Luxury Cars | Luxury Car Features: August 2009

Monday, August 31, 2009

aston martin photo

aston martin

aston martin photo

Codename Panda Monster the 2009 Fiat Panda

The Fiat Panda was displayed at the Bologna Motor Show, under the special name Panda Monster. The name does not indicate fearsome size or enormous dimensions. The model was named "monster" on similar lines of the infamous super bike Ducati Monster, just to convey Panda's speedy nature. Initially the Panda Monster was offered in a limited edition of 620 units. The initial color of the vehicle was classic black, while the entire exterior portion of the vehicle was painted, molded, trimmed, and colored in black, including its roof.

The 2009 Panda Monster is powered by Fiat's 1.3 liter turbo diesel engine that produces 70 hp power. It can speed up from 0 to 100 km/hour in just 18 seconds. However, along with the diesel version, Fiat has sold about 24, 000 units of Panda, which are methane powered, and reduce the emission levels of CO2, thereby bringing them under the category of eco-friendly vehicles.

The sales of the 2009 Panda commenced in the month of January, 2009. This amazing vehicle can be operated by using either methane or gasoline as fuel. And, that's not the end of the story. Well, the vehicle can be operated by using the E85 bio-ethanol as a fuel too. Hence, the vehicle truly offers great flexibility in every aspect and the 2009 Fiat Panda is indeed one of those rare beauties that you seldom come across.

As a whole, the car offers a superb blend of powerhouse performance, high fuel efficiency as well as flexibility of using the desired type of fuel in the vehicle. (methane and gasoline).

Wondering how does the 2009 Panda look? Well, to find some of the coolest Fiat Panda Pictures Click-Here.

To check out the latest Fiat Car Pictures Click-Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan

The Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8

Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 not only brings out a gear in sporty driving dynamics but also many additional convenience and comfort features.

All the following features come as standard over the GS2. And there's still e 6-speed CVT automatic on petrol models available which will cost additional money.

Key features at a glance (compared to GS2):
• 18" Alloy Wheels
• 140 PS turbo-diesel engine
• Sports Suspension
• Climate Controlled Air Conditioning
• Cruise Control
• Front Strut Tower Bar
• Privacy Glass
• 6-speed gearbox
• Stability & Traction Control
• Front Fog Lamps

To mention more, the sculpted dashboard and clear instruments look very good and there's also lots of space in the car for both passenger and stuff. It drives well enough,accurate and planted.

The 1.8 litre engine comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, despite that the motor's 141BHP gives very decent performance - 9.8sec to reach 62mph will be more than rapid for the Lancer's likely conservative clientele.

Because Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 takes less than 10 seconds to break 62mph. Apart from the newly added bigger alloy wheel, climate control, a bodykit, privacy glass as well as sportier, beefed-up suspension, GS3 includes all the kit from GS2.

It has no unruly behavior if you try the same with the ESP turned off-the cornering line tightens up nicely in response to a lifted throttle. Grip levels are very nice.

Other than it's image as a well-behaved, grown-up chassis, but it's not as lively to drive as the Ford Focus, and refinement over poor road surfaces is also noticeably bad.

The extra kit is certainly very attractive, but what it all does it to push prices up to a probably unattractive level. Just avoid the CVT transmission: it dents performance, fuel economy in addition to refinement.

All in all, Mitsubishi Lancer GS3 1.8 is the cheapest Lancer Sportback with standard climate control and curtain airbags. Both are hugely very welcome in something that could well be in a family car, and that makes this one of favorite versions of Mitsubishi Lancer.

For more information about Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8 GS3 as well as Lancer Evo, please go to lancerevo.us.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Liao

honda odyssey wallpapers

honda odyssey

honda odyssey pictures and photo

honda odyssey wallpapers

Sunday, August 30, 2009

The 2009 Jeep Patriot

The Jeep Patriot might disappoint ardent off-roaders, though it's more rugged than the company's Compass and appears tightly made. Its capabilities on tamer surfaces are more appealing for the average driver while it is Jeep "Trail Rated."

External dimensions are similar to those of the Jeep Cherokee, which was supplanted by the Liberty for 2002, except that the Patriot is longer, and its windshield is more upright. Even the back window is almost vertical.

