11:08 AM
Mr EX
Billy Idol was recently spotted next to his motorcycle in Malibu sporting his classic bleached out hair. We have to wonder if Billy has anything but bikes in his garage.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
2013 Audi R8 Spy Shots
Motor Authority has released some spy shots taken of the new 2013 Audi R8 coupe which reveal more never before seen details of the supercar.
The new face-lifted R8 both in a coupe and convertible version is expected to be unveiled later this year, most likely at the Paris Auto Show in September. This means it is likely to hit all showrooms at the end of 2012, making it a 2013 model.
With a completely brand new model due out in a couple of years, Audi is keeping the changes to the current R8 at a minimum. Designers have appeared to have made only minor tweaks to the exterior of the car which is expected for the interior as well.
The biggest and most apparent change to the R8 is at the front, which adopts a new bumper and revised headlights. All-LED elements can be seen in the headlight unit, and the overall shape of the lights appear to feature a sharper look similar to what was seen on the 2010 e-tron Spyder concept.
The engine lineup should still consist of a base 4.2-litre V-8 and range-topping 5.2-litre V-10. However, output may be increased slightly to better align with the competition and the 5.2-litre V-10 model seeing as much as 540 horsepower for this facelift.
Rather than increasing output significantly, Audi engineers are believed to be focusing on shedding weight. This may be achieved through the use of thinner glass, carbon fibre and aluminium constructions and lightweight carpeting.
The big news is that with this facelift, Audi may finally do away with its clunky R tronic sequential manual gearbox in the R8, replacing it instead with an S tronic dual clutch arrangement.
Posted in: shotsWednesday, April 4, 2012
2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II
The 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II reveals new design features, even though the basic appearance of the vehicle has not changed through the years.
From its inception in 2003, the Phantom series has been built as an ultra-luxury vehicle and the 2012 version sees the introduction of advanced cutting edge technology, improved drivetrain performance, and the latest in connectivity to complement the luxury.
Exterior
The front of the car is where the most visible changes can be seen. The grille has been completely re-styled and the headlights now sport a rectangular appearance.
The lights themselves are full-LED clusters to ensure easy integration with modern light technology, including curve light capability where the beams are reflected in the direction of travel. This feature provides improved illumination when coming around corners.
The headlights are also adaptive, meaning the beam can change according to driving conditions. When traveling at lower speeds, the beam is dispersed over a wider angle to make it easier to spot pedestrians. The beam automatically extends and slightly favors the driver's side of the road at higher speeds.
Performance
The drivetrain on the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II sees several enhancements. The car is now equipped with a new 8-speed, fully automatic transmission with rear differential.
This controls the V12, direct injection engine. The enhancements have led to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and to reduced CO2 emissions.
Added Features Inside
The Phantom Coupe Series II has also had a revamp of the electronics. The SatNav system has been upgraded. It now can display 3D maps and surrounding topography. It also provides information on the local area, such as places of interest, local theaters and restaurants.
The SatNav, audio-visual and driver information displays appear on the 8.8" full color screen. The screen is also used to display images from the front, rear and top-mounted cameras. There are 8 pre-programmable buttons under the screen that can be used to give quick access to numerous options, like the phone book.
From its inception in 2003, the Phantom series has been built as an ultra-luxury vehicle and the 2012 version sees the introduction of advanced cutting edge technology, improved drivetrain performance, and the latest in connectivity to complement the luxury.
Exterior
The front of the car is where the most visible changes can be seen. The grille has been completely re-styled and the headlights now sport a rectangular appearance.
The lights themselves are full-LED clusters to ensure easy integration with modern light technology, including curve light capability where the beams are reflected in the direction of travel. This feature provides improved illumination when coming around corners.
The headlights are also adaptive, meaning the beam can change according to driving conditions. When traveling at lower speeds, the beam is dispersed over a wider angle to make it easier to spot pedestrians. The beam automatically extends and slightly favors the driver's side of the road at higher speeds.
Performance
The drivetrain on the 2012 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Series II sees several enhancements. The car is now equipped with a new 8-speed, fully automatic transmission with rear differential.
This controls the V12, direct injection engine. The enhancements have led to a 10% reduction in fuel consumption and to reduced CO2 emissions.
Added Features Inside
The Phantom Coupe Series II has also had a revamp of the electronics. The SatNav system has been upgraded. It now can display 3D maps and surrounding topography. It also provides information on the local area, such as places of interest, local theaters and restaurants.
The SatNav, audio-visual and driver information displays appear on the 8.8" full color screen. The screen is also used to display images from the front, rear and top-mounted cameras. There are 8 pre-programmable buttons under the screen that can be used to give quick access to numerous options, like the phone book.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Coupe | Base Price: $452,000.00 |
| Length: 220.9 in. (561.2 cm) | Wheel Base: 130.7in. (332 cm) |
| Height: 62.9 in. (159.8 cm) | Width: 78.2 in. (198.7 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5795 lbs (2580 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: NA | Maximum Seating: 4 people |
| Engine: 48 Valve V12 | Displacement: 6.75 Liter |
| Horsepower: 453 HP | Max RPM: 5350 RPM |
| Torque: 531 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic |
| 0-60 mph: 5.8 seconds | Maximum Speed: 155 mph (249 km/h) |
2012 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid
The 2012 Lotus Evora 414E Hybrid incorporates several of Lotus's new developments.
