2008 Audi S5 - Update

"Yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy...."


This is Audi's new launched model for a series expected to segment the market.
This elegant design incorporates the same initiatives taken on in the the A series and more importantly for a coupe is self distinquished from the TT models.
An extreamly sophisticated sporty style shows that Audi are pushing themselves into a new category of high performance coupes with all the technology and luxury synonomous with the Audi name.
The V8 drives its power from the FSI direct injection technology with high compression and optimum fuel mixture with a six speed manual gearbox.
354bhp and 0-62 in 5.1seconds.

The S design series 5 is due for release very shortly.

2007 Maserati Edo Competition MC12 XX

What can I say other than I'm at a loss for words. At first the colour scheme got my attention dropping my eye brows down with a curious frown in suggestion that this was an Italian Batmobile. How ever unlike the original bat mobile from the popular original TV series this has a 6.3ltr V12 engine and no afterburner. But can accelerate 0-62 in 3.2 seconds so who needs a rocket.

Stat's

**220 lbs reduced weight
**Tire pressure control system detailing pressure and temp for each wheel
**ceramic sport break system with 396mm brake disc fron and 360m rear to match the special break pads
**Exhaust volume adjustable with push button
**Power increase 170bhp from new steel sylinder and piston same as the Ferrari FXX
**New Cam shafts and Titan Valve Springs and connecting rods
**New oil cooling piston pipes
**new exhaust manifolds

2007 Audi S3 by MTM

"High Five" borat would scream from behind the wheel of this little monster.

Motoren Technik Mayer (MTM) of Wettstetten, Germany have taken this model to a whole new level internally within the corporation of VW and externally with other european cars. The Turbo charged inline 4 TFSI motor borrowed from VW (Parent Company)direct off the production line already holds an impressive 265bhp. Reports indicate that this is not much of a wow factor however with replaced motor electronics power is increased to 310bhp with 295lb-ft of torque. There are front and rear silencers which add several more bhp to the mix and run the car too 330bhp with a top speed of 164mph and 0-62 in 5.1 seconds with the ensurance of durability in all parts.

Experienece comes to light showing that simply implementing power upgrades alone would be irresponsible and total disregard to safety without installation of a specifically designed braking system. The S3 has 8-piston fixed clipers and 330x32mm diameter sized semi-perforated brake disks for as we know "Races are won on brakes".
These increase the performance of the small yet powerful car by allowing proper braking in, around and out of corners.

The bonnet looks a little plain but smoooooth, yet just love the grill and inlets.

2008 Audi S5

Rumoured to be unveiled at the Geneva car show next month as noted on several websites, speculation is rife as conflicting information denotes it'll be shown as smaller car fairs. Several photo's have already circulated the globe only moments after they were initially released.

The S5 is expected to house a V8 engine as a step up on the 4.2 ltr current to increase power output.

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Rob Good:If you are into F1 and want to try your hand as a F1 boss, then join up now. I have played this game for the last 3 years and it is a lot of fun.

2008 BMW M5 Touring

Power and prestigue is synonmous with BMW creating balance between power, style and luxury without going to the extreames most other companies would. They simply don't need to and less is quite often more and is shown here in this package of practicality and performance of a supercar.

The driver will feel an absolute thrill with the level of perfomance and stability control witht eh M Dynamic Mode giving the escense to push the M5 tourer further than before. With a 3-stage DSC traction control system allowing some sideslip and countersteering before the system drops in allowing serious acceleration out of couners and 100% drive transferred to the rear wheel for ultimate traction. The EDC Electronic Damper COntrol system offers 3 suspension settings to complement the prevailing driving conditions.
The M5 Tourer is powered by the same back to back international engine of the year winning engine with its unique 7 speed sequential manual gearbox, 5.0ltr V10. The engine redlines at 8,250rpm with 500bhp and 383lb-ft of torque with 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds which makes it only 0.1 second slower than the saloon.
Showing pracitcal boot space with the powerdrive applied the car without its electronic limiter to 155mph could easily cruise at 200mph with a full load.
As for its design, I'm biased as am a sucker for the BMW shape however on this model the distinct style and discreet lines appeal to its overall athetics and dynamic performance witht he stereotypical quad tailpipes.

