Video: Dumb Bronco Tricks

Another low-effort post on my part. Snarky comment: maybe better to clean off windshield before ramming your way out of your parking space. Watch to the end for the money shot, radiator fluid bleeding out onto the garage floor.


Why You Should Always Defrost Your Windshield - Watch more free videos

Classic Restoration Project Vehicles For Sale on eBay!

We have added a couple of vehicles that would be absolute choice classic car/truck restoration projects to eBay auctions... a 1950 Chevrolet 4100 split-windshield dump truck capable of hauling over 5 tons, and a 1969 Ford Thunderbird with a 429 Thunder Jet engine and a Positrack 9 inch rear end!

Both vehicles can be seen at the shop and are available online for bidding at eBay.

Or click on the photos of either classic to see its eBay listing:

1950 Chevrolet 4100 split-windshield 5.5 ton gravel dump truck with turn signal accessory kit and floor start pedal switch. I (Doug, the webmaster) was actually hoping to nab this for myself, but the owner has decided to put it up for auction. The cab body, doors, fenders, grill and front bumber assembly all seems to be in very good shape with only minor dents to bang out. Unfortunately, there is no title, though we might be able to get one as it had been abandoned for over 3 years.


1969 Ford Thunderbird with a 429 Thunder Jet engine and PosiTrack 9 inch rear end. This classic coupe is a rare find with what I view as considerably straight body lines. Most of the chrome trim appears to be there, including some of the more rare chrome trim parts. Although there is some rust, I honestly think that it is minimal for such a find. The trunk floor seems to be rotted out, but the rest of the body parts look restorable with a little muss and fuss. Plus, it has a clean title. It even starts (although we have no key), runs, drives and stops!

Looking For A Good Home...
Hopefully, these units will find a good home. We could have parted them out ourselves, but we are hopeful that someone will want to invest the time and money required in making them real show-stoppers, again. However, we have no restrictions on thier sale, as we know there are many Ford racers who might want that 429 Thunder Jet engine and 9 inch rear end, as well.

Other Vehicles For Sale:
Syd's Eastside Auto Parts always has a selection of used vehicles listed for sale online in the Used Cars & Trucks For Sale section of the website, if you aren't interested in investing a ton of money and time to restore an older classic car or truck, but would like to find a good running vehicle.

UPDATE (April 4th, 2008):
Although neither vehicle sold last week, there was quite a bit of interest in both of them. We might be selling the Thunderbird to a private party soon, and we are looking into getting a title for the abandoned Chevrolet 4100 dump truck.

Thanks to all who expressed an interest in these vehicles or even just checked them out!

-Syd's Eastside

Protect yourself From Car Repairs Scams

Things have changes significantly since the early days of the automobile. What was once relative simple machinery (seen from today’s point of view), it has developed to become a very complex system that makes a car what it is.

This has some benefits, as into modern cars more and more technology and features are added, but also a series of drawbacks. When it comes to repairing your own car, things have become more complicated. Modern vehicles have many computers that effectively control everything a car does and a lot of electric schemes and that is why repairing your car in your own back yard is not feasible to almost anyone with a car newer than 15 years old .

Because cars nowadays very complex. Everybody recommends going to a large repair shop when something goes wrong. But in the same time some car repair shops are more likely to take advantage of their customers' ignorance.

No one expects you to become a car mechanic overnight, but if you are ignorant about your car and car repairing, mechanics in some car repair shops can take advantage of your ignorance.

In addition, spending months in the court of justice arguing against the shop that has repaired your car is not the way you want to spend your time, I would presume. There are couple ways to protect yourself and your wallet from car repair shop owners that try to take advantage of people when it comes to their cars.

Before you go to the repair shop, do some research about every service center you are considering going to. Check out the shop through ever means available to you, such as word-of-mouth, the Internet (people can post on their blogs or in forums their experience with car repair shops), or other resources (a very valuable resource for finding information about a certain company is the Better Business Bureau).

These resources (including the Better Business Bureau) can be found both online and offline and they are valuable as they offer you a convenient way to check a business's standing and whether there are any unresolved complaints against them. Also, talk to your friends and relatives to find out what car shops they go to and if they are satisfied with the mechanics and the prices.

Second, ask for recommendations. If you do not even know where to start, or you would rather go to a shop with which someone you know has had personal experience, you can ask around for recommendations.

For example, a friend’s recommendation that he has brought his car to the same mechanic for ten years and is satisfied with the work done is a very convincing argument. When you go to a repair shop you have never gone before, be sure to ask many questions.

This is perfectly normal and they will see that you are very interested in their services and your car. You should ask about their prices, their guarantees or warrantees, how much experience their mechanics have, whether they have won any awards, and how they handle customer complaints and other similar questions.

As important, it is to show an interest in your car. Do not leave it alone with the mechanics, stay with them when they look at it to be sure that they look everywhere and in this way, you can avoid them making you to pay for things they never fixed on your car.
Finally, when they tell you what the problem is, request to see the problem. This is in fact your legal right and it is just another method to avoid being abused by the repair shop.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/protect-yourself-from-car-repairs-scams-365605.html

Video: Insane Motorcycle Guy

Effing nuts.


Insane Motorcycle Dash Cam Footage - Watch more free videos

Video: Robot Big Dog

This is a video of the "Big Dog" robot project, from Boston Dynamics. This is very impressive, especially how they programmed the robot to have reflexes, so that if it thinks it is falling or slipping, it splays out the appropriate leg and catches itself. The buzzing noise is from a small gasoline engine that they are using to generate self contained hydraulic power.


Awesome Lifelike Robotic Dog - Watch more free videos

Leaked: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupé

The Hyundai Genesis Coupé was leaked onto the Internet for a few days now and it will have a world debut at the New York motorshow. Marketed as a 2010 model, the Genesis Coupé is likely to reach UK shores.

Only 2 petrol engines will be available at launch; 2.0 litre 4 in line turbo and a 3.8 litre V6 which I think is borrowed of the U.S KIA Sedona. The V6 should produce around 300bhp. No word a the 4.6 litre V8 which could come from the Genesis sedan.

In other news, its rumoured Hyundai could bring two new coupes into the UK by 2009. First of all will be the Genesis Coupé which is set to rival the Nissan 350Z and secondly will be the Hyundai Coupé. The new, smaller coupe will be based of the Volester concept while prices are expected to start from £15,000. The prime rival is the Mazda MX-5 which sells massively in the UK.

Been thinking....

Although this post won't have a huge affect on the car industry, in the last few weeks I've been thinking about dropping the forum in favor for a homepage and this blog.

The reason for axing it will be on the link below.

So, the big quetion is Should the forum be axed?

Please vote for your choice.

