox for those who want a more involved driving experience, even if it means being a little slower.

Porsche new start-stop system in combination with the low weight of 991-series to improving fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

High-tech electronic systems, including Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Porsche Stability Management (PSM), Porsche Torque (PTV) and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) will be available on the new Turbo, as well.

You will be able to tell from less than Turbo brothers and sisters in their traditional design elements for a wider rear, large rear wing, slingshot bumpers and side ventilation grilles and custom 20-inch alloy wheels are.

Ford has become the largest gain since 1998, but only with disposable income, a $ 6,200 reward employees

Piggy backing off tax gain, Ford Motor Company announced the highest annual profit since 1998, and the second largest in 109 years history of the company. Blue Oval net profit for 2011 was U.S. $ 20.2 billion, or U.S. $ 4.94 per share, up from $ 13.7 billion in the U.S., or U.S. $ 3.28 per share one year ago.

But most of the profit comes from a single, non-cash exceptional items of U.S. $ 12400000000 of the anti-removal assessment Net deferred tax asset.

Ford said that the entire pre-tax profit before tax was $ 8.8 billion or $ 1.51 per share, up from U.S. $ 463 million from 2010.

Sales in U.S. $ 136300000000 for the entire year, an increase of $ 15.4 billion from the year 2010, Ford reports total sales of 5.7 million cars and trucks worldwide, an increase of 382,000 units in relation to St . last year.

Ford ended the year Automotive gross cash $ 22.9 billion, compared with $ 20.8 billion on September 30, 2011, $ 20.5 billion on 31 December 2010.

Detroit company said that due to the economy in 2011 will give a bonus to approximately 41,600 U.S. employees are eligible hours. Ford North America profit before tax by $ 6.2 billion (USD 5.4 billion in 2010) will consist of approximately U.S. $ 6,200 per employee is entitled to a full year basis.

Car maker is not, as in Europe, where he posted an operating loss before tax of $ 27 million compared to a surplus of U.S. $ 182 million one year ago.

In 2012, Ford said it expects full year industry volumes ranged from 13.5 to 14,500,000 cars in the U.S. and from 14 to 15 million in Europe.

Ford is planning a number of major product launches in years, including the global implementation of the new Fusion, Focus and Lincoln MKZ in the D-segment flight and Kuga crossover segment C and the B segment will roll out the B- Max crossover in Europe and worldwide markets Ecosport.

The automaker said the U.S. will also drive the Ranger pickup in different markets and tripling production Ford EcoBoost-equipped models.

The first production Aston Martin Zagato V12 to debut in Kuwait Concours d Elegance

We expected to get the latest production version of the Aston Martin Zagato V12 at Frankfurt Motor Show last year, but instead, a British company to see turned one of the conditions in the road race spec engine to show an indication of what the will look to give out.

Now is the time, Aston Martin, to turn ideas and show the first ready-to-car buyers will have its world premiere at the Concours d'Elegance Kuwait from February 15 to 18 years.

"We are pleased that the new V12 Zagato shows for the first time in the form of production in Kuwait Concours d'Elegance," said Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez. "More than 50 years since the introduction of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin and Zagato are working together on this modern interpretation, which remains faithful to the original orientation of the production, performance and exclusivity to create."

Zagato, wrote the model is based on the chassis, Aston Martin V12 Vantage Coupe with 6.0-liter V12 engine with 510 hp (380 kW / 517 hp) and 570Nm (420 lbs feet) and torque.

Only 150 units will be built, each at a price of £ 330,000 USD (excluding local taxes), what is the current price is about U.S. $ 513,300 or € 396.600.

Aston Martin has orders from the first cars to be delivered later this year.

Fiat Launch New Strada Small Pickup Truck

Starting next week, its new Fiat Strada to supply the domestic market, which Italije.Strada Fiat Ducato vans sold over 127,800 copies sold worldwide in 2011. It was built in the factory in Betim FIAS, Brazil.

Revised light commercial model is available in three variants of the work, walking and adventure, plus three body styles, including cabin, large cabin, four-seater cabin for a total of six different races.

Characteristic pattern of flight attendants 4x4 adventure in style displays in a raised suspension and an extensive set of pads. This version also includes a new standard electronic differential lock called E-box and off-road tires 205/65 R15.

Fiat said the new Strada overall objective is unchanged from the previous series with a length of 4409 mm (4457 mm for the adventure), width 1664 mm (1740 mm for the adventure) and the wheelbase for all versions of 2718 mm.

Payload including driver, and from 630 kg to 705 kg (1388 to 1555 CZK), depending on the version.

Power is courtesy of the 1.3-liter Multijet 16v diesel Euro-5 engine 95 hp and 200 Nm (147.5 lbs-ft) at 1500 rpm and 5.3lt/100km consumption (44.4 mpg U.S.) to provide European management.

In Italy, the pre-tax prices range from € 12.900 ($ 16.700 U.S.) to Single Cab modeling to € 16,000 (U.S. $ 20,700) for the Crew Cab version of the Warrior Adventure.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Hybrids Losing To Efficient IC Engines

In today's Detroit News is a well written piece about the struggles of hybrids in the marketplace. Bottom line: most people would rather pay a lot less money for somewhat less efficiency.

A fascinating insight comes from Mike Jackson, CEO of AutoNation, the largest multi-brand car retailer.

Mike Jackson, chief executive of the retail chain AutoNation Inc., said that 75 percent of customers come into his showrooms and want to talk about hybrids. Only about 2.5 percent of AutoNation sales are hybrids.
"What happens from the 75 percent consideration to the 2.5 percent commitment?" Jackson said.
"They look at the price premium for the technology, which is already subsidized and discounted, and say, 'The payback period is too long; not for me.'"

At the point of purchase decision, people notice that the payback time for the hybrid-electric powertrain is on the order of 5 or more years, and the practicality of the vehicle is reduced because of the packaging of the batteries. They also notice that one of the more efficient non-hybrid vehicles, while not as efficient as a hybrid, is pushing 40mpg on the highway.

As a result, hybrid sales are not growing very quickly, even though gasoline prices in the U.S. remain stubbornly near $3.50/gal.

Hybrid sales slowed last year to 2.2 percent of U.S. sales, from 2.4 percent in 2010, according to researcher LMC Automotive.

Without widespread adoption, there is less hope for economies of scale in battery production.

For hybrids to really compete, the cost of batteries, and their energy density, must improve dramatically, or the price of fuel must go so high that the payback time will approach a few years--like $5/gal.