2006 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

The Z06’s new LS7 7.0L engines delivers 505 horsepower (377 kw) in an approximately 3,130-pound (1,420 kg) package - a combination that delivers 0-60 performance of 3.7 seconds, quarter-mile elapsed times of less than 12 seconds and a top speed of more than 190 mph on a racetrack or Autobahn.

The all-new LS7 in the ’06 Z06 reintroduces the 427-cubic-inch engine to the Corvette lineup. Unlike the previous 427 engine, which was a big-block design, the new 7.0-liter LS7 is a small-block V-8 - the largest-displacement small-block ever produced by Chevrolet and GM, and a tribute to its 50 years as a performance icon.



The entire chassis has been converted from steel to light weight aluminum, except for the roof rails and engine cradle. It is 200lbs lighter than the standard Vette, but has better tortional regidity.....

This is a mega beast of a car, and Chevy pulled out the obligatory Nürburgring Nordschleife lap times to make the point. With Jan Magnussen, winner of the 2004 and 2005 Le Mans 24 Hour, at the helm, the Z06 clocked a seven-minute, 42.99-second lap of the 13-mile Green Hell, 16 seconds faster than a Z51-equipped C6 Corvette. Porsche’s US$440,000, 604-hp Carrera GT, with a seven-minute, 32.44-second lap, is the only production car to have gone quicker. For perspective, Lamborghini’s US$283,000, 580-hp Murciélago clocked in at seven minutes, 50 seconds, and the US$452,000, 617-hp McLaren-Mercedes SLR at seven minutes, 52 seconds.

The ZO6 Vette is the only car in the USA over 400hp to pass the federal gas guzzler tax requirements..... and at a base price of US $65,800 it has to be the bargain of the century. Although it doesnt have the ultra WOW factor of the slower F430 Ferrari, it is a car that legends are made of.

Sultans 456 wagon

How cool is this, a Ferrari 456 wagon made especially for the Sultan of Brunei. It is right hand drive and would be an ideal ride for those of you with a dog, a couple of campaign signs, and a liking of fast cars. Bet it gives the E55 wagon a run for its money? Don't be expecting to see one anytime soon.... it's a one off.

2006 Mercedes Benz S class (new model)

I viewed 2 of these new S class Benz's on the I70 from Denver to Beaver Creek in August. I was impressed by the good looks and it appears that the engines are grunters with the 3.5 V6 producing 200kw/272hp, and the engine for the S500 develops 285kw/388hp which should propel the beast from 0-100kph in around 5.4 seconds. That is enough to beat the BMW 750i and whip the A8.

The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-range S 600 has increased to 380 kW/517 hp, while torque has increased by just under four percent to a remarkable 830 Newton metres from 1900 rpm. WOO HOO, tire burning power.

As standard equipment, the V6 and V8 engines in the new S-Class are combined with the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC. Hope they fixed the teething problems.

Every 5 - 7 years BMW and Mercedes Benz bring out a stunner of a car. It looks like it is time for MB to shine.

Is this the worlds most repugnant car?

This is the newly released Mercedes Benz R63 AMG.

Puntiki:I personally think it looks like a hearse with some big wheels. I can't imagine what was going on in the design chiefs head when he or she ticked this one off. I am wondering if they are trying to get a "Bangle" reputation, but this time it is actually worthy of negative publicity. This car is UGLY.

Now having said that, the engine powering this vehicle is worthy of note. It is the first engine that AMG has built for a production Mercedes Benz that wasn't designed off a current Benz engine. It was designed from scratch by AMG and shares no Benz parts.

The AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine generates an output of 375 kW/510 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 newton metres at 5200 rpm. This makes the new AMG powerpack the world’s most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in terms of specific output and specific torque.

This unique combination of a high-revving engine design and a large displacement offers the best of both worlds: exhilarating liveliness accompanied by powerful torque from low engine speeds.

The R63 AMG will go 0-100kph in 5.0

1969 Dodge Charger

Puntiki:These cars ROCK. I think of the "Dukes of Hazzard" theme song and airhorns every time I see one. They are commanding a lot of money these days and with the original series of Dukes crashing 132 of them and 13 being perished in the latest movies they are becoming few and far between. If you got one keep it.

In 1969 the total amount of Chargers manufactured was 85680. As you can see below, only 19298 of them were the R/T model which is the most coveted.

2 doors sports hardtop 6 cylinder 542
2 doors sports hardtop 8 cylinder 65840
2 doors sports hardtop R/T 8 cylinder 19298
TOTAL 85680

426 cubic inch hemi V8 with 425hp and 4 speed on the floor for me please.

Yee Ha

BMW Z4 Coupe concept.