Thank you

Jeep Dealership Houston Texas – the Best of Its Kind

One of the main sources of information if you are looking for jeep dealership Houston, Texas is the Internet. If you key into the search engine you would find a number of options available. Some sites accumulate all the data (across all over the United States) and store it into a large database for user convenience.

This process is highly beneficial for both the buyer and the seller. It is not possible for the buyer to know each and every seller in the locality. Internet search makes the whole process of localized searching as easy as a pie with just a mouse click. One can simply put in the area, type the name of the jeep manufacturing company, select the model and input the zip code of Houston, Texas. Within few seconds the result will list all the names of jeep dealers Houston will be reflected on your screen. You will also view the options to find out about 'Used Auto Dealerships' in Houston Texas if you are looking for a second hand car. Search engines access the right database to facilitate the user experience.

Buyers are provided with ample information about the sources that are accessible to them. In addition, they can view the details of the car and its price. The buyer can even check the price list of various dealers and decide on his selected vehicle. Conversely, sellers too get similar facilities. Due to high competitive nature of the jeep dealership Houston, Texas market the prices are kept at a minimal.

Online the buyer can get hassle free discounted quotes on his selected jeeps. And if you are worried about hidden costs you can make full enquiries about the jeep before purchase. Moreover, visiting any site and enquiring does not put you under any obligation to buy.

If you are enquiring about Archer Chrysler Jeep, then you can get an unlimited number of quotes from the Chrysler Dealer Houston. For quick information buyers can also get 'Quick Quotes' and 'Nada Guides'.

Help on finance is also available if you are looking for car loans. Information on Gap Insurance, how to pre-qualify for the car loan, car loan payment rate calculator and privacy statement – all can be obtained through the jeep dealership Houston, Texas websites.

Not only new and used jeeps, spare parts for the old jeep can also be acquired by filling out a simple form. The form has some easy to comprehend data fields. Under the 'vehicle information' – year, miles, make, VIN and model number should be provided. Under 'parts information' - 'part number' and 'part description' are to be supplied. Under the 'additional information' - 'part needed by', 'customer account number', 'payment method' and 'business name' are to be provided.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/jeep-dealership-houston-texas-the-best-of-its-kind-356237.html

Mercedes BlueTEC added to SUV range

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel initiative in the USA with three new SUVs equipped with the world’s latest and cleanest diesel engine. The new models R 320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC will initially be available exclusively in America. They are powered by an up-to-date V6 engine featuring the environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology, with whose help the diesel cars produced by the Stuttgart manufacturer already count as the world’s cleanest. The new models are equipped with AdBlue injection, which has already been demonstrating its exemplary effectiveness and economy in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for a number of years. As a result the three new SUVs achieve even lower emissions, are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. All three of these new SUVs have also been significantly upgraded with much more extensive standard equipment, and now offer even more comfort together with unique safety features. With these diesel vehicles Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its status as the technological leader. The new models will be available in the USA from autumn 2008.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world’s first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future – and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output, the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USAin times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the high-ways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissions The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

Key technical data at a glance:

Cylinders V6 Valves per cylinder 4 Displacement cc 2987 Bore x stroke mm 83 x 93 Compression ratio 1:16.5 kW/hp at rpm 155/210 at 3400 Nm at rpm 540 at 1600 – 2400

Certain features of the six-cylinder diesel engine had to be modified for use in the new models ML 320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston crowns were revised for an improved mixture formation, and the compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger and engine control unit were also improved and reconfigured. All three of the new SUVs are available only with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nitrogen oxides drastically reduced with BlueTEC As a modular concept for an effective reduction in the fuel consumption and emissions of diesel vehicles, the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz puts in place a number of coordinated measures which both minimise untreated emissions using in-engine features and ensure efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment. All relevant emissions components are successively and concertedly reduced to a minimum, in part by using an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter. The most important goal is to achieve a drastic reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, the only exhaust gas constituent which has inherently higher levels in diesel engines than in petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions to this end. In the E320 BlueTEC Saloon available in the USA and the E300 BlueTEC sold in Europe, an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter are combined with a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter. The second BlueTEC version is used for the new GL320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC models. In this case AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia, of which 80 percent is reduced to form harmless nitrogen and water by the downstream SCR converter.

R320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC: The cleanest solution: Mercedes-Benz to introduce the first diesel models with AdBlue injection in America

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its diesel initiative in the USA with three new SUVs equipped with the world&rsquos latest and cleanest diesel engine. The new models R320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and GL320 BlueTEC will initially be available exclusively in America. They are powered by an up-to-date V6 engine featuring the environmentally friendly Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC technology, with whose help the diesel cars produced by the Stuttgart manufacturer already count as the worlds cleanest. The new models are equipped with AdBlue injection, which has already been demonstrating its exemplary effectiveness and economy in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses for a number of years. As a result the three new SUVs achieve even lower emissions, are able to better the stringent Bin 5 limits applicable in the USA, and also have the potential to meet the coming EU6 standards. All three of these new SUVs have also been significantly upgraded with much more extensive standard equipment, and now offer even more comfort together with unique safety features. With these diesel vehicles Mercedes-Benz is once again underlining its status as the technological leader. The new models will be available in the USA from autumn 2008.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world&rsquos first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future &ndash and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output, the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USA in times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the high-ways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissions:

The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the
GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

Key technical data at a glance:

Cylinders V6
Valves per cylinder 4
Displacement cc 2987
Bore x stroke mm 83 x 93
Compression ratio 1:16.5
kW/hp at rpm 155/210 at 3400
Nm at rpm 540 at 1600 &ndash 2400

Certain features of the six-cylinder diesel engine had to be modified for use in the new models ML320 BlueTEC, GL320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC with AdBlue injection. The piston crowns were revised for an improved mixture formation, and the compression ratio was reduced from 17.7 to 16.5. The VNT turbocharger and engine control unit were also improved and reconfigured. All three of the new SUVs are available only with the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

Nitrogen oxides drastically reduced with BlueTEC:

As a modular concept for an effective reduction in the fuel consumption and emissions of diesel vehicles, the BlueTEC technology developed by Mercedes-Benz puts in place a number of coordinated measures which both minimise untreated emissions using in-engine features and ensure efficient exhaust gas aftertreatment. All relevant emissions components are successively and concertedly reduced to a minimum, in part by using an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter. The most important goal is to achieve a drastic reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, the only exhaust gas constituent which has inherently higher levels in diesel engines than in petrol engines. Mercedes-Benz has developed two versions to this end. In the E320 BlueTEC Saloon available in the USA and the E300 BlueTEC sold in Europe, an oxidising catalytic converter and a particulate filter are combined with a particularly durable NOx storage-type catalytic converter and a special SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter.

The second BlueTEC version is used for the new GL320 BlueTEC, ML320 BlueTEC and R320 BlueTEC models. In this case AdBlue, an aqueous urea solution is injected into the stream of exhaust gases. This releases ammonia, of which 80 percent is reduced to form harmless nitrogen and water by the downstream SCR converter.