The car features the latest technology in long-range electric propulsion.
It also uses the very latest technology innovations in electronics to assist the driver and has a totally new roof system and brand new interior design.
Performance
The drivetrain system has been developed in-house by Lotus Engineering. The two engines have been limited to delivering 207hp and 295lb-ft of torque to each wheel. This means the car can deliver different torque levels to each wheel and leads to higher stability without sacrificing response.
Part of the design concept for the Evora 414E Hybrid is to make the transition from standard internal combustion engines to hybrids as seamless as possible. The car is fitted with a simulated paddle shift that allows for lightning-quick gear changes and helps make the car feel like a standard sports car.
When the paddle shift, which is mounted on the steering column, is used to change gears, the synthesized engine sound also changes and modulated torque is used to create the sensation of a gearshift jolt.
Braking
The system also permits simulated engine braking by allowing the driver to downshift, something that is rare in hybrid cars because of the need to use dissipated energy to recharge batteries.
The driver can therefore dictate the braking characteristics, just as in a normal car. Alternatively, this feature can be switched off for reduced driver control leading to a more relaxed driving experience.
Exterior & Interior
Visually, the 2012 Evora 414E Hybrid is very much a Lotus but with a distinctive color scheme. The interior design team has come up with a copper theme for both the exterior and the interior. The theme, inspired by the colors associated with electrical wiring, is used extensively from stripes in the seats to inserts on the instrument panels.
The battery pack can be charged overnight from a standard mains socket, and the car can travel up to 35 miles on battery power only. The standard Lotus Range Extender gas powered engine can also recharge the batteries.
The car features the latest technology in long-range electric propulsion.
It also uses the very latest technology innovations in electronics to assist the driver and has a totally new roof system and brand new interior design.
Performance
The drivetrain system has been developed in-house by Lotus Engineering. The two engines have been limited to delivering 207hp and 295lb-ft of torque to each wheel. This means the car can deliver different torque levels to each wheel and leads to higher stability without sacrificing response.
Part of the design concept for the Evora 414E Hybrid is to make the transition from standard internal combustion engines to hybrids as seamless as possible. The car is fitted with a simulated paddle shift that allows for lightning-quick gear changes and helps make the car feel like a standard sports car.
When the paddle shift, which is mounted on the steering column, is used to change gears, the synthesized engine sound also changes and modulated torque is used to create the sensation of a gearshift jolt.
Braking
The system also permits simulated engine braking by allowing the driver to downshift, something that is rare in hybrid cars because of the need to use dissipated energy to recharge batteries.
The driver can therefore dictate the braking characteristics, just as in a normal car. Alternatively, this feature can be switched off for reduced driver control leading to a more relaxed driving experience.
Exterior & Interior
Visually, the 2012 Evora 414E Hybrid is very much a Lotus but with a distinctive color scheme. The interior design team has come up with a copper theme for both the exterior and the interior. The theme, inspired by the colors associated with electrical wiring, is used extensively from stripes in the seats to inserts on the instrument panels.
The battery pack can be charged overnight from a standard mains socket, and the car can travel up to 35 miles on battery power only. The standard Lotus Range Extender gas powered engine can also recharge the batteries.
2012 Porsche Panamera GTS
The new 2012 Porsche Panamera GTS enters the year with more power, an upgraded braking system, and lowered body, this car is fit for the racing circuit.
Modifications
The technical modifications have made it fast, safe, and efficient, so that you can have speed, without sacrificing the practicality of a four-passenger vehicle.
All Performance
This Sedan could fool you by its looks. With its V8, 4.8 liter engine and great design features, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 178 miles per hour.
The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) – offers 7-speed sports performance in manual, and automatic mode. The PDK allows rapid change in gears with no interruption of power flow.
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – all-wheel drive and electronic and map controlled clutch with automatic brake differential and anti-slip regulation.
Direct Fuel Injection – DFI injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber for more effective combustion, improving internal cooling, and ensuring engine efficiency.
Interactive Features
Auto Start and Stop Function – the system will automatically turn the engine off at a stop light, saving fuel, and then restart the engine, as soon as you release the brake pedal. This can be activated or deactivated with the push of a button.
VarioCam Plus – automatically alters the intake camshafts, and changes the lift of the intake valves for acceleration power, and low fuel consumption.
Exhaust System – the tailpipes are made of long lasting stainless-steel alloys, and painted in matte black. The catalytic converters heat rapidly, delivering more effective emissions control.
More Upgrades
The Panamera GTS has adaptive air suspension, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the body was lowered by 10 millimeters, and upgraded the brakes, making the technical modifications which were necessary to have speed performance, without taking away practicality.
With stiffer shocks and wheel spacers to increase the rear track, and the Standard Sport Chrono Package with launch control, delivers a speedy car with a high-quality drive.
