Custom Search
AmericanTrucks offers a wide range of Ford F150 parts
22 May

Kiawah auto retreat draws rare models, pricey showcars originating from five …

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

By JIM PARKER
The Post and Courier

On a whim, Bob Zambelli and his wife drove from Manning to visit Kiawah Island for one of the first times.

They had a second purpose, too, to display a green 1967 Alfa Romeo GTV.

Its not a show car, says Zambelli, who bought the car in 1991. But he said, Man, it really drives.

The couples 45-year-old Italian job was one 93 coupes, sedans, saloons and a three-wheeler Morgan to take part in the 2012 Kiawah Island Motoring Retreat.

Other highlights were a 1947 Cadillac convertible, five Ferraris, an DeTomaso Pantera, a dozen Porches, a 1971 Datsun 240Z and various Triumphs, Impalas, Jaguars, Roll Royces, Ford GTs and other marques.

The regular event, held April 21 at Night Heron Park for the first time with its new name, weathered intermittent rain but otherwise was held under semi-clear skies. The show closed with a parade of the show cars around the island.

Marcia E. DeLoof, director of development for the Motoring Retreat, said she was pleased with this years festival especially since the 2011 retreat was effectively rained out.

While Night Heron Park has been a good spot, We would like to be on the Ocean Course, she said. The top-notch golf course will host the 2012 PGA Championship in August.

Eventually, organizers want to build the retreat into a Concours dElegance: part exclusive car show, part upper crust party similar to shindigs in Pebble Beach, Palm Beach and Hilton Head Island.

For more information, visit www.kiawahislandmotoringretreat.com.

Reach Jim Parker at

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
22 May

SRT8 – we drive the baddest Jeep ever

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

.

Outputs of 344kW and 624Nm make it the most powerful Jeep ever.

Meet the baddest Jeep ever made. Hurtled along by 6.4-litres of Hemi V8, this sinister SUV brags about output numbers like 344kW and 624Nm and the ability to outrun many sports cars with zero to 100km/h dispatched in just five seconds (at the coast) and a top speed of 255km/h.

But bruise a tyre on your off-road excursion – of which the Jeep is most certainly capable – and things could end very badly.

However, it’s not the only crazy SUV on the block and the Jeep at least offers substantial thump for your buck when compared to those of the BMW M and Mercedes AMG stable, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 retailing at R799 990.

To keep things as tidy as possible in the corners, the Jeep has an SRT-tuned adaptive damping suspension system with an electronic limited slip diff and stability control. Drivers can choose between five modes, including function for slippery conditions and for racetrack driving.

After throwing it around the bends of Kyalami racetrack, our launch correspondent Denis Droppa remarked that the big Jeep “proved surprisingly competent when bombarded through the bends.

“As long as you respect its sheer bulk this super-SUV is controllable and well-mannered, and has far less body roll than it has any right to.

“The brakes – usually the first to call time-out on a racetrack – also handle a lot of punishment, and the ABS-assisted high-performance Brembos are well up to the task.”

Of course, it growls too.

“Its growl alone would have been enough to scare the enemy off a WWII battlefield or, more pertinent to our times, it’s sufficiently angry-sounding to make a minibus taxi driver think twice before cutting in front of you,” as Denis puts it.

Obviously you’re not expecting much in the way of fuel economy when you take home a beast like this, but Jeep has at least tried to mitigate the fuel-guzzling drawback with a system that allows the engine to run on just four cylinders under calmer driving conditions.

Inside you’ll find a racy cockpit complete with suede-leather bucket seats, various carbonfibre decorations and luxuries like adaptive cruise

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
21 May

Club Assist Puts the "Green" in Electric Vehicle Roadside Assistance with …

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 20, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
One of the world’s trusted motoring club partners, Club Assist, has unveiled a WORLD FIRST with the “Lithium Mobile EV Charger”. The lithium-powered charger is the first clean, green, Level 2 EV charging solution for emergency roadside assistance.

The solution developed by Club Assist is an innovation that offers quicker, smoother and quieter roadside battery charging assistance, with a development which is the most environmentally friendly solution to hit the market to date.