So, if you are itching to get your hands of one of these, you're gonna have to wait because an insider from Mercedes said its being tweaked even more so its cleaner. Expect the SUV's to arrive in Europe in 2009.

New Car: 2008 Mercedes B-Class facelift

The revised Mercedes B-Class will make a world debut at the Leipzig motor show on 4 April. The only visible changes are the restyled front bumper, bolder grille and a more heavily creased bonnet.

Although the B-Class wasn't a hit with British customers, it still managed to sell around 325,000 units since its launch in 2005. The next generation B-Class is due in 2011. The B200 and B200 Turbo will be axed from the UK line-up in July since it hasn't met initial sales targets.

Press Release:

Not all the changes have been made to the exterior. Customers will have a choice of a newly developed B170 NGT BlueEfficiency. The new natural gas powered B 170 NGT (Natural Gas Technology) BlueEfficiency is capable of running on both natural gas and premium grade petrol while still delivering 85 kW / 116 hp of power, equal to that of the petrol powered version. A fully fueled B170 NGT can cover over 1,000 km.

The Mercedes B-Class range consists of the B150 (95 hp), B180 CDI (109 hp), B200 CDI (140 hp), B170 (116 hp), B170 NGT (116 hp), B200 (136 hp) and the range topping B200 Turbo (193 hp).

Engine tweaks result in a 7% fuel economy increase while emissions are well below current EU regulations.

Design:

Front end: restyled bonnet, radiator grille and bumper

Side profile: new-look exterior mirrors and new light-alloy wheels

Rear: tail lights in new high-brilliance look and remodeled bumper

Interior: new seat fabrics and diagonally brushed aluminum trim

Equipment:

Body-coloured exterior mirror housings, door handles and skirt panelsHeadlamp Assist as standard

ESP® with automatic hill-start assist as standard

Steering column manually adjustable for reach

Safety:

Flashing brake lights as standard

Crash-responsive emergency interior lighting as standard

Drive system

Advanced engines with fuel savings of up to seven percentECO start/stop function as an option for B 150 and B 170New B 170 NGT BlueEFFICIENCY with bi-fuel petrol/natural-gas drive system

Technology:

Active parking assist as an option

New infotainment systems including many extra functions

Surround sound system as an option

COMAND APS with standard features including voice control

Interactive media interface for linking up external audio devices

Jeep Grand Cherokee & Commander recall (U.S)

Jeep has issued a recall for 1,338 MY 2008 Grand Cherokee and Commander SUV's because of an incorrectly manufactured front control module that could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windscreen wipers to become disabled. Jeep dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary at no cost.

Related link:

New Car: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Honda Stream coming to the U.S

Do you want a stylish minivan that won't break the bank when it comes to purchasing and re-fuelling it, thats compact on the outside but spacious on the inside? Then listen up!

Insiders at Honda, report that they will import the Stream minivan in 2009. It will go head to head with the KIA Rondo and Mazda5. Engines are unknown but reports suggest that the Japanese Stream engines could be used; 1.8 & 2.0 litre petrol engines. An AWD Stream is under review. No 3rd row seats are set to be available for the U.S model but why is it coming 9 years later? Apparently, Honda sees a niché for a smaller vehicle.

Underneath, it shares the same platform as the CR-V and Civic. The Stream launched back in Japan in 2000, where it sold in its thousands, however, when it arrived in Europe, it failed completely.

Nissan/Infiniti recalls '09 Murano & '08 EX35

Nissan USA has announced that it is going to recall around 16,365 MY 2008 Infiniti EX35 and MY 2009 Nissan Murano crossovers due to incorrect software programming of the airbag control unit (ACU).

The faulty software, could result in the passenger airbag not inflating in a crash. Nissan and Infiniti dealers will re-program the ACU in affected vehicles at no extra cost.

Related link:

Nissan Murano pricing announced (U.S)

Carrera GT

Introduced at the Frankfurt International Motor Show two years ago, the Carrera GT was the undisputed highlight of the event. Today, Carrera GT owners have the opportunity to make this expensive and rare Porsche even more sporting and exclusive than it already is.

This unbelievable excess of power and individuality is made by edo competition Motorsport.

670, 715 and Even 770 bhp

edo competition achieves this level of power thanks to the use of a modified intake system, re-calibrated engine controls, high flow air filters and new header catalytic converters. To round off this power package, edo competition delivers a full stainless steel performance exhaust system featuring electronic programmable butterfly-valve control.

Acoustics are anything but neglected; the sport exhaust system, which is available in two different sound levels, produces a wonderful deep and sonorous tone, clearly announcing the approach of an edo competition Carrera GT.

The cat-back exhaust system was developed on the dynamometer from start to finish. The result is a power increase of 25 bhp and a 22 ft-lb increase in torque. An additional benefit: the system is 40 lbs lighter.

Aerodynamics

The aerodynamic rear wing is fabricated entirely from carbon fiber. The center portion of the Gurney Flap raises along with the retractable rear wing to produce additional downforce on the rear axle, along with the fixed flaps on either side of the wing.

Suspension

The 3-way adjustable edo/KW Competition shock absorbers and sports suspension system are designed for motorsports. For our 3-way adjustable shock absorbers, we employ gas mono-tube shocks that are adjustable for compression and rebound (separate adjustments for low/high speed compression damping) and feature a remote oil reservoir. The damping forces can be adjusted individually.

edo competition also offers an electro-hydraulic nose lift system as optional equipment.

Wheels

Optimum grip is provided by edo competition’s wheel and tire combinations. Employing a new wheel design, the edo competition Carrera GT is equipped with a set of 18 in. forged wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires. Front: 265/35 R18, Rear: 345/30 R18. Polished stainless steel outer rims and high-strength aluminum inner rims make these wheels a visual highlight.

All modifications are carried out exclusively at edo competition Motorsport GmbH in Ahlen.

Specifications
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R : ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Driveline : Rear Wheel Drive
Tires F-R : 265/35 R18 - 345/30 R18
Engine
Displacement cu in (cc) : 350 (5733)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM : 770(574) / n.a.
Redline at RPM : n.a.
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM : n.a.
Type : V10

New Car: 2008 Dacia Sandero

Some brands like to look back on their heritages and try to recover some of the glamour of old times by readopting their first badges. Fiat has been a recent example. Anyway, this is not something that works for all of them. Take Dacia for instance, now the Romanian automaker has to prove it is able to produce modern, affordable and reliable vehicles. And there is nothing better to print a new image than a new badge. The car chosen to showcase the new brand’s identity is the Sandero.