Interior & Exterior
The four-passenger sedan comes in metallic, standard, or special colors such as Carmine Red, Crystal Green Metallic, GT Silver Metallic, Cognac Metallic, or Amethyst Metallic, and has black highlights.
The interior shows off adaptive sport seats, a SportDesign steering wheel with shifting paddles, and GTS leather upholstery and Alcantara surfaces, making it sporty yet classy looking.
If you need a practical car, but want a sporty, fast car, the Porsche Panamera GTS is the one to test.
Modifications
The technical modifications have made it fast, safe, and efficient, so that you can have speed, without sacrificing the practicality of a four-passenger vehicle.
All Performance
This Sedan could fool you by its looks. With its V8, 4.8 liter engine and great design features, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 178 miles per hour.
The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) – offers 7-speed sports performance in manual, and automatic mode. The PDK allows rapid change in gears with no interruption of power flow.
Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – all-wheel drive and electronic and map controlled clutch with automatic brake differential and anti-slip regulation.
Direct Fuel Injection – DFI injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber for more effective combustion, improving internal cooling, and ensuring engine efficiency.
Interactive Features
Auto Start and Stop Function – the system will automatically turn the engine off at a stop light, saving fuel, and then restart the engine, as soon as you release the brake pedal. This can be activated or deactivated with the push of a button.
VarioCam Plus – automatically alters the intake camshafts, and changes the lift of the intake valves for acceleration power, and low fuel consumption.
Exhaust System – the tailpipes are made of long lasting stainless-steel alloys, and painted in matte black. The catalytic converters heat rapidly, delivering more effective emissions control.
More Upgrades
The Panamera GTS has adaptive air suspension, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), the body was lowered by 10 millimeters, and upgraded the brakes, making the technical modifications which were necessary to have speed performance, without taking away practicality.
With stiffer shocks and wheel spacers to increase the rear track, and the Standard Sport Chrono Package with launch control, delivers a speedy car with a high-quality drive.
Interior & Exterior
The four-passenger sedan comes in metallic, standard, or special colors such as Carmine Red, Crystal Green Metallic, GT Silver Metallic, Cognac Metallic, or Amethyst Metallic, and has black highlights.
The interior shows off adaptive sport seats, a SportDesign steering wheel with shifting paddles, and GTS leather upholstery and Alcantara surfaces, making it sporty yet classy looking.
If you need a practical car, but want a sporty, fast car, the Porsche Panamera GTS is the one to test.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Coupe | Base Price: $109,900.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 26.4 gallons (99 liters) | Miles Per Gallon: NA |
| Length: 195.6 in. (496 cm) | Wheel Base: 114.9 in. (291.8 cm) |
| Height: 55.4 in. (140.7 cm) | Width: 76 in. (193 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 4232 lbs (1919 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 15.7 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 4 people |
| Engine: Front V8 | Displacement: 4.8 Liter |
| Horsepower: 430 HP | Max RPM: 6700 RPM |
| Torque: 384 lb-ft | Transmission: 7-Speed PDK |
| 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds | Maximum Speed: 178 mph (286 km/h) |
Fisker Atlantic hybrid sedan revealed in NYC
Fisker recently revealed its new Atlantic at the New York auto show, a plug-in hybrid sedan that with its good looks sets a new high for hybrids.
Although Fisker hasn’t been very vocal about all-electric range, cost or an estimated delivery date, for now the car speaks for itself. It’s a ‘mid-sized sports sedan’, about the size of an Audi A5 Sportback, with a long bonnet that’s slightly uptilted in classic American style, an ultra-short rear deck and hidden rear door handles.
One thing executive chairman Henrik Fisker was very happy to talk about was that the Atlantic is a car that will be built and will go into production. It is “a promise we are going to deliver,” he said.
When it does eventually arrive, the Atlantic is likely to look very similar to the vehicle revealed with Fisker stating in his presentation that the company does not do concepts making reference to the little change seen in the Karma from auto show reveal to showroom.
However, the Karma has received some bad press recently with the first 239 units being recalled in December 2011, and a later unit braking down during a Consumer Report test. So, Fisker would do well to bring out a more reliable car to the market as soon as possible.
With regard to the engine, It’ll also sport Fisker’s second-generation EVer (Electric Vehicle with extended range) powertrain with the official press release stateing that “Its four-cylinder gasoline engine, which acts as a generator and is not mechanically connected to the wheels, is tuned to offer maximum economy and high torque. The standard powertrain will be configured for rear-wheel drive and an all-wheel drive version will be offered as an option.”
Source: Auto Blog
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2013 SRT Viper Leaked Ahead Of New York Debut
The images, dredged up by InsideLine, show the new Viper as we expected, and as several renderings making the rounds of the Web have predicted: sleeker, smoother, in many ways more like the original Viper. But still big, mean, and aggressive.
We'll have the full details on the 2013 Viper when they're available--including live shots and whatever else we can get our hands on--but until then, enjoy the pre-pre-show.
Source: Motor Authority