The unit is being launched at the LEV and EV Forum Drive Day in Melbourne on Monday, May 21.

The new “completely green” and “extremely compact” solution can give a standard electric-powered car, enough charge in 10 minutes to sustain a driving distance* of 5 to 6 kilometers, designed to allow the vehicle to travel to the nearest permanent charging point for a full charge. (*The driving distance is in accordance with the State of Health and State of Charge of the EV battery system pack. This EV charger provides greater flexibility by being available in either a skid mounted or small sized trailer mount.)

The technology is now ready to go to market and Club Assist can potentially roll it out around the world to more than 68 motoring club organisations.

According to the unit’s designer, Club Assist’s Bob Gell, the Lithium Mobile EV charger is a natural evolution of the existing technology and makes a stronger case for the growing use of electric vehicles, along with their many already acknowledged benefits.

“Developing this solution from its inception has been a very rewarding experience for me and the support I received from Club Assist has been instrumental in getting this solution to market,” he said.

As a member of Club Assist’s Product and Technical Development team, Bob Gell said the development of the Lithium Mobile EV Charger was just another example of Club Assist’s determination to provide its motoring club partners with cutting edge solutions to a continually changing transport landscape.

“Our ‘what next’ approach has helped us bring revolutionary solutions to market in the past such as the ‘standard’ Mobile EV Charger. The Lithium Mobile EV charger is the next logical evolution in ‘green’ roadside assistance for electric vehicles.”

Club Assist CEO and Executive President, Stuart Davies hailed the new product as a major step forward in reinforcing the reality that electric vehicles were not just cars of the future, but a viable alternative for many motorists, here

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
21 May

New MotoGP safety car… is a BMW M6!

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

Road rage

All the news about the e-tolling saga…

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
20 May

Hot new engine for John Cooper Works Minis

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

.

Upgraded John Cooper Works engines produce the same power on less fuel.

Related Stories

Never one to rest on its performance laurels, Mini has announced a clean-burning, new-generation engine for its flagship John Cooper Works models, along with a package of fuel-efficiency technologies called Minimalism – which seems an odd name for a car so rich in high-tech complexity, but then the Mini has never been a logical car.

The 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbo engine develops the same levels of output and torque, but with even quicker responses and substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

All John Cooper Works models can now be ordered with a six-speed automatic transmissioin and the John Cooper Works Countryman now comes with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard.

The Countryman also has a specially tweaked version of the new-generation engine, tuned for 160kW instead of the 155kW of the rest of the range, presumably to compensate for the losses inherent in the all-wheel-drive system.

Peak torque of 280Nm is available from 1900-5600rpm, taking the JCW Countryman from 0-100km/h in seven seconds flat, whether manual or auto. Top speed is quoted as 225km/h (automatic: 223), and fuel consumption in the EU test cycle as 7.4 litres per 100km (automatic: 7.9).

BASED ON THE MINI COOPER S

The new John Cooper Works engine is based on the 1.6-litre Mini Cooper S mill, with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel-injection and variable valve control based on BMW’s Valvetronic system for instant response.

The JCW engine has an aluminium block and bearing mounts, reinforced pistons, a high-strength cylinder head and lightened crankshaft. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled, and the intake camshaft has infinite phase adjustment.

The turbocharger is set for extra boost and the engine breathes out through a special exhaust system with dual polished stainless-steel tailpipes.

BMW quotes 155kW at 6000rpm, with 260Nm on tap from 1850-5500rpm – and 280Nm available from 2000-5200rpm for a few seconds on overboost.

Standard issue is a six-speed manual gearbox but all John Cooper Works models can now be ordered as an option with a six-speed Steptronic automatic

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
20 May

Classic cars: Alfa 6C

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring




It’s the 2012 Mille Miglia this week and as a tribute to the historic endurance race, the Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring team will be bringing not one but four of its museum pieces to the event.

There’ll be two pre-war vehicles in attendance — the 1500 SS and 1750 GS, and the 1900 SS from the Thirties and last but not least, the gorgeous 2000 Sportiva from the Fifties.