This medium-sized hatchback has been the first vehicle Renault has introduced in any place other than Europe. The chosen country for the “avant première” has been Brazil, where the car has received the Renault badge. Dacia is not a known automaker in the South American country and Renault itself was struggling to be recognised as a local automaker and make huge volumes there.

The European version of the hatch keeps most of its characteristics, apart from the engines, the brand’s badges (obviously) and the front fascia. As for the engines, Dacia Sandero will also offer three options, just like the Renault Sandero, but they will be very different. Fist of all, the entry level European Sandero will have a 1.4-engine delivering 75 cv, while the Brazilian version counts on a 1-litre 16V engine that pumps out 76 cv with petrol and 77 cv with ethanol (all Brazilian engines for Sandero are flexible). Both the European and the Brazilian Sandero count on a 1.6-litre engine, but the South American version is also more powerful: 92 cv (petrol)/95 cv (ethanol), against 90 cv from Dacia’s sibling. Anyway, there is something most Brazilians would eager to drive, but that is still not allowed in the country: a diesel version. The Dacia version will get two, both powered by a 1.5-litre engine, but with two different outputs: 70 cv and 85 cv. The flagship in Brazil is the Sandero Privilège 1.6 16V, with a 107 cv/112 cv (petrol/ethanol) 1.6-litre engine. Dimensions of both cars are also the same: 4.02 m in length, 2.59 m in wheelbase, 2 m in width (including mirrors) and, surprisingly, the same height: 1,53 m. Brazilian roads and streets demand European projects to be a little higher than they are in the Old World. The boot holds 320 l.

Sandero sales in Europe, Turkey and Maghreb will start in June 2008 and, in 2009, it will also be offered in South Africa. Though prices have not been released so far, they will be close to Logan’s. In Brazil, the entry level Sandero costs R$ 29,900, something like € 11,700 although, a £6,500 price tag is likely in the UK, it could steal sales away from the Clio Campus.

If sensibly priced, well equipped and has low emissions, I wouldn't mind purchasing this. After all, it is built for people who don't have lots of money to spend on a car.

Related links:

Dacia Sandero testing in Southern Italy

Renault Sandero video

Renault Sandero launches in Brazil

New Car: 2008 Renault Sandero

Michelin tyres to cut 20m tonnes of CO2

Overlook hybrids and stop-start systems, new designed tyres could save up to 20 million tonnes of CO2 in the next five years, claims the world’s largest tyre maker.

Michelin reckons it will sell 100 million of its new Energy Saver tyre by 2012. A set four tyres cuts a car’s CO2 output by 4g/km. The figure could be even higher if buyers of replacement tyres choose low-rolling resistance rubber.

Tyres account for up to 20 per cent of the energy consumption of a vehicle, through heat losses as the tyre deforms under load, commonly called rolling resistance.

The Energy Saver, which was developed with Peugeot for the new 308, uses a new material that combines low rolling resistance qualities with what Michelin claims are grip and wear qualities comparable to regular tyres.

The design is also lighter than the tyre it replaces, cutting mass and consequently reducing heat build up. Michelin claims that it will be able to cut rolling resistance of its tyres by 50 per cent by 2030.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé sold out!

Although the Phantom Coupé hasn't gone on sale yet, it received 200 orders and will be delivered to their respectful owners in spring 2009. RR Chairman and CEO, former BMW South Africa CEO Ian Robertson, says two out of three sales of the Phantom Coupe are by people who don’t currently own a Rolls-Royce.

“It means we’re beginning to appeal to a broader audience,” he said.

Rolls Royce has been on a serious comeback trail since the Phantom came into power. Last year they saw over 1,000 units shipped for the first time, signaling the proper return of the RR brand to the fore for the first time since the Germans took over. How unfortunate for the Mercedes Maybach....

Humming under the bonnet is the traditional 6.75-litre RR V12 that produces 453 hp/ 337kW and 720Nm of torque. Phantom Coupe is able to move from 0 – 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, topping off at 250km/h.

Vauxhall unveils new badge (UK)

This is Vauxhall's new badge. Due to be unveiled later this year, the sharp yet simple new logo will set a more upmarket feel for the company as it aims to pitch its forthcoming models against prestige rivals.

It now features a more subtle satin silver finish, although the trademark red background is retained. It’s much more dynamic and modern and updates a design that has been left largely untouched since 1903. The new badge will debut at July’s British Motor Show on the grille of the new Insignia, which replaces the current Vectra. The logo will then be rolled out across the rest of the firm’s range.

New badge on top and current badge below

Vauxhall goes dancing on ice

Ford unveiled their Focus facelift, we know Volkswagen is currently testing the Golf facelift but what is Vauxhall/Opel doing? Well, last weekend, spy photographers saw enginners undergoing cold-weather testing the new Astra in Northern Finland but the Astra is set to debut at the 2009 Geneva motorshow.

Despite the car’s disguise, the side profile, front fascia, rear bumper and tail lights overall shapes are visible. There is no insight into the 3-door model yet but it seems to be clear the five-door version will again get the current model’s sloping roof line plus the trapezoidal-shaped c-pillar.

Overall, the new car looks somewhat sleeker and yet more elegant. Besides the 5-door model pictured, Vauxhall/Opel will have a wagon, convertible and the 3-door in the pipeline, all following the 5-doors introduction, one by one.

The engine range will be similar to that used in today’s cars (75- to 240-bhp petrol units; 90- to 150-bhp diesels). Expect greener engines to arrive shortly after the car’s introduction.

Toyota Urban Cruiser at the '08 Geneva motorshow

Toyota will launch its long-awaited UC (Urban Cruiser) in early 2009. The UK is expected to be one of the first markets to recieve the SUV.

Sliding rear seats, keyless entry and start, front & rear electric windows, leather steering wheel and steering wheel mounted audio controls, leather gearstick are all expected to be standard equipment. Options will vary from door sills to a satillite navigation system to metallic or mica paint to leather seats.

Press Release:

Toyota has given its new Urban Cruiser small SUV its European debut at the Geneva motor show, the latest addition to its distinguished 4x4 vehicle heritage. The new model is aimed firmly at the urban all-road market, where European sales have almost doubled since 2002. Scheduled to go on sale in the UK during the first half of 2009, it responds to customer demand for stylish SUVs with lower fuel bills and CO2 emissions: Urban Cruiser is expected to come in below the 140g/km emissions benchmark. Urban Cruiser draws on Toyota’s rich history of SUVs, which began in 1951 with the launch of the legendary Land Cruiser and went on to feature the landmark RAV4 in 1994 – the model which created the European compact SUV market. The new Urban Cruiser is designed as an aspirational urban SUV that is very close in spirit to the discontinued three-door RAV4 with its compact dimensions, clever packaging, practicality and four-wheel drive transmission.