Puntiki:This concept car unleashed at the Frankfurt Auto show is following on from the tradition of the Z3 shoebox coupe which was a love of loathe type vehicle. BMW is good at designing cars like that, they are not afraid to remove themselves form the box and start a trend. The Z4 coupe will be powered by the 195kw 3.0 inline six. It will have BMW traditional 50/50 weight split, and it will handle well. Bring on the M3 version.

Love it or loathe it?

Porsche 356

Puntiki:This car is a classic. It was produced from 1948-1966 and around 78,000 were built in both coupe and convertible form. It is estimated that over half of the cars produced are still around today. It was not a powerhouse, as the engine tapped out at around 130hp DIN, but it is a car to cruize in not to race..... Nothing like cruizing down the PCH with the wind in your hair, the beachboys playing, and a bikini model in the passenger seat......It is a timeless car and a convertible version is on my wish list.

Pablo over to you....

Pablo: Oh yes. This car is indeed a classic. It is, aside from the quintessential 911 the very essence of what Porsche represents. The 356 represents an era of automobile that was fun, spunky and shamelessly self-centred. And the best thing about the car is that they were reliable (aside from the tonneau) and well made. However, I have to say that the 300SL gullwing is by far a better classic, and arguably better looking as well. The 356 has its spiritual replacement in the 1996 Boxster, a car that saved Porsche from being gobbled up by one of the big German three.

1982-1993 Lamborghini LM002

Puntiki:Only 301 of these LM002 monster machines were built. Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi reportedly ordered 100 of them for the use of Libya's military.

The last 60 of the series were called LM/American and was introduced at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show. The LM/American had special baging, stripes, upgraded interior, group effects, chrome front and rear bumpers and MSW / OZ Racing alloy wheels.

It is a unique vehicle and was originally designed on the Cheetah platform with a Chrysler V8 to be sold to the US military. They didn't care for it and created the Hummer.

The LM002 has also been used for rallying with some modifications.

I have seen one in person driving around Beverly Hills, but they are really something you'd expect to see at Casa de Gibbs in Kaukapakapa, not on the streets and highways. With gas as high as it is now, you'd want to get around in something more frugal. A collectors item? Yes.

ENGINE
Type 60° V12 L503 ( Basically a modified Countach engine )
Longitudinal, Front-Mounted, DOHC per bank
Capacity 5167cc
Caburation 6 Weber 2V
Compression 9.5:1
Max power 444bhp @ 6,800rpm
Max Torque 368ft-lbs @ 6,800rpm

Fuel Tank 290 L / 76 gal ( needed to be an oil baron to own one )

PERFORMANCE
Top speed 188 kph / 116.6 mph
0-60mph: 8.5 seconds

Pablo where are you?

Pablo Honey,

You washing your arse? Keeping youself clean honey?

Come back to kiwicarlovers.blogspot.com

We miss you.....

You b'stard....

Come back to kiwicalovers.blogspot.com

Pablo.... Pablo Honey. Keeping yourself clean?


( Secret note to Aaron to come back to the blog, due to his lack of postings )
( Courtesy of the Jerky Boys)

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Puntiki:This spectacular looking highly advanced vehicle has been having teething problems and has not been released as yet. It was due to be released 2 years ago, but VW is having trouble keeping the car stable over 350kph from what I hear, so it was back to the wind tunnel. When everything is sorted this is expected to be the car to elipse all of the records claimed by the mighty McLaren F1. The Bugatti has some advantages that some would feel were unfair if you compared to the McLaren F1..... It has a W16 engine, which is effectively four 4 cylinder engines placed in 2 V's and attached to one crankshaft..... It has 4 turbos, four wheel drive, sequential gearbox....
The McLaren had none of the extra's to boost it along. The McLaern may still be the greatest car ever made.... The Bugatti may just be faster, and beter looking depending on who you discuss this with.


4 turbo high torque engine 1001 hp / 1250 nm

7 speed sequential short shift 0.2 second. Duel clutch system.

W 16, 8000cc 64 valve 4 cam with magnesium conponents

four wheel drive

Designed for speeds of up to 400kph.

Old car of the week. 1970 Honda N360

Puntiki:In March 1967 the Honda N 360 arrived. It is a front-wheel-drive 2-door sedan with a wheelbase of 200 cm, and a light-alloy OHC air-cooled 2-cylinder 354 cc engine with 31 HP. The rear axle was rigid with leaf springs. These cars are cute as.... I had to rebuild one when I did a mechanical course at the then " Carrington Polytechnic " in Auckland in the mid 90's. They are durable, small, spacious inside and have lots of character.... A fun car to cruise up and down Queen Street on a Friday night, as long as three large men dont decide to pick the car up and turn it over with you inside...