Trapezoidal wheel flares help give Patriots some contemporary "attitude," according to marketers. So does the "signature" seven-slot Jeep grille. When the Patriot debuted, Jeep executives noted its "simple, rugged, but timeless design."

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine develops 172 horsepower, driving either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-drive Patriots may instead have a milder, 158-hp 2.0-liter engine, offered only with the CVT. That version gets a fuel-economy estimate of 23/27 mpg in city/highway driving, versus 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for a 2.4-liter Patriot with the CVT. With manual shift and either front- or all-wheel drive, the 2.4-liter Patriot gets a 23/28 mpg estimate.

Because the Patriot is intended for at least moderate off-road chores, two full-time four-wheel-drive systems are available with the 2.4-liter engine: Freedom Drive I, or Freedom Drive II. The second version uses a different gearset, to provide a lower simulated "first-gear" ratio in the CVT.

Jeep boasts that the Patriot's approach, departure and breakover angles are "best in class." Tow hooks and Hill Descent Control, for assistance in rougher terrain, are available in the Freedom Drive II Off-Road option package. Sport models ride on 16-inch steel wheels, while the Limited gets 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Five passengers fit inside the Patriot. Curtain-type airbags with electronic roll mitigation are standard, along with antilock braking, and an Electronic Stability Program. Simple to drive, the Patriot maneuvers well enough. Though quick-reacting, with a rather tight turning circle, the appropriately-assisted steering gets a bit vague at times, Still, little correction is needed on the highway.

Although the CVT-equipped Patriot performs acceptably, it emits quite a lot of engine noise, making it less refined than some rivals. Acceleration is adequate from a standstill, but rather feeble when you need to pass or merge, despite the engine's immediate revving to high rpm. Move the CVT's shift lever to the left and you're in Sport mode, selecting "gears" like a manual transmission. Ratio changes occur instantly. Even if the "gears" aren't real, they make a big difference in performance.

Sometimes, at low speed, the CVT actually tries to slow you down, as if it's clawing at the pavement. Now and then, when slowing, then trying to start picking up speed again, the CVT may react with a nasty jerk. Push the gas pedal at 40-45 mph, and you can anticipate a second's "dead spot" before much happens. Mounted on the forward console, the manual-shift lever for non-CVT Patriots is somewhat vague, but that gearbox yields more spirited responses.

Overall, the Patriot behaves and handles more like a car, but it does have a bit of truck-like sound. Telltale noises, slight but reminiscent of older Chrysler products, signal that insulation could be better. There's definite stiffness to the suspension, which helps a Patriot react immediately (if curtly) to bumps, while maintaining control. Trouble spots pass before you know it, even if some jolting results. Hill Descent Control works effectively off-road, though it can become annoyingly overactive.

Entry/exit is easy, front and rear; though the doorsill is rather tall. Reasonably long front seat bottoms and soft seatbacks offer comfortable accommodations. The far-off windshield helps make the interior seem more spacious. Headroom is quite ample with plenty of elbow space for the driver. The backseat is comfortable for two and passable for a third, except for the need to straddle the cupholder console. Hollowed-out front seatbacks help rear leg space, and toe room is huge. Wide B- and C-pillars don't impair over-shoulder views, and the relatively tall hood is welcome as a guide to the road ahead.

Patriot prices start at $18,170 (destination charge included) for a front-drive Sport model. The Limited stickers for $22,860. All-wheel drive adds $1,750, and the CVT costs as much as $1,100 extra. A Rocky Mountain Edition option package for 2009 includes a sunroof and monochrome paint.

autoMedia.com, with their team of leading automotive experts, has been providing auto shoppers, car enthusiasts and do-it-yourselfers automotive advice they can trust for over 10 years. Enjoy reading more of their popular car reviews and road tests plus learn more about the 2009 Jeep Patriot, including the latest pricing, rebates and incentives, safety features, photo galleries and more, along with details on all Jeep Models.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Flammang

The Honda S2000

It has not been not long since Honda announced that production would cease on the Honda S2000. The news was declared in January after poor sales continued to get worse.