Muscular Styling:

Urban Cruiser has the rugged, muscular appearance expected of an SUV, but with five-door practicality and compact dimensions that make it suitable for driving around town. It measures 3,930mm long, 1,725mm wide and 1,540 tall, with spacious accommodation for five inside, plus ample luggage space. A high belt line, additional bumper protection, prominent lower door sills and pronounced wheel arches give the vehicle a robust appearance. The headlamps flow back from the front grille, out towards the wings, further accentuating the car’s wide and tough road stance. Turn indicators are recessed into the door mirrors and the rear lamp units extend into the rear wings and tailgate. The show car is fitted with five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and a special Ice Blue paint finish. Urban Cruiser will play a significant role in cutting the overall emissions of Toyota’s model range to an average 140g/km by 2009.

Volvo Wagon VS Renault Sub-Compact

Amazing video clip from 5th Gear. In a brutal 40mph (80mph closing speed) offset frontal crash, a newer Renault sub-compact just mauls an old Volvo wagon. Not the result I expected. This shows that maybe mass isn't everything, maybe it is better to buy a newer car with more modern design than an old "tank"!

Two Fuel Consumption Tips

Every time gas prices are raised our problems seem to rise with them, the more expensive gas means less trips or more money out of pocket. The seemingly ever increasing gasoline prices keep people on their tip-toes, since this not only affects how much you and your family travel but it will also modify your budget and the lifestyle, and when that is required, it is never good news.

Needless too say, with the recent rises gasoline prices, the things seem to get grayer and grayer for more and more people, unfortunately.

Yet, if you find yourself in such a situation what is the best thing to do, or what other choices do you have? In this article, I will discuss a few tips for such situations, but it is no secret that the main point of this is the reduction of your overall fuel consumption. By simply lowering the number of gallons you need every month you will find yourself with the same budget range.

The key points to doing these are:

-Unnecessary trips are simply out

Everybody loves going away for the weekend almost every weekend to chill out their tired brains because of those tiring work hours and annoying schedules. Sundays seem to be the main key to peace, quiet and relaxation.

However, in order to find that you need to take your car out for a ride, with your family or alone and start driving towards the nearest forest or canyon. Well, the bad news comes here, because fuel consumption can be seriously reduced by cutting these Sunday trips, or simply by lowering their frequency.

Yet, that does not mean you have to stay at home, you can go around with your bicycle and this way exercise a bit, or go to your friends or pick the bus to the nearest town and visit a whole new place and return in the evening. This will also change your horizons a bit because you will not always be in your own medium, but you will have to interact with others as well.

You can look around for other ways to go on trips as well; maybe your friends are organizing something next weekend. Another good tip based on this subject is to try to reduce the supermarket visits as much as you can. Try to make all your shopping trips in one day.

- How about going with the bus at work today

This means that if you can, and if it is in your way enough and really do not need the car at work, you can take the bus rather than consume your own fuel just to go to the office and back.

You can save that for the weekend if that is more valuable for you. Of course, things do are not the same for those that do not have their office near a bus station. However, there is always the car pool. Ask some of your colleague’s maybe you will find one willing to pick you up in the morning and leave you at home in the afternoon.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/two-fuel-consumption-tips-350668.html

Motorshow: Geneva 2008

This is my first posting on a motorshow and it certainly won't be my last. I will certainly be at the upcoming British motorshow were the Vauxhall Insignia will have a world debut. The Geneva motorshow started today and will last for 4 more days. Without further a-due, I'm going to list some of the car firms that attended:

Mitsubishi uncloaked one of their most important cars to hit Europe; the Prototype S. Despite the car being 95% production ready, it will go on sale in the U.S in 2009. Mitsubishi UK is expecting anything upto 65% of the sales going towards this. The Lancer sedan is offered in a diesel variant but will a diesel be available in the hatchback?

Audi is there with 3 diesel cars including the R8 V12 TDI and the Q7 Coastline.

Toyota showed 2 new cars; IQ and Urban Cruiser. The 4WD Urban Cruiser pollutes 140g/km and will go on sale in the UK in 2009 alongside the Smart-rival IQ. Emissions on both cars are class-leading. Carbon dioxide emissions are claimed at 99g/km for the IQ so it should be excluding owners from paying any road tax. At 2985mm makes the IQ the worlds shortest 4 seater car. Toyota is predicting 100,000 sales by the end of 2009 for the IQ but no word on U.S sales. Expect 5 star EuroNCAP safety rating and a £10,000 price tag!

Bentley announced that their range of cars will pollute under 120g/km by using flex-fuel and petrol. Apparently, the flex-fuel should cut fuel consumption by 40%. Cars are expected to go on sale in 2012.

Volkswagen unveiled the new Scirocco coupé along with the Golf diesel-hybrid which can return upto 83mpg. The Golf Hybrid is likely to reach production within the next year or so.

Nissan announced at the Geneva show that the GT-R will go on sale in 2009 with a price tag of £52,900. Alongside the GT-R was the revised Murano crossover, which goes on sale in early 2009.

FIAT showed their ultra-clean 500 Aria which emits 98g/km. The engine has been tweaked. The show car has a diesel particulate filter, stop-start technology and FIAT's very own Dualogic manual transmission. Its believed the car will go on sale in the UK at the end of 2008.

The European GLK was shown. Thomas Weber, head of research and development for Mercedes-Benz called the new Mercedes-Benz GLK Bluetec Hybrid a “Sustainable Utility Vehicle”.

He was referring to this GLK's diesel electric drivetrain which combines a 2.2-litre diesel engine with what Mercedes described vaguely as a “hybrid module”. It delivers 38.8mpg according to Mercedes-Benz but more importantly, the hybrid module uses lithium ion batteries. Mercedes says a similar system will make its production debut in the S400 Blue Hybird next year. If that goes as planned, the Mercedes-Benz S400 Blue Hybrid would be the first production hybrid car to use lithium ion battery technology, but don't expect it to arrive in the UK anytime soon despite the HUGE demand for the £88,000 Lexus LS600h.

Ford revealed the European Fiesta today in both body variants; 3dr & 5dr. The car is based off the recently launched Mazda2 which exceeded 100,000 sales in 8 months. Power will come from a choice of 1.25 and 1.4-litre Duratec petrol engines alongside a new 1.6-litre Ti-VCT unit, while diesel fans will be offered 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre TDCi engines. Later in 2008, a new ECOnetic version, capable of producing less than 100g/km of CO2 will be announced.

The Meriva had a world debut today with suicide doors or as Vauxhall/Opel call them, Flex-doors. Unlike anything else in its class, it'll offer style and practicality. Sales start in early 2009.

Aston Martin DB9

DB9 is a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement. Its design philosophy is uncompromising and brings together everything that makes a sports car great with that unique Aston Martin character, borne out of craftsmanship and use of the finest quality materials.

