2007 BMW M3 Concept

The M3 concept car has a V8 engine capable of producing high-rev's and already picked to be the engine of choice for this particular series. Already the current 3-series has been critically acclaimed globally and is the basis for the M3 series.
Alot of the body panel work have been recreated to suit the modern driving enthusists matching luxury and race track performance to everyday on road driving.
The most noticable change is the bulge to the bonnet now being made aluminium to save on weight with an enhanced powerdome flanked by very large air vents. The V8 engine acts like a hoover and sucks in air at a higher rate than previous engines so larger air intakes are required. The size of the buldge indicates just how large a housing the engine will need.

Please stay tuned for futher specifications as they come to light

Aston Martin

The Ford Motor company are expected to announce as early as this week their intention to sell their ownership of Aston Martin the Luxury performance car most synonomous with James Bond. Under Fords wing they have brought us the Vantage, the Vanquish and the all to beautiful DB9 and DBS.

The sale is expected to be NZD$1.27b noted by a source to the NZ Herald. Motor racing firm Prodrive working in conjunction with Egypts Naeem investment bank are at this point the front runners to buy the British hand made luxury sports brand. Other bidder named is the Doughty Hanson whom are also still in the running.

2007 Lotus 2-Eleven

**A Fiery little buzzy bee**
This supercharged Inline-4 intercooled 1796 cc engine has a maximum power output of 252 bhp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft at 7000 rpm. Match this with the extra power and torque with the VVTL-i variable cam system ensures that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm. The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine's oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Four high capacity injectors and an up rated fuel pump add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.
The car has a weight of 1477lbs keeping in line with the superlight designs of the Lotus design brand.

0-62 in 3.8 seconds AT 252bhp this little devil has a power to weight ratio similar to that of a 1960's F1 car. This car is centred at drive track enthusists

Rolls Royce Phantom Convertible

Rob Good:The long-awaited Phantom Drophead Coupé has been released. This Rolls-Royce’s first such car since the Corniche of 2002 and was formally unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show.

It’s no surprise that the Drophead Coupé is a spectacular feat of engineering and design. Clearly a development of the current Phantom, the new two-door, four-seat convertible nevertheless uses 1300 newly-developed parts, including a number of features first seen on 100EX, the experimental model shown by Rolls-Royce in 2004. Immediately noticeable are the brushed steel bonnet and A-pillar, plus the teak decking for the rear hood cover.

Front opening coach doors have been homologated for the new car and add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seat, as well as to the overall aesthetics. Unique to Rolls-Royce, the doors dramatically transform the Phantom Drophead Coupé’s looks, giving a side profile reminiscent of classic sports cars of the 1960s. They are also important in aiding the overall stiffness of the body, as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar.

Power is supplied by the same 6.75-litre naturally-aspirated V12 found in the current Phantom, giving a 0-60mph time of 5.7 seconds.
Production of the new car will start in the summer of 2007, hand-built alongside the Phantom at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ manufacturing plant at Goodwood.

The car is a beauty. I particularly like the color they choose in these photos. I am guessing that the new Rolls Royce will be close to $400,000 when they arrive. Beverly Hills, Palm Springs and Miami are tipped to be the best markets in the US for this car.....
Now all they need is a turbo charger or two and close to 600 HP. :-)

Fisker Artega GT

Rob Good:This is the new Artega GT Coupe which has been showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. It is equipped with a VW-derived 3.6L V6 and power will be about 300 hp. That isn't very much HP, but this Fisker isn't very big. It is 13 feet long and 6 feet wide, the Artega is about the same size as a Mazda MX-5 Miata and at less than four feet tall it is about the same height as a Lamborghini Gallardo. Top speed of the Artega GT Coupe is estimated at 165 mph which is up there.

Henrik Fisker helped design many of the current Aston Martins on the road today which makes every future vehicle he pens worth mentioning. The Fisker Tramonto and Latigo CS are great looking vehicles, but their basic shape and stance were borrowed from the Mercedes Benz SL55 AMG and the BMW M6. The Artega GT Coupe is definitely a departure from what Fisker has done in the past, but it just isn't ground-breaking. Production is expected to reach 500 units per year and the price tag should be around $100,000.

Looking good...

BMW 7-Series

The latest 7 series still unreleased is to have an 8th gear added to the transmission with the theory it will increase fuel efficiency. No futher information known at this stage.

***Further Updates to follow as information comes to light***

Robotic Cars

Engineers at Stanford University have plans to have an unmanned robot car ready to hit the highways within the next year.
Dubbed as 'Junior' the 2006 VW Passat wagon is the latest vehicle in the race to develop the first official unmanned car on local roads.

A photo is posted above

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.

www.f1grandprixmanager.com

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.