2007 jaguar XK

According to CNN: Ford Motor Co.'s Jaguar division released photos today of the upcoming 2007 Jaguar XK sports car. The car closely resembles a concept version, called the Advanced Lightweight Coupe, displayed at auto shows this year.

Jaguar executives have said that the new XK would signal a new design direction for the division. The XK is a 2+2 sports car, meaning that it has small back seats suitable only for occasional use.

Like Jaguar's current XJ sedans, the new XK's body will be made from aluminum. Aluminum is lighter than steel, which improves driving performance, but it is also more expensive.

The 2007 XK will have a driver-shiftable 6-speed automatic transmission and a 300-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 engine. That is slightly more power than the current standard XK engine.

Increased use of aluminum is something that Jaguar executives have said would be a hallmark of Jaguar cars in the future. Side air vents on the 2007 XK and on the 2006 Jaguar XJ Super V8 Portfolio, a luxury sedan costing over US$100,000 that will be available next month, are made of unpainted aluminum as a way of advertising the use of the lightweight metal in the cars.

Jaguar has not released pricing information for the 2007 XK.

What do you think of it? Looks a bit Mondeo to me, but will decide when I see it in the flesh.

Dodge Ram SRT-10

Puntiki:This monster truck is certified by the Guiness book of records as the worlds fastest truck at 154.587mph. It has the Dodge Viper 500 hp v10 engine mated to a 6 speed manual transmission, and it will do the 1/4 mile faster than the BMW 645ci. A true example of American muscle.
The SRT-10 is rather impractical, but unique all the same. Fast way to get the jet ski to Omaha..... I will have a silver one please.

Engine: 8.3 Liter Viper V10
HP/torque: 500 @ 5,600 rpm / 525 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 154 mph
1/4 mile: 13.6 seconds
0-100-0: 19 seconds +/-

Vehicle recommendations

If there is a unique, fast, expensive or classic vehicle you would like us to review. Leave the year make and model in the comments section and we will do what we can.
PUNTIKI

2006 Audi RS4

Puntiki:Audi’s RS4 made its world debut at Geneva, and the car marks an important change in the Volkswagen division’s sport-sedan quest: To further its high-end performance-car aims, Audi has ditched turbocharging in favor of a bigger, highly strung naturally aspirated engine. This is a move Audi insiders say will be repeated in coming years on new generation Audis. A bit like BMW is it not?

The move away from turbocharging is a big departure. The new direct-injection V-8 is ultraresponsive and addictively light-footed in the way it summons more power and whips up more torque. With 414 hp, the 2006 RS4 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a stellar 4.8 seconds. The 4.2-liter unit musters its maximum brio at 7800 rpm; from there, you have another 450 rpm to play with before the limiter gently intervenes at 8250 rpm.

The brakes are borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo, and the Audi quattro system has been upgraded and modified for this vehicle. So it can speed off, handle and stop like a super car.... Pity about the looks though, I am sure it will grow on me.

Ford GT

Puntiki:The Ford GT began as a concept car designed in anticipation of Ford's centennial year and as part of its drive to showcase and revive its "heritage" names such as Mustang and Thunderbird. It drew heavily for inspiration on Ford's classic GT40 race cars of the 1960s, which managed to upset Mr Enzo Ferrari by taking races from his namesake.

The car has a list price of $143,545 US, but it is unlikely to find one for any less than $200,000 at this stage. Ford made just under 500 of these beasts for 2004, and the demand is high for the 2005 and 2006 models, therefore people are paying more for them than MSRP. This car is one fast yank tank..... It has a top speed of 205 mph and has the ability to beat the Ferrari F430 from 0-60 and over the 1/4 mile.... I hope Enzo isn't turning in his grave. One for me please...

Engine Type: DOHC supercharged V-8
Displacement (cu in/cc): 330/5409
Horsepower @ RPM: 550@6,500
Torque @ RPM (lb ft): 500@3,750
Horsepower Specific Output (hp/liter): 101.9
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
1/4 mile: 11.6 seconds ( McLaren F1= 11.1 )

Williams F1 and Cosworth announce new deal

For those of you interested in F1:



According to f1-live.com: After months of rumour and speculation, WilliamsF1 and Cosworth today announced a wide-ranging partnership agreement for the provision and development of V8 engines for WilliamsF1’s entry in the Formula One World Championship. BMW has given Frank and Patrick the snob as they are going to be based with Sauber from now on.

The partnership is not based on a traditional engine supply agreement; both WilliamsF1 and Cosworth will invest in the programme, underlining both parties’ commitment to success. Moreover, the scope of the collaboration includes not just the engine as an isolated element of a race car, but extends to a complete programme of design and development of the entire drivetrain package (spanning engine, transmission, associated electronics, software and installation architecture).