2007 Acura Advanced

The style illustrates that if it was a bullet, it could kill a warewolf. While its not made of silver this front mounted V10 had a design concept in mind to create an exotic appeal and bring it to the next level in succession to the Acura NSX.
They sculpted the car to accentuate the lines to show power and finess with exterior lines running the full length of the car from the front head lights throught to the rear wheel arches to envisage a sleek modern design with eloquent power and need for speed and the illusion that it's racing down the tarmac.... while parked.
Dramatic lines combined with technology and emotion brought this car to its 2007 unveiling at the Advanced International Auto Show recently to show its low wheelbase and cabin (which is constructed entirely of tinted glass) and carbon firbre under body.
No warewolf would dare stand in front of this car.

2007 Ford Interceptor Concept

By all popular beliefs, this is not a GM car or a Chrysler while its shape at first glance can lead you to that decision based on its initial boxed design. To begin with I thought it was an updated Chrysler with a new front design. The 2007 model Ford Interceptor is a rear wheel driven 6-speed 5.0Ltr V8 cammer engine running on E-85 ethanol with 400bhp pushed down to 22inch wheels. THe package is aimed at a sedan design that can deliver style and sports performance to car lovers alike. The designers wanted to incorporate a higher shoulder with a definitaive line to create a sense of mystery and a firm attitude.

Tesla Roadster 2007

The electric-powered Tesla Roadster looks like a Lotus, boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, does 0-60 mph in around 4 seconds, doesn't emit any emissions (unless you spin the wheels and burn rubber) and is sold out for 2007. You can put your name on the 2008 waiting list for $50,000US. The base price is $92,000US, but fully loaded the car will be just over $100k.

Using a unique two-speed electrically actuated manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster's power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.

The Roadster's Energy Storage System (ESS) provides power to the entire vehicle, including the motor. Its durable, tamper-resistant enclosure includes: 6,831 lithium-ion cells, a network of microprocessors for maintaining charge balance and battery temperature, a cooling system, and an independent safety system designed to disconnect power outside the enclosure under a variety of detectable safety situations.

The Tesla Roadster comes complete with its Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), a home-based charging system, which features an automatic safety disconnect system and can charge the Tesla Roadster in approximately 3.5 hours. An optional mobile charging kit is also available.

The Tesla Roadster has a range of up to 250 miles (EPA Highway) on a single charge, roughly triple the range of previous mass-produced electric vehicles.

I think this car is fantastic, so does the Governor of California. When the company gets the costs down and the prices become more reasonable they won't have trouble selling them in the USA, provided the quality is good and it actually preforms close to what the manufacturer has been saying. I might even consider one myself.

Now if Rodney Hide MP for Epsom and Leader of ACT Party of NZ really likes the publicity he gets from the Smart car he has, imagine what he'd get in a car like this? Best they make it in right hand drive too.......

2008 Dodge Viper with 600HP

Rob Good:The 2008 Dodge Viper has gained an extra 90hp over the 2006 model thanks to a nicely revised V10 engine.

The V10 aluminum engine block was revised for a 1 millimeter larger bore, raising the displacement to 8.4 liters from 8.3 liters. This car is not going to be the most economical out there, but hey it has 600hp. Larger valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT)helps increase the output. It has new cylinder heads as well, equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers.

The snake gets a new transmission which is the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual, known as the TR6060.

According to Damiler Chrysler, 0-60 mph comes in under 4 seconds and 0-100-0 mph shoots through in just over 12 seconds (braking in under 100 feet). Other changes include a new hood with a larger hood scoop for air induction and distinctive hood louvers.

Good thing that Chevrolet is bringing out the super Corvette soon, or Dodge will be getting all the limelight.

Burn some rubber.

Mercedes Benz Ocean Drive convertible

Rob Good:At the North American Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a design trendsetter with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible.

The Concept Ocean Drive is an interesting look. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by, this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile culture at its most attractive and desirable.

The one-off special has an all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "topless" cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection.

Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille, LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy.

The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600 on account of this model's long wheelbase. It even has neck warming technology so you can keep warm with the top lowered on a cold day.