All these cars took part in the classic event between the late Twenties and late Fifties in Italy and they certainly left their mark by beating favourites such as Porsche, at the time.

This year, the Mille Miglia is going to be crammed with Alfa anniversaries. For instance, it isn’t just the Giulia’s 50th birthday and the Alfetta’s 40th, the carmaker is also celebrating the 80th anniversary of the first victory by the 8C 2300 in the prestigious race.

Article continues below





This historic accolade was achieved back in 1932 when drivers Baconin Borzacchini and Amedeo Bignami took the chequered flag in Brescia. In fact, during that race, the top seven cars were all Alfas, such was their dominance.

The 1928 6C 1500 Super Sport was the first turismo model built during the Vittorio Jano era, which meant its engineering and design principles were top-notch. Boasting a lightweight and high-performance straight six DOHC water-cooled engine and a low, lightweight chassis to boot, it was a trend-setting vehicle that even featured semi-elliptic springs.

The 76bhp 6C caused a storm when it was unveiled at the Milan motor show in 1925. It was received with equal enthusiasm in London and Paris too and won the first of a record 11 Alfa victories at the Mille Miglia. Only four of these are known to exist and the one the Alfa team is bringing to the event, a Spider body version no less, is not just the oldest of them all but its panels still have the original Zagato job numbers, even though it underwent full restoration in 1976. This four-speed

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
19 May

New motivation for hot JCW Minis

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

.

Upgraded John Cooper Works engines produce the same power on less fuel.

Related Stories

Never one to rest on its performance laurels, Mini has announced a clean-burning, new-generation engine for its flagship John Cooper Works models, along with a package of fuel-efficiency technologies called Minimalism – which seems an odd name for a car so rich in high-tech complexity, but then the Mini has never been a logical car.

The 1.6-litre, twin-scroll turbo engine develops the same levels of output and torque, but with even quicker responses and substantially reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

All John Cooper Works models can now be ordered with a six-speed automatic transmissioin and the John Cooper Works Countryman now comes with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard.

The Countryman also has a specially tweaked version of the new-generation engine, tuned for 160kW instead of the 155kW of the rest of the range, presumably to compensate for the losses inherent in the all-wheel-drive system.

Peak torque of 280Nm is available from 1900-5600rpm, taking the JCW Countryman from 0-100km/h in seven seconds flat, whether manual or auto. Top speed is quoted as 225km/h (automatic: 223), and fuel consumption in the EU test cycle as 7.4 litres per 100km (automatic: 7.9).

BASED ON THE MINI COOPER S

The new John Cooper Works engine is based on the 1.6-litre Mini Cooper S mill, with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel-injection and variable valve control based on BMW’s Valvetronic system for instant response.

The JCW engine has an aluminium block and bearing mounts, reinforced pistons, a high-strength cylinder head and lightened crankshaft. The exhaust valves are sodium-filled, and the intake camshaft has infinite phase adjustment.

The turbocharger is set for extra boost and the engine breathes out through a special exhaust system with dual polished stainless-steel tailpipes.

BMW quotes 155kW at 6000rpm, with 260Nm on tap from 1850-5500rpm – and 280Nm available from 2000-5200rpm for a few seconds on overboost.

Standard issue is a six-speed manual gearbox but all John Cooper Works models can now be ordered as an option with a six-speed Steptronic automatic

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
19 May

Summer motoring can get really hot

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

Dreams of tailfins and big engines are realized for writer Jim Fox, shown with this 1960 Cadillac convertible at the Concours d’Elegance in suburban Detroit. (BARBARA FOX, Special to QMI Agency)

Get your motor running to Greater Detroit, the epicentre of all things automotive, for a summer of cars and cruising fun.

Hit the road and “burn rubber” to Autopalooza as this annual event shifts into high gear in the “Motor City” with major cruises, races and shows.

Events include the Grand Prix race, NASCAR weekends, Concours d’Elegance and crossing the finish line with the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Zoom, zoom in June Grand Prix: The smell of fuel and tire smoke swirling with the screeching sounds of race cars will permeate Belle Isle as the Grand Prix returns from June 1 to 3.