The main and most successful marketplace for the S2000 was in America where it enjoyed great success in the early years. It was originally launched in 1999 to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary. However, sales of the roadster began to dramatically fall in 2006 and the trend continued year on year.

Although poor sales justify the news from Honda, many believe that the S2000 is still one of the most entertaining and fun-to-drive roadsters around.

In particular the handing on the S2000 was often praised for being perfectly balanced. The little roadster almost gripped the road because of its fine balance. This little car was definitely designed to please the driver!
Honda are set to use the money saved from the S2000 to produce some more mainstream products. Rivals of the S2000 will be pleased production has ceased as the car was favored by many -- so if you're after a fun little roadster what do you go for now?

The Nissan 350z is an obvious choice. However, your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Nissan 350Z than the Honda because of its bigger tank -- so you wont be saving money at the pumps. Taller drivers will also far prefer the extra head room in the Nissan 350Z compared to the Honda -- which will make for a more comfortable ride.

Another down point on the Nissan is that it is massively more bulky than the S2000, which some people may dislike. Another contender is the slightly more pricey Porsche Boxster. The Boxster is a true sportscar with excellent horsepower. The Porsche certainly packs a punch and beats the Honda is this particular battle. On the down side, cars with more horsepower often qualify for higher insurance premiums.

Hondas are renowned for their reliability which is definitely a good thing to know if you're looking for a used Honda S2000 as you can rest assured knowing that its likely to keep running for years to come.

So if like lots of motorists across the world, you're disappointed that there wont be any new models being produced anymore you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of used Honda S2000s available in used car dealerships across the country.

Lucy Penn is an online marketer and researcher who is currently researching used Honda S2000 in Northampton at http://www.carshop.co.uk/car-guides/view/50/used-honda

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lucy_Penn

Friday, August 28, 2009

First Drive: Rossion Q1

"How fast can you take it?" I ask Craig Spuhler, Rossion's technical engineer and my passenger at this particular moment in time. "About 75 mph with an 85 mph exit speed." I was behind the wheel of a Rossion Q1 winding my way up a 270-degree decreasing radius on-ramp that shoots straight onto Florida's I-95. As Spuhler has put more miles on Rossions than anyone else alive, and I'd been in the car all of 15 minutes, I decided that 65 mph was a nice, sane, journalist-safe speed. Even in fourth gear there was enough twin-turbo'd torque to get me to 80 mph by the end of the ramp. Truth is, I could've done the deed at 75 mph in third, if not much, much faster.

Rossion recently relocated from Ohio to Pompano Beach, FL and invited us to spend the weekend with 'em, flogging their brand-new Q1, thus far their only product. It's hard to talk about the Rossie (pronounced in the Johannesburg accents of owners Dean Rosen and Ian Grunes as "Raw-Zee") without discussing the 2,400-pound Gorilla in the room, the Noble M12 (and to some degree, the more track focused M400). The two cars are very closely related and both come from the Hi Tech Automotive assembly line in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Other similarities include the mild-steel space frame, integral four-point roll cage, Getrag six-speed with Quaife LSD, mid-mounted traverse 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6 fitted with twin-turbochargers and a G.R.P. (a.k.a. fiberglass) body. And that's largely where the similarities stop. The Q1 gets its own optimized Koni dampers, H&R springs, unique sway bars and rear unequal length control arms, though the two cars do share a double wishbone design up front.

Externally, the differences are quite apparent. Whereas the Noble M400 (Rossion happened to have one in the shop for comparison's sake) resembles a caricature of a kit car with its garish, tacked on scoops reminiscent of those found on the original California Special Mustangs and panel gaps you can stick your thumb between, the Q1's a totally different – and altogether more refined – story. Not only do all the body panels look as if they were designed by the same person at the same time, but gap tolerances have been tightened up to less than 5 mm. We found the car quite handsome, though its 96-inch wheelbase makes it look small.

Inside, the two cars are night and day. Rossion has fitted, snug-but-comfy leather-coated, four-way adjustable carbon fiber seats. Not only are they light, but they look sharp. They've also covered up the standard roll bars with Alcantara padding. The rest of the innards are covered by leather and/or aluminum. Cases in points, the pedals are aluminum while the Momo steering wheel is leather wrapped. Those of you with big feet might find the pedal box a bit cramped (size 13 over here), but the pedals do adjust side-to-side. Best of all, as our late August South Floridian weather proved, the air-conditioning blows cold. All in all, a surprisingly pleasant place to be.