Interesting concept Mercedes Benz.

LA Auto show December 1st 2006

Rob Good:Today I went to the 2007 LA auto show with fellow vehicle enthusiast G.D Perkins. This is the first time that the LA auto show is being held in December rather than January, as it always used to clash with the Detroit auto show....

I took plenty of photo's and here is a few of the better vehicles we saw today...


The beautiful Ferrari 599


Bugatti Veyron


Bently Continental GTC


Lamborghini Gallardo with it's top off....


The 425HP Dodge Magnum SRT


2008/09 Dodge Challenger.... Nice car...


Audi R8.... This car is going to sell...



The new VW Tiguan


Chevrolet Camaro 2008/09



BMW Hydrodgen 7 series......


2007 BMW X5


Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby


Mercedes Benz CL63


Mercedes Benz S63


2007 Porsche 911 Turbo.... What a great car.


Tesla Roadster 2008.... fully electric 0-60 in 4 seconds.

David Spade was there too looking at the nice cars...He must be a bit of a car freak as the show only opened half an hour before we all got in.

My pick for convertible: Lamborghini Gallardo
Stationwagon : Dodge Magnum SRT-8
Sedan Large : Merceded S63 / Bentley Continental
Sedan Medium : BMW M5 / Mercedes E63
Sedan Small : BMW 335i / Audi RS4
Concept : Dodge Challenger
Exotic : Bugatti Veyron

All an all a great day. Getting in early beat the crowds and if you get the chance, go to the 2007 LA Auto show....

2007 BMW AC Schnitzer ACS3 Coupe

AC Schnitzer will in future have available for current 3.0d models a diesel performance upgrade control module to provide 265bhp and max torque of 406lb-ft making this AC307 powering from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds over the current 6.6 seconds and the top speed of 250hm/h is still limited however.
The sporty bodystyling still harbours many stylistic characters of the 3-series yet with stronger bolder lines and a stronger looking face.

2006 Cadillac EcoJet Concept

You could well be fooled to think a helicopter was about to take off within an underground car park if this car was to start up. It's a Honeywell LT-101 Turbine Engine which came from the inspiration of Tonight Show host Jay Leno whom also well known as an automotive buff invited General Motors Advanced Design Studio to assist in designing a mid-engine, Turbine powered supercar aptly named The Ecojet. Leno also owns a K1 motorcycle which is also a turbine powered engine with as people say "would would you take an engine from a helicopter and put it in a motorbike?.... cos you can!!"
This particular engine boasts 650BHP on bio-deisel fuel housed on a modified corvette aluminium and magnesium strutured frame and chassis with the body being made of advance carbon fibre over kevlar keeping weight down and power up.
it's design was built to mimic certain jet aircraft strucural designs however the body like several corvette's may need to be checked over for any flimsy plastic sections of the skin.

2008 BMW 335i Convertible

This new convertible boasts a first in Sun Reflective technology for leather upholstery allowing owners the peace of mind that the wear n tear from deteriorate under the blistering sun or have the fear of greatly singing their buttocks from the searing heat. When exposed to direct sunlight the special pigments witin the leather reflect the infra-red radiation alowing prolonged exposure to sunlight and maintain themselves 20 degree's cooler than standard untreated leather.
The central mounted engine is a twin-turbo Inline 6 with 300bhp that pulls 0-100 in 5.5 seconds and electronically limited to 150mph with the new high precision direct injection engine & variable valve technology this system can deliver the most efficient burn of fuel for max power and economy, brining a beautiful blend of performance and economy to BMW .

2007 BMW 335i twin turbo

Rob Good:I took the liberty of driving the new twin turbo E92 coupe today at Santa Monica BMW. I must say I was very impressed. It seems that BMW may well have under-rated the hp output of 300HP. Some suggest that the engine puts out closer to 360hp with close to 300hp at the wheels.

It is roomier than the previous model and BMW have done very well with the automatic gearbox. It has paddle shifters on the steering wheel a la SMG, but does not have the akwardness that was sometime evident with the manual SMG version. The gears changed as if it was SMG and this car MOVES.

The sound the engine puts out is like music to the ears, and on top of it, it is well constructed with full service and warranty plans.