So what is it that makes a great sports car?Most cars are a series of compromises. The result is usually rational – even impressive on paper – but often bland and soulless in reality. Sports cars should be all about character and driver involvement. They need to look great, sound great and have power and performance to stir the soul.

But what is beauty without aerodynamic efficiency? Power encumbered by weight? Straight-line performance without agility? Great sports cars balance these apparent opposites, creating an experience that is both unique and unforgettable. What the driver sees, hears and feels is in harmony. The reward is total involvement: a level of engagement that truly stimulates the senses, that re-ignites the passion for driving.

DB9 meets all of these challenges. Undeniably beautiful yet efficient. Power in proportion to weight. Harmony of sound and performance and dynamic ability inherent through good design. But an Aston Martin is also luxurious. On those occasions when top speed and maximum acceleration are not really necessary, indulge yourself.

Be uplifted by the magnificent styling; revel in a sumptuous, fully equipped cabin trimmed in the finest quality materials; enjoy the superb Linn audio system; select Drive and let DB9’s 6.0-litre V12 and shift-by-wire fully automatic transmission do the rest.

DB9 is new from the ground up. Every feature has been tailored to make the world's finest sports GT. The starting point was to define the ideal dimensions, proportions and materials for the chassis. Aston Martin did not use an adapted platform from an existing family or luxury saloon - the most common starting point for GT cars. This approach can lead to compromise in styling and weight and loss of character.

Aston Martin developed its own incredibly light and strong aerospace-specification bonded aluminium structure. This 'VH' (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, which is unique to Aston Martin, has given DB9 one of the most structurally efficient body frames in the car industry. Its enormous rigidity aids handling, driver feedback and safety. More than any other single component, the advanced aluminium structure is the reason for DB9's extraordinary nimbleness, responsiveness and overall character.

All major body and mechanical components are either aluminium, magnesium alloy, or advanced light weight composite materials. These include the aluminium V12 engine and transmission, forged aluminium suspension, and aluminium-bodied dampers. Even the windscreen surround is cast aluminium, while the door frames and inner panels, steering column and gearchange paddles are magnesium. The result is that DB9 is up to 600 kg leaner than some other GTs. That is the equivalent of six men, plus luggage.

This light weight, allied to class-leading rigidity, contributes to improved acceleration, agility, steering response, braking and fuel economy. The result is a significantly heightened driving experience. In every case with DB9, the ideal solution - not the easy solution - has been sought. That is why DB9 is a charismatic sports car. Superb to drive; lovely to behold: 100% Aston Martin.

Sports cars are meant to be beautiful, and no maker of sporting cars has a better reputation for understated elegance and graceful styling than Aston Martin. Their beauty comes from harmonious proportions, a ground-hugging stance, taut surfacing, and thorough attention to detail. They are subtle, not attention-seeking. DB9 appears as if milled from a solid piece of aluminium.

Its side profile is typically Aston Martin: very clean, with a single sweep roofline. The uncluttered lines flow through to a distinctive tail, and the haunches on the rear wings are wide and curvaceous. Key Aston Martin design characteristics include the distinctive grille, metal side strakes and signature rear window shape.

‘Aston Martins have a highly distinctive form language. The lines are beautiful and harmonious, giving our cars the appearance of motion even while stationary’, explains Director of Design Marek Reichman.

Great design, however, is not just about form; it is also about function. An Aston Martin is by definition very fast, so it needs to be aerodynamically efficient. It must be superbly stable at high speed - even the exhaust silencer is aerodynamically shaped to help achieve this.
The result is that DB9 drives arrow-straight at high speed yet, like all great Aston Martins, it does so with supreme elegance and grace.

It takes one push of a button and a mere 17 seconds to raise or lower the roof of the Volante. Hood up or down, the lines of a DB9 Volante remain breathtakingly beautiful.

DB9 was conceived and designed, from the outset, as both a Coupe and a convertible (Volante). This uncompromising approach is typical of the whole DB9 engineering philosophy. That is why DB9 Volante is one of the most structurally rigid and best handling convertibles in the world. It is also one of the fastest and quietest. It looks elegant and perfectly proportioned from every angle - with roof up or down.

As with all Aston Martins, beauty and proportion is of key importance.

DB9 Volante's folding fabric roof is light, attractive and durable, and is also compact when stowed. There is no loss of practicality - DB9 Volante retains the rear seats, and offers the same boot space as DB9 Coupe.

The roof retracts fully, at the single push of a button, and swiftly stows beneath a hard tonneau cover that closes flush with the rear bodywork.

Safety is of course a major consideration. Special tilt sensors detect the danger of a possible roll-over and deploy two strengthened hoops from the rear seat headrests. Further safety protection is offered by the windscreen A-pillars, which can withstand more than twice the total weight of the car.

Great sports cars must handle superbly. They should respond quickly and predictably to driver commands; they should be nimble and agile.

The front-to-rear weight distribution of DB9 is near perfect with 85 percent of the car's mass sited between the front and rear axles. The aluminium V12 engine is mounted as far back as possible in a 'front mid-engined' layout. The compact aluminium transaxle housing the gearbox and final drive is positioned at the rear, forward of the rear axle.

A lightweight and rigid carbon fibre propellor shaft, housed in a cast aluminium torque tube, transfers torque from the front-mid engine to the rear-mid transmission. This gives DB9 its superb balance.

The result is a car that can be driven with great delicacy, a car that communicates richly through its steering, that is stable and predictable. DB9 excels not because it has a myriad of electronic controls added in an attempt to overcome compromise, but because it has an inherently light and stiff structure, perfect weight distribution and finely tuned suspension.

This lightness and balance make the whole driving experience more pleasurable - from the deft touch needed to open and close the elegant 'swan-wing' doors, to the touch and feel of even the most minor controls.

DB9, more than almost any other sports car, is in harmony with its driver, and in harmony with the road.

A great sports car needs a great engine - it is the heart of any high performance machine. In DB9's case, that great engine is a powerful yet refined all aluminium 6.0-litre V12. It produces 335 kW (450 bhp) and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque. That results in a power to weight ratio of 194 kW/tonne (263 bhp/tonne) - one of the highest figures in its class.

Performance is enormous, yet usable. Top speed is 300 km/h (186 mph) and acceleration sees 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds (add two tenths of a second for the automatic). These figures are impressive and DB9 will respond with real passion.

With 80 per cent of the V12 engine's torque, or pulling power, available from as little as 1500 rpm the DB9 can also relax. Mid-range performance is astonishing, giving instant overtaking power almost regardless of engine speed, or even which gear the car is in.

DB9 offers a choice of two transmissions, both allowing the driver terrific interaction with the car. The six-speed 'Touchtronic 2' fully automatic transmission uses shift-by-wire technology, and replaces the conventional gear lever with dashboard-mounted buttons to select Park, Reverse, Neutral and Drive modes.