WilliamsF1 has conducted a thorough assessment of the various partnership options available for next season and has been delighted to conclude that the depth of Cosworth knowledge and expertise in V8 development clearly presents the most competitive opportunity for the team and its sponsors.

Cosworth is well advanced in the development of its Formula One V8 engine, having routinely exceeded 20,000 rpm during dyno testing since April 2005 at its Northampton headquarters. The two British companies which are separated by 36 miles, both have distinguished pedigrees in their respective spheres. Together they aim to put British excellence at the front of the Formula One grid next season. Good luck to them. Cosworth has a long history of building fast engines, so it will be very exciting to see how it pans out for them next year.

Porsche Carerra GT

Puntiki:The Carrera GT was originally conceived at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As Porsche secured its sixteenth outright victory in June 1998, the idea was proposed of a road-going sports car based exclusively on racing technology. Two years later, in the autumn of 2000, that concept began to take shape. I am glad it came to fruition....this car rocks.

As a pure encapsulation of Porsche engineering, the Carrera GT is a natural evolution based on more than 23,000 race victories. A road-going supercar built for uncompromising performance and unlimited driving pleasure, so Porsche says.

That pleasure begins as you unlock the door with a squeeze of the key remote. Step inside and you'll find an elegant composition of interior materials, including carbon fiber, leather and magnesium.( The wooden gear knob looks out of place and ugly ). Turn the key and the powerful V10 eagerly springs into life. That is where all the fun begins...

The twin banks of cylinders are arranged in a 68-degree 'V' topped with four-valve heads equipped with sodium-cooled exhaust valves. A 98 mm bore is combined with a 76 mm stroke to produce a total displacement of 5.7 liters. With a maximum power rating of 605 hp (SAE) at 8,000 rpm, the engine has an exceptional specific output of 105.5 hp (SAE) per liter. Maximum torque is 435 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm en route to a maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm. The engine only weighs 205kg and the distrubution of weight is nearly perfect.

Pablo:

Performance on this beautiful car is what counts...

Top speed 205 mph (330 km/h)
0-60 mph 3.8 secs
0-100 kph 3.9 secs
0-124 mph 9.9 secs
Quarter mile 11.4 secs ( McLaren F1 was 11.1 )

Aston Martin Vanquish S

Puntiki:Aston Martin’s hand-built 6.0-litre V12 is renowned as one of the finest engines in the world, according to Ford spin. It is enormously powerful, smooth and it can also lay claim to being the world’s best-sounding high performance car engine. I rather like the crackle of a F575, but this car sounds great too. The engine in the Vanquish S has a maximum power of 520 bhp (388 kW) at 7000 rpm, with maximum torque of 425 lb ft (577 Nm) at 5800 rpm.

Such power delivers sterling performance. Indeed, this is the fastest-ever road going Aston Martin. Top speed is more than 200 mph (321 km/h), the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) dash is accomplished in only 4.8 seconds while 0-100 mph (160 km/h) takes just 9.8 seconds. But it is the mid-range acceleration that is truly sensational; 50-70 mph (80-112 km/h) takes only 6.5 seconds in sixth gear. Overtaking is effortless.

This automobile looks spectacular, and although Aston Martin is owned by Ford, the Vanquish is a true contender for being the car that James Bond drives. I am still a bit weary of the quality of construction, and reliability, but if you can get one with a warranty and maintanence package, buy it if you can.
Pablo:

Ferrari F430 Spider

Puntiki: Wow this car is hot. It is an amazing transformation from the rather un plesant looking F360 that came before it. With 490 Hp it has MORE power than the legendary F40 of the 80's and early 90's, and is about as fast. Good luck trying to get your hands on a new one in NZ at this time, as they are sold out for 4 years. Maybe you can get a second hand one from Singapore through Jerry Clayton? Maybe not, but either way, I could have one of these.

Pablo: Yes again. The Ferrari 430 is truly a religious experience. Having had the pleasure and good fortune of driving a couple of Ferraris in the past, I can only wonder what it would be like to have close to 500 BHP under my right foot in a car as accessible, as fluid and as lithe as the successor to the F360.

One point to note - the styling of the car is a little controversial. It's not ugly, but it's just that it doesn't seem as sexy as the F355 was. Mind you, Ferrari had to improve on the 348, given its rather americanised headlights and styling details. The 355 was a gorgeous car to behold. The F360, in my humble opinion, was impressive looking, aggressive looking, but not sexy. At least they made the car easier to live with than previous generations of those from Le Scuderie .

90 degree V8
Total displacement: 262.9cu in 4308 cc
Maximum power: 360.3 kW (490 hp) @8500 rpm
Maximum torque: 465 Nm (343 lbft) @5250 rpm


Maximum speed: 193 mph+ 305 kmh+
0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 4.1 s