There is a rumor out there that the 335i 4 door which is to be released soon is capable in 6 speed manual form of completing 0-60 in 4.8 seconds which is the same as the previous generation M5 and the current M3.

BMW must have something up their sleeve for the next M3 due out next year, as I cant imagine them wanting a sub $50,000 4 door sedan keeping up the top of line 3. M may well be taking a different route by making the new M3 more of a lightened track racing beast and allowing the 335i to be the luxury end of the scale. Having said that that will not work too well in the USA, so I am expecting a mid to low 4 second time to 60mph for the next M3.

If you have not driven the 335i and you are contemplating a new BMW do it.

BMW never fails to impress me.

Rumour Has it..

Due to the untimely passing of racing legend Peter Brock, this years Bathurst has unofficially been rebadged as "Brockhurst" in recognition of a legendary driver.
He was a great abasssdor of motor racing, the Super V8's and of Holden and this is the big race of every year up and over Mount Panorama.

Go the HOLDEN

Ford to sell Aston Martin...?

As much as I love Aston Martin, I was shocked when I first heard the news that FORD were taking over as the new owners being a solid 200% Holden Fan.
Recently noted in the weekend paper is the Ford are now looking to sell AM saying it has been approached by several potential buyers and that it would be the quote "...logical one to sell" Peter Cooke 'professor of automotive industries management at Nottingham Business School'.
Aston Martin were made big in the 1960's as British Secret Agent James '007' Bond's car of choice and still to this day marvelled by many celebrities and spoken very highly of by the Top Gear crew.
I have to admit that under FORD they did bring out the very impressive DB9 which I still drool over as it drives down the road and am very interested to see if sold what the new owners can bring to the Aston Martin Badge.

Michael Schumacher to retire, Kimi to replace him.

7 times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will retire from Ferrari and F1 at the end of this season. He is currently 2 points behind reigning champion Fernando Alonso and is targeting an 8th world championship before he steps out of the red car for good at the end of the season.

Kimi Raikkonen currently of McLaren Mercedes has been confirmed with the Ferrari team for 2007, 2008 an 2009.

Fellippe Massa has been confirmed for 2007 and 2008.

Next race is in China in 3 weeks time.

2007 Porsche 9ff 911 Turbo

Stat's:- A Twin-Turbo Flat 6 engine with 640bhp that hits 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds hitting a top speed of 213mph

As we know, porsche update their cars regularly saying that they are very different from the previous model with all new body kits, yet to the naked eye its as if they traced the previous model and maybe smoothed out a view edges and lines. To this picture there seem to be some kinder supple changes with the most prominient being the wheels. This is the attention seeker in my opinion and quite like them as they carry the most recent edition to the 911 motoring ahll of fame.

Peter Brock 05 RIP

It is sad to see that my favorite Australian motor racer Peter Brock has passed on after a vehicle accident. Brock was participating in a rally in Western Australia when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.

I always enjoyed watching Brock kick ass in the 05 Holden's at Bathurst.

Peter Brock's adoption of the number 05 was to highlight the Victorian Governments 05 blood alcohol limit to the public. So from 1975, Brock maintained 05 as his car number even when as Australian Touring Car Champion, he was entitled to use the number one.

He raced Fords for a short period and also raced Volvo, but he will best be remembered as the King of Mount Panarama in the 05 Holden's.

One word.... Bugger.

The guy was a legend.

BMW Z10 supercar

BMW'’s last supercar was the M1 back in 1979. That car was the first car produced by BMW Motorsport, which makes the M badged cars like M3, M5 and M6. The BMW M1 had a 3.5 litre inline 6 24 valve engine that made 277hp at 6500rpm and 324Nm of torque at 5000rpm. Tuned versions could make up to 850hp. This engine also powered the first generation M5 and M6 vehicles.

Now with it's involvement with F1, BMW naturally would like to do what the other car manufacturers in F1 are doing, and make a Supercar. Toyota has it'’s Lexus LF-A and Honda has it's new NSX coming out soon, not to mention Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes. BMW'’s new Supercar is expected to be called the Z10. BMW has set development targets for the Z10 to be a rear/mid-engine Supercar powered by a V10. The V10 would be likely a tuned up version of the advanced M5 V10 5 litre engine that won the 2005 Engine of the Year award. Targeted performance figures are 550hp and a curb weight of 1200kg which gives the car a power to weight ratio of 458bhp per ton. The V10 is likely to make 550hp in the M6CSL which may or may not be made shortly, so expect even better performance from the Z10.

