SMMT Exec: UK Market ‘Reaching State of Emergency’
February 28, 2009
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT) is clamoring for government action crucial to the industry, as SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said that the market is “reaching a state of emergency.”
The SMMT’s list of proposals is intended to aid the plight of the ailing UK motor industry. These suggestions include the delaying of the Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax, deffering the new CO2-based business car capital allowance regime, delaying or removing altogether the planned introduction of a first-year tax rate on new cars by 2010 or 2011, and enhanced vehicle replacement for government agencies in 2009 and 2010.
“The government must use the budget to boost consumer confidence and kick-start the market with a scrappage incentive scheme to encourage private sales and tax changes to generate business sales,” said Everitt.
Even the UK market has struggled so much that extensive government action seems to be a necessary solution. As Everitt said, what the government does is “crucial to the future success of the sector.” While offering all these incentives to encourage new-car sales is key, automakers for their part need to do some serious enticing of their own.download thx 1138 dvdrip bruce almighty movie download
True Volt Prototypes Scheduled by June
February 28, 2009
General Motors has confirmed that it will be building actual Volt prototypes starting June 1, ushering in a new stage of testing that will culminate in the hands-on trial of a fleet of Volts prior to launch.
Until now, the Volt hasn’t been actually tested. Only the Volt’s powertrain system has seen real action, mounted on hacked Chevrolet Cruzes. This is a step up in the “phases leading up to the production launch,” as described by GM Voltec powertrain manager Greg Ceisel. Next year, GM employees will be able to get their hands on the 100-Volt fleet as the testing reaches the next level.
GM said that the prototypes will be strictly inspected for finish, details, and quality at every stage of the production process. “The prototypes will look, taste, smell and feel like the Volt,” said Volt chief engineer Andrew Farah. “They are the Volt.”
The Volt is scheduled for full production by November 2010, with the UK release, the Vauxhaull Ampera, due sometime in 2012.good year a free
The “Progressor” Cayenne by JE Design
February 28, 2009
The GTS Porsche Design Edition 3 wasn’t the only design-intensive model unveiled today. JE Design has come up with an appearance upgrade kit for the tuner-favorite luxury SUV, called the JE Design Progressor.
The JE Design Progressor is based on a 957 Porsche Cayenne and will feature extensive design tweaks. The elements that banner the Progressor’s looks are LED daytime running lights and a new kit that makes the front, side, and rear look more aggressive. To account for a widened track, the tuner also provided vented fender wells.
Aside from widening the track (60mm at the front, 80mm at the back), JE Design also provided the Progresser with adjustable lowering. The lowering can be done with an electronic lowering kit or an optional coilover. The vehicle can be lowered from 35mm to 70mm. Rounding out the kit are a set of five-spoke 22×10-inch alloy wheels.
The Progressor kit is available now from JE Design. While the Progressor may not be as sleek or as exclusive nor does it have the interior upgrades of the GTS Porsche Design Edition 3, it still offers a versatile lowered ride.
Source: Motor Authority
Scorpion Motorsports Comes Up with 3-Wheeled Wonder
February 24, 2009
Automotive design firm Scorpion Motorsports has come up with a unique three-wheeled marvel, a lightweight sports car called the Scorpion Prodigy P6. And, mind you, it’s street legal.
With the tagline, “Three Wheels, Zero Compromises”, the Prodigy P6 features a single centrally-aligned rear wheel rather than two wheels on either side. This configuration is intended to give the Prodigy P6 maneuverability unheard of in standard-layout race cars. The setup also allows owners to register the lightweight Scorpion Prodigy cars as motorbikes, making them street legal in the process. The three-wheel configuration also eliminates much of the rolling friction in standard cars, allowing better efficiency. Hence, the driver also saves more on fuel.
Power emanates from a Suzuki Hayabusa 2002-2005 GSXR 600 four-cylinder engine, allowing the Prodigy P6 to reach 125 horsepower. It can go from 0-60 in a few shades over 3 seconds (it clocks in at 3.3 seconds).
The Scorpion Prodigy P6 is indeed a novel design, and it’s got some advantages that just might give it decent patronage. Then again, there are complicated regulations regarding registration and usage of 3-wheelers in every state, so that’s a roadblock potential buyers will have to deal with before they can enjoy their Prodigy.
Source: Motor Authority
Updated Toyota Auris Gets Improved Engines
February 19, 2009
Among the most significant improvements on the new range of the Toyota Auris 3-door/5-door hatchback are improved engines that should offer better efficiency for the vehicle, thanks to optimized valve technology.
Replacing the previous 1.6L Auris’ VVT-i engine will be a new 1.6-liter Valvematic petrol engine. The improved valve technology gives the engine 43.5 mpg efficiency, 2.6 mpg better than the previous model. The new Valvematic engine is not only more efficient, it also provides more power and better fuel emission figures. It offers 131 brake horsepower, 8 better than the previous.
The CO2 emission numbers are also down, with the updated car going 153 g/Km. Toyota contends that every other engine available in the range provides improved performance, as well, like the Multimode variant’s improved 45.6-mpg efficiency and 146g/Km emissions.
There’s a standard six-speed manual transmission across the four trims, and there’s the Multimode transmission, an automated clutch system that allows gearshift-controlled sequential manual changes. Automatic transmission is also an option.
The revamped Toyota Auris line offers good numbers, and Toyota has improved these figures with the introduction of the updated range.
Source: Autocar
Official Details on 2009 Pagani Zonda R
February 17, 2009
The Pagani Zonda has helped push the boundaries of what’s possible in a super car. An outrageous design. Speed that puts many a Ferrari to shame. A blistering lap time around the Nurburgring. Now, Pagani is proud to announce the latest developments in the Zonda R for the new year.
The new Zonda R’s V12 engine comes from Merc’s AMG tuning division. It churns out a massive 750 hp and 710 Nm of torque. That, matched with the Zonda’s lightweight carbon fiber body makes for a high hp per ton ratio. The chassis is equipped with a roll cage and brand new front and rear subframes. and It even has a racing fuel tank for good sporting measure.
The body work’s not only for crazy supercar showcase but all the bits and pieces were designed to give the Zonda more downforce. The adjustable wings allows drivers to set the car up for different track requirements.
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