Especially on the road. Knowing what we knew about Nobles going in, we rightly assumed the Q1 would be quite quick and handle extremely well. But we didn't expect the ride to be cushy. However, since the steel space frame and roll cage already render the car diamond stiff, Rossion has been able to keep the damping and spring rates out of the spine-smashing range. The Q1 offers a much smoother ride, for instance, than track-focused machines like the Mazda RX-8 R3 or Lotus Elise/Exige. On Florida's smooth concrete roads it was especially subtle. Comfortable, even.

But you're not here to talk about how shockingly pleasant we found the Rossion Q1. You want to know how it drives when pushed. Exceedingly fantastic, we're happy to report. The aforementioned 3.0-liter V6 with twin-turbos produces a glorious 450 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Redline is 7,200 rpm (turbocharged engines don't need lofty revs) and peak torque occurs at 5,250 rpm. And the Q1 weighs 2,495 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of about 5.5 pounds per pony. For comparison's sake, a 997 GT2 has a power-to-weight of six pounds per horse.

Calling the Q1 quick is like calling water wet. It's more a question of how quick. Check out these (manufacturer claimed) numbers. 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, 0-100 mph in 7.5 seconds, the quarter-mile in 11.1 at about 120 mph and on to top speed of (probably) 185 mph. While the flat-out velocity may not play in the same league as today's supercars, every other number sure does. In fact, should those numbers hold up to scrutiny, the Q1 is one of the quickest production cars the world has ever seen, featuring a 0-60 mph time equal to the McLaren F1, Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo and the Koenigsegg CCX.

Does the seat of this journo's pants agree? We've been extremely spoiled in recent weeks, playing with such monsters as the Nissan GT-R and Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. On one run in particular, with the Q1's blowoff valve venting like a cross between a semi's air brakes and a gasping whale, the Rossion Q1 felt significantly faster than either car. Brutal, violent even. In fact, CEO Dean Rosen claims that when the Q1 laid down those numbers it was a humid, wet day. He figures that 3.1 or even 3 seconds flat to 60 mph is possible. Regardless, its kooky fast.

As quick as the Q1 is, dancing left to right is the little rocket's actual forte. Again, the numbers are silly. The Q1 can pull 1.065 g in either direction and slaughter a slalom at 75 mph. For comparison's sake, A Ferrari Enzo can "only" run the cones at 73 mph (and takes a leisurely 3.4 seconds to reach 60 mph) and it musters "just" 1.02 g around a 200-foot skidpad. Sadly, we and the Q1 were not destined to spend any time on the track together – instead we were stuck playing on off-ramps or mired in Boca Raton traffic. While we experienced moments of unfettered hoonage, the affair was far from ideal. So we phoned up someone who had put the Q1 through its track day paces: drift and rally legend and host of Supercars Exposed, Tanner Foust.

"Knowing that it's based on a car with the magical suspension geometry that the Noble was known to have is the golden gem. Normally when a car is introduced and claims to have supercar capabilities, you figure sure, yeah right. But with the Noble-based Rossion, it's worth a second look... the Rossion feels very neutral, very light and very spooky in how responsive it is, like a mid-engine car should be. It handles the bumps at the limit and all that, but most important it's very predictable. Even when you're driving it completely sideways – which I did – it just does what's expected."

High praise indeed.

So, we hear you wondering, how much? A typical Q1 with the engine installed by American Speed Factory (the same place that sets up Ferrari Challenge cars, Grand Am Racers and Pro Formula Mazdas) will set you back between $103,000 and $109,000. That's Porsche Carrera S money for a car that will frankly outrun the Turbo. True, you can go crazy with the options list, choosing exotic paint schemes like matte finishes, painted wheels and diamond interior stitching, but even then you're talking about $130,000 or so, a price that's half off what you'd pay for a Ferrari F430 Scuderia.