The result is sophisticated yet intuitive: quick and easy to use and providing instant response to driver input. If preferred, or where driving conditions tempt, magnesium alloy paddles, sited behind the steering wheel, enable instant, F1-style gear changes, providing the choice of rapid and involving fingertip gear changing.

Unlike many other sports GTs, DB9 also offers a six-speed manual gearbox, featuring a conventional gear change and new high-capacity, twin-plate clutch.

More than any other quality, DB9 seeks to serve up the richest driving experience in the sports GT class. It serenades the driver with its balance of engine and exhaust notes; it scintillates with its performance and agility; it charms with its delicious blend of fluent steering and linear controls. And if you wish to relax and just enjoy a leisurely drive, you can indulge yourself with the superb, industry-leading Linn audio system and select the car's full automatic transmission mode.

This match of performance and luxury is the reason why DB9 can be both out-and-out sports car and refined GT. The cabin of DB9 is built around the driver. You sit as low and as close as possible to the car's centre of gravity. Combined with the rigid body structure and all-aluminium, double-wishbone suspension, the result is unfiltered feedback of the car's dynamic behaviour.

This rich two-way communication - car to driver, driver to car - is at the very core of DB9's design philosophy. Aston Martins have always made great music. The V12 engine has been described as the finest-sounding engine in production. The exhaust is tuned not only to be efficient and 'clean' but to provide the appropriate musical accompaniment to the engine. Under hard acceleration, the engine growls in triumph. Yet, when cruising, the growl becomes muted and melodic.

The steering, power-assisted for lightness, is superbly responsive, helped by the car's low weight and superb balance. The vast disc brakes - 355 mm diameter discs at the front, and 330 mm at the rear - are ventilated and grooved, to aid cooling and boost braking performance. Radially mounted four-piston monobloc calipers provide great stopping power with a firm yet progressive pedal feel.

Elegant & Luxurious Cabin Hand-Trimmed in Natural Materials
DB9 is a luxurious sports car. It is supremely comfortable, with a cabin hand-trimmed in beautiful, natural materials - primarily wood and leather. There is the latest in modern technology, yet there are no superfluous controls or displays. There is a minimum of distraction. Even the satellite navigation screen motors seamlessly away when not in use.

Yet the car has very high equipment levels, as you would expect in a thoroughbred sports car with GT levels of comfort and refinement.

The cabin interior is handmade, from the cutting of the leather to the crafting of the wood. This is not done merely for 'traditional' reasons. It is done because a skilled craftsman can finish wood or leather better than any machine. The leather is particularly soft and supple, as you would expect of Aston Martin, and is used throughout the cabin.

Wood trims are inspired by quality, hand-finished furniture. There is a choice of four: walnut, mahogany, piano black and bamboo.

In every case, 'single piece' cuts are used, rather than tiny strips or thin appliqués. Crafting such large pieces of wood is only possible when done by hand.

The use of aluminium on the dashboard, in the instrument panel and for the door handles, reflects the widespread use of that beautiful and lightweight metal throughout the rest of the car. It is a stylish and contemporary metal, yet one steeped in automotive tradition. Even the starter button, the driver's first interaction with the V12 engine, is beautiful, made from clear glass.

An Exclusive Sports Car Tailored for Individuals
Aston Martins are hand-built cars, made to order. This exclusive, bespoke tailoring philosophy means any combination of paint and leather trim colour is possible. That is the essence of hand craftsmanship; it's what makes Aston Martin's new Gaydon facility the Savile Row of sports car production.

There is, of course, an extensive palette of standard body colours and interior finishes. These have been specially chosen by Aston Martin's team of designers, who have scoured the world to gain inspiration for colours, materials, surfaces and finishes.

Twenty paint colours, categorised as 'contemporary' and 'fast track', vary from subtle metallics to the brightest hues. Twenty shades of the finest, softest leather, eight colours of carpet and four choices of wood trim - piano black, walnut, mahogany and bamboo - complete the 'standard' choice. For DB9 Volante, six roof colours are available, from black to sandstone.

DB9 is equipped with an industry-leading Linn 128 W audio system - the finest standard in-car entertainment available - including a six CD autochanger. Optional upgrades for the true enthusiast are available, to either the magnificent Linn 260 W system with Limbik 5.1 or the supreme Linn 950 W system with Dolby Pro Logic II. Other features include satellite navigation, reversing sensors, cruise control, personalised sill plaques, powerfold mirrors, memory mirrors, heated front screen, tyre pressure monitoring, memory seats and a bright finish grille.

Technical Innovation Tested Meticulously
DB9 is the most thoroughly tested and engineered car in Aston Martin's history. It is also one of the most technically sophisticated cars in the world.

The long list of design and engineering innovations includes the Organic Electro Luminescent (OEL) displays in the instrument pack and centre console. These provide higher resolution, and improved clarity, compared with conventional electronic displays.

Other innovations include LED (Light Emitting Diode) rear lamps that project through a reflector, dispensing rays more evenly than other LED systems. They also react more quickly, giving earlier warning to following drivers when braking.

A work load monitor temporarily cancels low-importance warning information during spirited driving so as not to distract the driver. The propellor shaft is particularly innovative: it is manufactured from carbon fibre for lightness and improved transmission refinement.

A stunning DB9 design feature is the 'swan wing' doors, which open out and up, improving access and reducing the danger of the doors scuffing on high kerbs. DB9 also pioneers the use of ultrasonic welding, which is 90 per cent stronger than conventional spot welding, and results in a better finish, yet uses only 5 per cent of the energy.

DB9 prototypes were tested in locations as diverse as Nardo in Italy, Death Valley in the USA and inside the Arctic Circle in Sweden. In all, more than one million testing miles were covered.

Reassurance in an Unpredictable World
DB9 offers class-leading safety. Its structure is designed to provide a supremely robust passenger cell that cocoons its occupants who are further protected by extruded aluminium crumple zones front and rear.

Dual-stage driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and seat belt pretensioners offer further protection. In the Volante, rear roll-over hoops are automatically deployed, when required, from the rear headrests.

DB9's active safety - the ability to help avoid an accident occurring in the first place - begins with its inherent agility and responsiveness. The lightweight, rigid body structure and superbly tuned suspension and steering are further aided by a host of advanced electronics. These include Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and the latest-generation ABS brakes which, should the system detect loss of grip, combine to help keep the car stable and balanced.

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) are also employed. EBD balances the front-to-rear braking bias, to give optimal braking performance. In an emergency, EBA sensors detect when maximum braking is required and automatically apply the appropriate force.

Although engineering development is carried out exclusively at Aston Martin, whenever appropriate solutions and expertise existed outside the company, that is where Aston Martin's engineers turned.

For instance, Volvo in Sweden is recognised as the world leader in automotive safety engineering. All the safety systems used in DB9 have been designed and tested using Volvo's latest safety technologies, best-practice design guidelines and advanced computer-aided engineering.