The Z10 looks very Ferrari esk in this photo. I would go as far as saying that the Z10 is a spectacular looking automobile, and if built it will certainly have fantastic build quality, performance and reliability.

BMW what are you waiting for?

2007 BMW X5

BMW has taken the liberty of releasing a new 2007 X5. It has improved it's good looks from the previous model and has a host of great new features and technology.

The engines boast more power, and use less fuel thanks to lighter materials, smarter technology and seven years of diligence.

The new inline six cylinder engine generates 260 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the eight cylinder, 4.8-liter engine offers 350 hp and 350 lb-ft torque. The six cylinder was previously rather underpowered, so the new engine is going to make it a swift performer.

For the first time, the all new X5 offers the convenience of a third row seat, which is really a must in the USA in this day and age. The interior offers more cargo space than the previous generation and a wealth of premium features. Enjoy ventilated leather seats with 20-way adjustments and 10 interior fans to keep you cool and comfortable. Cup holders large enough for any appetite. (BMW has not been very good at cup holders up to date)

BMW has even added the option of a rearview camera to make backing up extra safe.

This vehicle is going to sell very well. I am wondering what the new version of the hi-po 4.8is will be? Maybe they will shoehorn the Alpina supercharged V8 into it at 500hp for humor?

2009 Chevrolet Camaro

It has been announced by GM CEO Rick Wagoner that Chevrolet will bring back the iconic muscle car the Camaro in 2009.

I hope that the car will be similar to the spectacular concept vehicle I viewed at the LA auto show earlier this year. Initial production will begin at the end of 2008, and retail sales will start in the first quarter of 2009.

I am guessing that the car will be powered by a 5.7 V8 similar to that of the standard Corvette available now. Hopefully Chevrolet make use of the 505hp V8 from the Corvette ZO6 in the Camaro possibly as the SS model.... This Camaro is very good looking, and with the right technology and power to weight ratio it will sell very well.

Chevrolet stopped producing the fast and sleek car in the 2002 model year after a run that began in 1967.

Mini Hummers

Your on your way out to the golf course and decide to take a laid back round and decide to take a golf cart to save those legs from all those up hill climbs. Golf carts have been used for that general purpose without and fulfilling need for the status quo, until now.
This year two gentlemen Dominik Jackson (British Racing Driver) and Chris Kirk signed the GM rights for Europe and Russia after the Hummers while Dominik was racing in the USA. They have obtained huge interest from the film industry, promotional companies, marketing executives, land owners, holiday resorts and celebrities.
Here is a sample of some of their 'Golf Carts'
The Hummer H2




And yes this IS a golf cart
Roaster


For further specs and gallary click here

Jenson Button wins in Hungary

After 113 Grand Prix starts Englishman Jenson Button with Honda finally wins a race.

Congratulations.... Well deserved.

Both Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher had to retire from todays race, along with Kimi who started from pole position in Hungary....

A magnificent race indeed.

Villeneuve off to NASCAR in 2007?

It is rumored that BMW F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve could be heading for NASCAR next year. This was recently reported in the Journal de Montreal newspaper. The story suggested that Villeneuve has already signed a pre contract with a NASCAR team conditional on him not finding an F1 drive. He would spend one season racing in the Busch Series and then move into the Nextel Cup in 2008. The existence of a deal has been denied by Villeneuve, but it is clear that there is contact with NASCAR teams.

It has been said before, but with what is happening in Hungary at the moment with the 3rd driver replacing Jacques, there seems to be very little chance of Villeneuve returning to F1 again.

This would really boost the ratings of NASCAR with Juan Pablo Montoya already confirmed with Ganassi NASCAR next year. Nothing like seeing Jacques and JPM wheel to wheel.

Plus the money is very good in NASCAR and you can race well into your 40's.

Way to go I guess, although F1 wont be the same without Villeneuve and Montoya.