And speaking of Ferrari, Dean Rosen is considering a Ferrari Challenge-style spec series featuring more track-prepped Q1s (poly bushings and all that). Still not convinced? Does $100,000+ for "just" 450 horses not float your supercar boat? Well, no one is making you go with the Mondeo-sourced 3.0-liter V6. You're free to buy the Q1 sans motor and shove in whatever you like – it's just that no one has done so. In fact, Rosen himself floated the idea of using Ford's new EcoBoost direct-injected twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6, uncorked to the tune of 600 hp. But that's far in the future. For now, it's best to think of the Rossion Q1 as the American (via Britain and South Africa) supercar deal of the decade.

[Source: Autoblog]

Ferrari 458 Italia: Maranello releases more details

The Frankfurt Motor Show is fast approaching, but rather than hit the brakes as they would for an approaching corner, Ferrari is pulling out all the stops. In gearing up to unveil their new 458 Italia at the show next month, Ferrari is giving us a little more each week. We've already seen the first batch of shots, downloaded the ringtone and heard the company's brand and technical directors talk about the car; now Maranello has released an additional video of Paolo Pininfarina of the eponymous design studio talk about the car's styling, and with it released a new batch of interior, motion and studio shots.

Always eager to adopt lessons learned on the grand prix circuit into its road cars, Ferrari has further centralized the controls onto the Italia's steering wheel. What we'd usually find on column-mounted control stocks has apparently all been moved to the steering wheel's fascia, including the turn indicators, headlamps and windscreen wipers – in addition to the chassis setting switch and ignition button, while redundant stereo controls move to the back of the wheel ahead of the even larger shift paddles.

There's also a new Vehicle Dynamic Assistance system to monitor operating temperatures and tolerances of the engine, gearbox, brakes and tires and alerts the driver to whether the car is warming up, overheated or ready to go. Check out the images in the gallery below and read all about it in the press release after the jump – which is where you'll also find the video interview. Oh, and don't forget to stay tuned for the next segment, as Ferrari says it will include an interview with Michael Schumacher!

[Source: Ferrari]

PRESS RELEASE:

More news on the Ferrari 458 Italia on www.ferrari.com: new photos and interview now on the site in the run-up to the Frankfurt Show

Maranello, 27 August 2009 – In the run-up to the official unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia at the Frankfurt Motor Show on the 15th of September, enthusiasts can find out more about the car on www.ferrari.com. There they will find the first photographs of the 458 Italia's interior and of the steering wheel and instrument binnacle which represent a significant step forward in the concept of the ergonomic interface between driver and car.

In fact the main commands are now grouped on the steering wheel, the secondary commands are handily set in two satellite pods either side of the dash and there are now comprehensive instrument displays on the panel ahead of the driver. These solutions represent an important safety aspect, enabling the driver to concentrate fully on driving. Similarly this layout ensures maximum control of the car in highperformance driving, an uncompromising approach that derives directly from Ferrari's F1 experience.

Working closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre, the engineers have thus reinterpreted the positioning of the major commands to provide a truly driver-oriented cockpit. All steering-column mounted stalks have been eliminated, with the indicators, full beam, flash and windscreen wiper functions now being activated by buttons on the steering wheel boss. The button to select the shock absorber setting is now positioned next to the 'Engine start' button where it falls readily to hand. Behind the wheel are a number of secondary functions, such as the stereo, while the gearbox paddles are now longer making shifts even easier from any steering angle.

The right-hand satellite pod on the dash incorporates controls for the infotainment, the Bluetooth connection, sat-nav, digital speedo and rear parking camera. Clustered on the left-hand satellite pod instead are the optional cruise control, buttons for choosing the video setting of the left-hand dash TFT screen and the on-board computer interface. The latter controls the trip computer, the Vehicle Dynamic Assistance and the display of the car's set-up.

The Vehicle Dynamic Assistance monitors the operating parameters of the most important areas of the car - engine/gearbox, tyres and brakes. The VDA is enabled in the following manettino settings – Race, CT off and CST off – and provides visual confirmation of the status of each component based on an algorithm from parameters reading lateral and longitudinal acceleration, revs and speed. This enables the driver to assess the ideal operating conditions for the car. There are three status settings: WARM-UP (operating temperature too low), GO (ideal operating conditions) and OVER (one or more components are no longer at their optimum level and need cooling).

