LOTUS SPORT CARS WALLAPAPERS
Sunday, November 7, 2010
2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
HQ BMW AUTO CAR : 2011 BMW M3 GTS
Honda Jazz hybrid review
Honda Jazz 1.3 i-VTEC hybrid First Drive
Some of the Insight's hybrid interior features appear in the Jazz
What is it?
This is the final piece in the Jazz puzzle that we’ve been waiting for – the Jazz hybrid. It might be the third hybrid model to come forth from Honda in as many years, after the Insight and CR-Z, but strangely, it was actually the first to be configured from the ground up as a hybrid.
According to chief engineer Kohei Hitomi, Honda wanted to first test the ‘hybrid’ waters before launching a petrol-electric version of its hugely popular Jazz.
With a positive response to the Insight and the new CR-Z, they felt the time was now right for the Jazz.
That’s why the 1.3 litre powerplant and IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system sits snugly inside the tiny engine bay, and more to the point, that’s why the bulky battery pack and IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) fit cleanly under the rear floor section without sacrificing luggage space.
See the test pics of the Honda Jazz Hybrid
What’s it like?
You’ve got to look closely to see the exterior modifications on this new addition to the current lineup. Fully aware that the Insight returns mileage of 84 mpg and that the Jazz’s Cd is less slippery than that of the Insight, Hitomi tells us that his team did everything in their power to reach that same level. And they did by adding a slightly edgier look to the body.
To give the car the best aerodynamic profile as possible, stylists tweaked the headlights and tail light cluster designs and added underbody panels. They also reduced kerb weight by 70 kgs (compared to Insight), added a revised front brake design and special eco tyres, which all combine to give the Jazz hybrid better off the line acceleration.
On the road, the difference is immediately obvious. The lighter Jazz employs the Insight’s 1.3 litre 4-cylinder IMA powertrain with CVT that develops 86bhp/5,800rpm and 89lb/ft of torque at 4500rpm. But it is over one second faster from 0-60mph, than the petrol model and delivers those herbs in a more elegant, quieter way.
“Customers paying a higher price for the Jazz Hybrid will naturally expect a quieter, more comfortable ride than that of the Insight or current Jazz, so we had to reduce NVH substantially,” admits Hitomi. To enable the Jazz to better handle inner-city stop-and-go driving, Honda has added a start-stop system that combines to deliver just 104g/km of CO2.
“We used a substantial amount of lightweight, sound-absorbing fiberglass wool inside the body panels to reduce engine and CVT whine reaching the cabin,” says Hitomi. And the result is surprising. The Jazz hybrid is significantly quieter at speed than the current petrol version. Pushed hard, the CVT still whines at high revs but the sound deadening material works superbly to drown out mechanical sounds entering the cabin. Oh, and for the record, Honda are not offering the option of a Jazz hybrid with the CR-Z’s 6-speed manual. Not for the time being, that is.
The CVT delivers the best mileage insists Honda. In fact, they are so confident that they say the Jazz hybrid is not only more fuel efficient at low speed city driving (up to 28mph) than a Polo 1.2 BlueMotion, but that the Honda’s 104g/km figure is now on a par with that of the VW. Hitomi also focused on revising the Jazz’s steering, which has come under fire in some circles for its “waffle.” By fitting an additional performance rod and thickening stabilizers by 3mm (from 20-23mm), the Jazz’s steering now delivers better weight and feedback while generating less understeer.
Should I buy one?
Well, if you’ve been looking for a Japanese hatch that can take the mileage, emissions and handling battle right up the diesel dynasties of Europe, then this is your machine.The Jazz hybrid offers a great ride, and at last employs sharper, more responsive handling, too.
But more than that, according to Hitomi, it is the first Japanese hybrid to offer a competitive, well-packaged, small hatch alternative to B-segment diesel hatchbacks in terms of mileage and emissions. And that’s what many potential buyers have been waiting for.