All crash and safety testing was conducted at Volvo's world-renowned safety centre in Sweden, which has probably the best facilities in the world for all aspects of safety engineering and crash-test analysis.

Hand Crafted at Gaydon
DB9 is the first Aston Martin to be produced at the company's new world headquarters in Gaydon, in historic Warwickshire. Gaydon is a dedicated, high-technology facility where DB9 is hand-built at a series of work stations by technicians and craftsmen. This hand-craftsmanship has nothing to do with nostalgia. Hand-craftsmanship can deliver superior finishes and unique design details. It can also deliver engineering and design solutions for an exclusive sports car that mass production would find impossible.

The 'single cut' headlamp apertures in the front wings remove the need for unsightly cut or join lines and can only be achieved using Aston Martin's hand-build processes. Hand-painting and hand-finishing deliver a better paint finish than any mechanised process, and each DB9 benefits from 25 man-hours of painting, to ensure a perfect finish. Customer visits are welcome and form an important part of the unique Aston Martin buying experience.

iPod Integration
The DB9 features a complete integration package for iPod personal digital media players from Apple, allowing the iPod to be seamlessly incorporated into the dashboard display and electronic systems.

The iPod range is integrated into the DB9 via a specially designed interface, bringing the functions of this award-winning range of digital media players into the car's in-dash display. Finger-tip controls replicate the innovative menu structure of the iPod to ensure that your hands need never stray from the wheel in the search for the perfect accompaniment.

The iPod is docked with the DB9 via a cable located in a compartment in the centre arm-rest, which also provides the iPod with power. There is ample space available, allowing all types of iPod, including the iPod touch, iPod nano and iPod classic, to be used in conjunction with the car. A power socket, auxiliary input and USB interface allow the connection of other media players.

Once docked with the cable connection, the iPod menus are replicated on the DB9's main display. The driver can use either the selector wheel or two steering wheel buttons to replace the iconic click wheel interface of the iPod, allowing one to safely navigate through the music on the iPod without the need to take your hands off the wheel.

Full iPod functionality comes as standard, meaning one can browse through up to160GB of music on the move, switching between artists, albums, playlists or simply shuffling random tracks as the mood takes you. With up to 40,000 songs at your disposal, the perfect combination of road and soundtrack are never more than a few clicks away.

Playback is through Aston Martin’s Premium 700 W Audio System – standard equipment with the DB9 - with a Dolby Pro Logic II circuit developed exclusively to provide outstanding sound quality.

Specification

Body

• Two-door coupe or convertible (Volante) body style with 2+2 seating
• Extruded aluminium bonded body structure
• Aluminium and composite body panels
• Extruded aluminium door side impact protection beams
• High Intensity Discharge (HID) projector lamps (dipped beam)
• Halogen projector headlamps (main beam) with power wash
• LED rear lamps

Engine

• All alloy quad overhead cam 48 valve 5935cc V12
• Compression ratio 10.2:1
• Visteon engine management controlling fuel injection, ignition, diagnostics and misfire detection system
• Fully catalysed stainless steel exhaust system with actrive by-pass valves

Transmission

• Rear mid-mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’, six-speed gearbox with electronic shift-by-wire control system or rear mid-mounted six-speed manual gearbox
• Limited-slip differential
• Final drive ratio: 3.54:1 (manual) / 3.154:1 (Touchtronic 2)

Steering

• Rack and pinion, Servotronic speed sensitive power-assisted steering, 3.0 turns lock to lock.
• Column tilt and reach adjustment

Wheels and Tyres

• 19’’ alloy wheels – ten-spoke design – Front: 8.5J x 19 / Rear: 9.5J x 19
• Bridgestone tyres – Front: 235/40 ZR19, Rear: 275/35 ZR19

Suspension

• Front: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating anti-dive geometry, coil over aluminium monotube dampers and anti-roll bar
• Rear: Independent double aluminium wishbones incorporating longitudinal control arms, coil over aluminium monotube dampers and anti-roll bar

Brakes

• Radial-mounted four-piston monobloc calipers
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Traction Control
• Front: Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 355mm diameter
• Rear: Ventilated and grooved steel discs, 330mm diameter

Interior

• Full grain leather interiorWalnut facia trim.
• Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags
• Front occupant side airbagsAutomatically deployed roll-over bars (Volante)
• Memory seats and exterior mirrors (three positions)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with garage door opener (USA & Canada only)
• Ten-way electrically adjusted seats (including height, tilt and lumbar adjustment)
• Heated front seats
• Heated rear screen
• Automatic temperature control
• Organic electroluminescent (OEL) displays
• Trip computer
• Cruise control
• Satellite navigation system*1,2
• Bluetooth telephone preparation
• Powerfold exterior mirrors
• Reversing sensors
• Tyre-pressure monitoring*1
• Alarm and immobiliser
• Remote-control central door locking and boot release
• Umbrella and holder
• Battery Disconnect Switch (BDS)
• Battery conditioner
• Tracking device (UK only)*3

In-Car Entertainment

• Aston Martin 700W Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and includes a six-CD autochanger
• Integrated Apple iPod connector*5
• USB connector with Waveform Audio Format (WAF), Windows Media Player (WMA) and MPEG (MP3) audio file compatibility

Options

• Bright finish grille. Front parking sensors
• Mahogany, Bamboo or Piano Black facia trim
• Matching wood door trim
• Personalised sill plaques
• Auto-dimming interior rear- view mirror*1
• Auto dimming interior rear view mirror with garage door opener*1
• Alarm upgrade (volumetric & tilt sensors)
• Tracking device*1/3
• Alternative brake caliper finish (black, red, silver)
• Sports Pack (Coupe)19’’ alloy wheels – 15-spoke diamond-turned
• First aid kitSmokers’ packSatellite radio*1 (USA only)

Dimensions

• Length: 4710mm (185.5’’)
• Width: 1875mm (74’’)
• Front Track: 1570mm (62.0’’)
• Height: 1270mm (50’’) (Coupe)
• Rear Track: 1560mm (61.5’’)
• Wheelbase: 2745mm (108’’)
• Turning Circle: 12.0m (39.4ft)
• Kerb Weight: 1760kg (3880lb) manual1800kg (3970lb) automatic
• Fuel Capacity: 80 litres (17.6 UK gal)/21.1 US gal

Performance

• Max speed: 186mph (300km/h)
• Max power: 335kW (450bhp) @ 6000 rpm
• Acceleration (manual): 0-60mph 4.7 seconds0-100km/h (62mph) 4.9 seconds
• Max torque: 570 Nm (420 lb.ft) @ 5000 rpm
• Acceleration (automatic): 0-60mph 4.9 seconds0-100km/h (62mph) 5.1 seconds