Along with the photos now on-line, the Ferrari site also includes an exclusive videointerview with Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of Pininfarina S.p.A., who provides indepth insight into the 458 Italia's design philosophy and exterior styling. The next release on www.ferrari.com will include an analysis of the car's performance characteristics with an interview with seven-times F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher.

Watermelon Juice - the next great automotive fuel?

Corn as a source for ethanol has its problems. While there are a number of backers, there are real issues that need to be addressed, including (but not necessarily limited to) the huge amount of corn required to brew large batches of the alcohol fuel and the large quantities of water needed in the process. A new alternative is just now popping up that may offer at least a partial solution: watermelon juice.

According to Discovery News, 360,000 tons of watermelons are left to rot and spoil each and every year as farmers leave between 20 and 40 percent of their crops on the ground. Why? It seems consumers just won't buy watermelons that don't look quite as attractive as their siblings, whether that's due to an odd shape, smaller size or minor animal damage. Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture in Lane, Oklahoma, have found that its possible to create ethanol from these unwanted watermelons. We've heard about this potential biomass before.

Though there's only enough watermelon juice available to brew 2.5 million gallons of ethanol (total ethanol production will top 9 billion gallons this year), researchers indicate that the tasty nectar can be used to displace up to 15% of corn or molasses, cut down on water usage and supply needed nitrogen to the mix.

College Station, Texas-based company Common Sense Agriculture, LLC is reportedly working on a prototype plant to produce ethanol from waste watermelons. Company President Jim Rausch points out:

"This is not going to replace corn. In that sense it will remain a niche source of biofuel. But unlike algae biodiesel or cellulosic ethanol, it's a right now thing. There's no new technology that needs to be developed to make it economical."

[Source: Discovery News]

Stillen Nissan GT-R: 620 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds (w/ video)

It's been more than six months since Stillen started working on their Nissan GT-R race car and we're happy to report it's finished and already on its way to Eastern Canada where it will compete in the Targa Newfoundland in a few weeks. Before the hopped-up GT-R was loaded on the trailer, Steve Millen and his crew took the car out to the El Toro Marine base for a few shakedown runs. Road and Track tagged along to record some performance numbers that, as you might expect, are nothing short of impressive.

Thanks to a huge list of performance parts, the Stillenized GT-R produces 620 horsepower at 15psi from its dual turbochargers. Perhaps more importantly, several hundred pounds have been removed thanks to a stripped interior, lots of carbon fiber body components and lightweight racing seats. The extra power and weight savings results in a 0-60 mph time of just 2.9 seconds and a 1/4 mile pass in a mere 11.0 seconds at 127.9 mph. Lateral grip is a gut-clenching 1.1g.

[Source: Stillen]

STILLEN GT-R Targa Race Car

Performance Numbers (As Set Up For 2009 Targa Rally)
Horsepower: ~620 @ 15psi (91 Octane Pump Gas)
0-60mph: 2.9 seconds **
1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 127.9mph **
0-130mph: 11.4 seconds **
Lateral Grip: 1.1G+ **
** (as tested by Road & Track)

Engine
STILLEN Downpipes
STILLEN Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipe
STILLEN Race Exhaust w/Center Rear Exit
STILLEN Intake System w/K&N Filters
Turbosmart e-Boost Street 2-Stage Electronic Boost Controller
Turbosmart Dual Port Blow Off Valves
COBB Tuning AccessPORT
Dodson Motorsports Transmission Cooler
Red Line High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W40
Red Line High Performance Synthetic Gear Oil – 75W140
Red Line WaterWetter

Suspension
High Performance Coil-Overs – Adjustable Bump & Rebound, Ride Height – Eibach Race Springs
STILLEN Adjustable Sway Bars
STILLEN Adjustable Endlinks
Brakes / Tires
STILLEN / AP Racing Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor Upgrade
STILLEN / AP Racing Brake Pads
STILLEN Brake Cooling Package
STILLEN Stainless Steel Brake Lines
AP Racing PRF High Performance Brake Fluid
Bridgestone RE070R 255/40ZRF20 Front Tires
Bridgestone RE070R 285/35ZRF20 Rear Tires