The world-class auto racing is back after a four-year absence to the pretty island in the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit.

It will feature the cars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series, the Pirelli World Challenge Championship Series and the Firestone Indy Lights Championship battling it out on a street circuit.

Hot Rod Power Tour: It’s no drag as this tour, called the “ultimate car lovers’ road trip,” spins into Metro Detroit June 2 with more than 3,000 “muscle cars,” classic hot rods and collectors’ dream mobiles.

The GM Proving Grounds in Milford is the starting point for the journey through seven cities over seven days en route to Arlington, Texas.

NASCAR Weekend: The Michigan International Speedway is a venerable NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) national park.

Featured on June 15 is the Sprint Cup Series practice and the ARCA Racing Series 200 while the Nationwide Series returns on June 16 with top stars and newcomer Danica Patrick.

The Sprint Cup Series 400 happens on June 17 when former winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart appear.

Motor Muster, Sloan Museum Auto Fair and Cruisin’ Downriver: Greenfield Village in Dearborn will host the muster on June 16 and 17 to mark “one of the innovative eras of American automotive history, 1933 to 1976.”

The village will be filled with hundreds of classic cars, vintage trucks, motorcycles and even a fire engine or two while featuring the “compact” car.

The auto fair on June 23 and 24 at the Flint Cultural Centre features more than 600 of the “best-looking cars, trucks and motorcycles around.”

Classic car collectors will be showing off their wheels during the Downriver cruise on June 30.

They’ll be spinning their wheels in the suburban cities south of Detroit along the shores of the Detroit River.

Heating up July Cruisin’ Michigan Avenue: Return to those days of cruising at this July 14 event

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
18 May

Chevy preparing SS performance sedan

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

Road rage

All the news about the e-tolling saga…

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
18 May

265kW Golf GTI built by apprentices

Posted by: Auto Buff  /  Category: Motoring

.

The five guys and four girls – all between 18 and 24 – did all the work themselves.

It’s not so much a car as a statement of intent in black and red.

This one-of-a-kind Volkswagen Black Dynamic GTI, complete with a 265kW TSI engine and lowered sport suspension, was built by nine VW apprentices from four disciplines in only seven months.

Special features include hand-cut GTI badging in the doors and hatch, and a nine-speaker, 1800 watt sound system under a specially made plexiglass cover in the boot.

ALL THEIR OWN WORK

The five guys and four girls – all between 18 and 24 – did all the work themselves, from the sport seats upholstered in black-and-red Alcantara and leather, the interior door trim with decorative red seams and the metallic black exterior finish combined with flat grey film trim to the engine, which tuned are tuned to produce an extra 110kW, and the oversized exhaust system and the eight-piston brake system.

They designed the modifications, selected parts from the VW model range were they could, negotiated with suppliers where they couldn’t, and assembled the car themselves.

“Where else do you get an opportunity like that?”

Apprentice automotive mechatronics technician Martin Schmidt, 22, was responsible for stamping the GTI lettering in a deep-drawing process.

He said: “We have learned so much, developing our own ideas and implementing them in ‘our’ car.”

Professor Heiko Gintz, head of vocational training at Wolfsburg, said: “We are proud of the creativity of our apprentices – that’s why we give our best trainees the opportunity to extend their knowledge with projects such as the GTI Black Dynamic.”

The Golf GTI Black Dynamic will be seen in public for the first time this weekend at the 31st GTI Festival at Reifnitz on the Wörthersee in Austria, attended by about 150 000 Volkswagen and custom-car fans.

ROLL OF HONOUR – the Black Dynamic team

Charleen Pohle (19), Interior constructor

Sarah Unverzagt (20), Paint technician

Laura Krätz (18), Paint technician

Christian Wolter (23) Paint technician

Lisa Batke (19), Automotive mechatronics technician

Roman Huck (24), Automotive mechatronics technician

Richard Neubert (18), Automotive mechatronics technician

Martin Schmidt (22), Automotive

Article source: Article Source

Comments (0)  /  Add Comment
« Previous Entries

Philippine Motoring News

Collision Insurance