2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution
Ferrari Auto Car: 2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution
Ferrari Auto Car: 2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution
Ferrari Auto Car: 2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution
Ferrari Auto Car: 2008 Ferrari FXX Evolution
Ferrari Auto Car: 2008 Ferrari FXX EvolutionSaturday, August 14, 2010
Lexus’ Tricked Out to the Max LS-460
Lexus’ Tricked Out to the Max LS-460Driving enthusiasts have come to expect more and more technological features equipped with their new cars. Just one generation ago, getting something above an AM radio was considered a bonus, but today there are so many electronic devices out there, that motorists expect more…a lot more in fact. Lexus is about to push up the ante a bit more by introducing its all new LS-460, a car that has been electronically “tricked out” to the max. If you thought your personal computer had power, just wait: the LS-460 will likely have you beat by a high tech mile.
The world’s love affair with all things high tech continues unabated. Personal computers, cell phones, wi-fi, IPODS, are some of the electronic devices we use on a regular basis. Imagine a world without consumer electronics…a scary thought, right? Well, the good folks at the Toyota Motor Company don’t want you to be without as evidenced in the cars that they are building. Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus, is a leader in providing top quality, extremely reliable luxury cars, but the company doesn’t stop there. Many models are equipped with all of the latest electronic gadgetry and the coming LS-460 will be the leader of the pack as it will offer the following features
Choosing the Best Car Audio System
Choosing the Best Car Audio SystemThe basic components of a high-quality car stereo system are an AM/FM tuner, a CD player, an amplifier (optional but recommended) and great speakers.
Rule: No auto audio can equal the performance of fine home equipment. The car compartment is small, besieged with engine and traffic noises, and surrounded with competing electrical signals. And all of this in a moving environment. A welter of technical and personal choices dictate the final package.
General guidelines: Shop around. Car audio components are often discounted. Check mail-order houses and the Internet for the best buys.
Essential: Deal with reputable businesses and buy name brands. Make sure you can exchange or return components in case they prove incompatible or do not fit into the car. Remember each unit must be installed and may require custom mounting accessories. Keep personal tastes in mind. Rock and country music fans usually prefer stronger bass ranges. Classical music requires good mid and treble.
Car Tuning Changes a Car From the Ordinary to the Extraordinary
Car Tuning Changes a Car From the Ordinary to the ExtraordinaryCar tuning has been more than a hobby but a way of life for some people. For those of us who have no idea what tuned cars are, think of the movie “Fast and the Furious”. The idea is to take a regular car and modify it to make it something special. It can be simply changing parts to have better fuel economy. Though many tuned cars are so changed they barely resemble the car they started out as.
The idea of car tuning is to improve performance and handling of the car to suit a specific driving style. This may involve installing new turbochargers. Modifying a car’s engine cooling unit is common as well. Though some people have ripped out the entire engine and installed a more powerful engine. Changing up the suspension will change how a car handles. Often springs, shock absorbers, and sway bars will be modified. Using shorter springs give the car a lower look but also lowers the center of gravity. With shorter it is important to also change to shorter internals to stop from bottoming out. Going with stiffer shock absorbers improves the dynamic weight shifting when cornering. Stiffer sway bard improves handling response.
However car tuning modifications don’t end with just improving the performance and handling of a car. Just watch the show “Pimp my Ride” to see what can be done to a car. They tuned cars that should not have even been on the road and created high performance works of art. Let’s say you have an Audi you want to tune. What is involved in Audi tuning?
How to Go About Buying a Pioneer Car Audio System
How to Go About Buying a Pioneer Car Audio SystemPioneer car audio system is made up of several components and they include amplifiers, head units, changers, equalizers, speakers, satellites radios and others. For the speakers, they come in several sub categories which are car speakers, subwoofers, tweeters, component speakers and subwoofer enclosures. There are CD changers and add on changers. The head units include Cd players, cassettes players, in dash video, DVD players and Mp3 CD players. Amplifiers can be single channel or multi channels. Pioneer car audio systems are known for their good quality and when you get them, you can be sure that you are getting value for your money. There are very many online and off line stores that stock Pioneer car audio systems.
Mostly, car audio are characterized into the source, the sound, the bass and the power. The source is the origin of the sound while the bass is the subwoofer that are responsible for the low frequencies in a system. When you are seeking to purchase, you will most probably be seeking for only one of these systems or two. It is therefore advisable to make sure that the systems are compatible so that you can achieve the best results. Get both systems from Pioneer and notice the difference compared to Pioneer and another brand. Keep in mind the features you want in your Pioneer car audio system. There may be features that do not please you and there are features that you will find very pleasing. Since there is so much variety to choose from, do not settle for less.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
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