Interior
STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Chromoly Roll Cage
STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Seat Frames
Status Racing Seats
Status Racing Harnesses
Monit Rally Computers
ChaseCam On-Board Video Camera System
Nordskog GPS Speedometer (KPH)

Exterior

STILLEN Urethane Front Lip Spoiler
STILLEN Urethane Side Skirts
STILLEN Urethane Front Canards
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Custom Race Hood
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Wing
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Radiator Shroud
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber NACA Ducts
Password:JDM AeroCatch Flush Mounting Plates
APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors
BASF Carizzma Orange Sherbet Pearl Paint

Asian chefs create unreal life-size F1 car from bread

We know what you're thinking, and we agree – if there's one thing that we just can't seem to accept in modern Formula One racing, it's the distinct lack of edible race cars. Fortunately, that minor niggle is currently being remedied by the Culinary Executive Chef from the Royal Plaza On Scotts in Singapore, who led a team of six chefs, two artists, two technicians, two culinary staff members and five young volunteers from Metta Welfare Association to create bake the machine you see in the gallery below: Asia's Largest Race Car Made From Bread. We wonder... is there some other bread-based race car vying for the world record?

According to Klik.tv, there are a thousand individual loaves and 22 different types of bread in the life-size F1 car. More numbers: it took 33 pounds of yeast, 14 liters of water, 4.4 pounds of salt and nearly three gallons of varnish to finish this delightful creation. We bet it's the best smelling race car ever.

[Source: Klik.tv]

The Toyota Sequoia

The 2009 Toyota Sequoia is the largest full size SUV model in the Toyota line-up, which is designed particularly to cater to the family needs. The vehicle comes with three rows seating arrangement, high towing capability and best off-road performance too.

The 2009 Sequoia is available in three different trim levels - Platinum, SR5 and the Limited models. The base model SR5 is equipped with the features like alloy wheels, triple zone automatic climate control, full power accessories and CD stereo with audio jack. The upgraded JBL sound system, blue tooth, power front seats and leather upholstery are provided in the Limited version of Toyota Sequoia.

The base model in SR5 comes with 4.7 liter V8 engine that is used in the previous models of Toyota Sequoia and delivers power of 276 hp and torque of 314 pound-feet. The exterior features in the new Toyota Sequoia include power heated remote controlled side mirrors, door handle colors and diamond cut 20 inches aluminum alloy wheels for the Platinum model.

The safety features provided in the car include the knee airbags for front passenger safety and driver, side curtain airbags, vehicle stability control system, electronic brake force distribution system, brake assist control system and anti-lock brakes. The knee airbags are provided as standard feature in all the upcoming models. The car performed fairly well in the crash tests conducted by NHTSA in 2008, and gained good rating in overall safety category. It was rated five stars for driver protection and given four star ratings for safety of passengers.

To visit one of the biggest online galleries of Car Pictures Click-Here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geof_Ryan

The Superior Substitute to the Land Cruiser?

The new Toyota FJ Cruiser comes in the SUV style, based on the platform of 4Runner model and design styles adopted from the Land Cruiser. The automatic transmission is standard on all the Cruiser models. The FJ Cruiser 4x2 is featured with anti-skid system, traction control and ABS. The 2009 Cruiser comes with 4.0 liter V6 engine that produces 291 horse power of energy and achieves fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon in the city streets and 21 miles per gallon on the highway roads. It is offered with the five speed automatic transmission and it can accommodate up to five passengers.

The new model might come with the changes like color, fuel economy and the engine. The exterior body style of the car looks as stylish as the interiors. The interior is made up of moisture resistant materials. The safety features include the stability control system, traction control system and the anti lock disc brakes.

The safety features in the FJ Cruiser include side torso air bags, side curtain air bags for both the row seats and vehicle stability control system. In the tests conducted by IIHS, the vehicle secured top rank in terms of safety and scored good in the overall rating in both the side impact tests and in the front crash tests. It is rated with five stars for the frontal driver protection, same for the side rear passenger and the side driver protection, rated four stars for frontal passenger and rollover protection in the vehicle.

Here's a quick way to download the latest Toyota FJ Cruiser Pictures and turn your desktop on fire with them.

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