Friday, March 16, 2007

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

Hybrid SUVs are still pretty rare. "Full" hybrids that can actually be driven on pure battery power alone - versus "mild" hybrids that just shut off the gas engine when the vehicle isn't moving - are rarer still.
The Ford Escape hybrid is one of them. It's also substantially revised for the '08 model run.

2008 Ford Escape HybridBetter battery breeding
The Ford Escape Hybrid gets some notable functional tweaks this year, and the tweaks make its gas-electric drivetrain run more efficiently. The biggest change comes with revised software that governs the operation of the gas-electric powertrain. With the new programming, the transition from all-battery operation to gas-electric operation is smoother than before. The previous Ford Escape hybrid was not terrible in this respect, but the 2008 model is noticeably better because you hardly notice the hybrid powertrain at all. Steering is now electric-assist, too, eliminating both the noise and the efficiency losses of an engine-driven hydraulic power steering pump.
Together, the Ford Escape hybrid's 2.3-liter gas engine (133 horsepower) and 70-kilowatt AC electric motor and 330-volt battery pack deliver power and performance comparable to the gas-only V-6 Escape in every area except max tow ratings. Here, the hybrid's only good for 1000 pounds versus up to 3500 pounds for the V-6 gas version.At the time of this writing, official EPA figures for the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid were not available, but Ford claims mid-high 30s in city driving and high 20s-low 30s on the highway. For comparison, the V-6 Escape (2007 model) with front-drive is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg city, 24 mpg on the highway. With the added weight of the optional all-wheel-drive system, the figures drop to 19 mpg city, 23 mpg on the highway. So the hybrid Ford Escape spots the V-6 Escape about 10 mpg, both ways.
In addition to the new programming in the powertrain, the 2008 Ford Escape gets thicker carpeting, an acoustically laminated windshield, and recessed channels molded into the roof to improve airflow over the vehicle at speed and further quiet things down. Ford claims a 12-percent reduction in cabin noise at 80 mph, and a 20-percent reduction in high-velocity crosswinds compared with the 2007 Escape.

2008 Ford Escape HybridFamily-style
The most noticeable changes to the Ford Escape and the Ford Escape Hybrid are outside. Both the standard Escape and the Hybrid model get an exterior and interior facelift that toughen its face and clean up the cabin.
The front end has been completely redone. It's now very Expedition-like, with a larger and chrome-plated grille/bumper section replacing the body-colored molded plastic treatment used previously. The bumper's center section extends down and underneath the front end, giving the appearance of an integrated skid plate. Just above the bumper, the hood's lip rises almost vertically for an inch or so, then cuts back at an almost 90-degree angle. Larger headlamp assemblies with integrated turn and parking signals, projector-style fog lamps cut into the lower bumper, and a black-out treatment for the B-pillar complete the manly makeover on the outside.
Inside, there's a new dash layout that's similarly squared-off, with a more substantial looking center stack off to the right that houses an information center/LCD screen on top and audio/ optional GPS screen down below that. Between the seats, there's a much more useful "deep well," multi-tiered center console with removable storage trays and combo cupholders.
All gauges and controls get "ice blue" LED-style backlighting, while the interior fabrics are made from recycled "post-industrial materials" that Ford says helps to conserve 600,000 gallons of water and seven million kilowatts of electricity that would otherwise have been used to produce seat covers from "virgin" materials.
The cosmetic re-do of the exterior and interior are hard to fault. The 2007 Escape was a little on the vanilla side. By giving the 2008 version a shot of testosterone Ford has made the new Escape more distinctive, not only relative to other Fords - but also relative to several immediate competitors. That can't hurt.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid2008 Ford Escape Hybrid2008 Ford Escape HybridWorth the price?
But are the improvements - and the hybrid powertrain itself - worth the approximately $3000 price difference between the least expensive version of the 2008 Escape hybrid ($25,075 with front-drive) and the least expensive version of the gas-burning, V-6 Escape ($21,880 for the XLT front-drive)?
The answer depends on how much driving you do annually, how long you plan to keep the vehicle and ultimately, what the per-gallon cost of gas will be over that time period. Maybe you'll save some green; then again, maybe not. If gas prices float to $4 or $5 per, it could be the smartest thing you've done since ditching that iffy ARM mortgage for a sweet deal on a fixed interest rate, 30-year note. On the other hand, if gas prices stay around $2.25 or so for the next five years, you probably won't save a lot of cash - unless you drive more than 12,000 miles annually.
Regardless, you will definitely have the satisfaction of driving a "green" vehicle that not only uses less fuel, it pollutes a lot less, too. Full hybrids like the Escape produce just fractionally more emissions overall than a "zero emissions" electric car - and that's one aspect of performance a conventional, gas-only vehicle can't match.That the whole package is both reasonably priced and well-equipped should bode well for the 2008 Escape - and for Ford.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
Base price: $25,075 (front-drive); price as tested, $29,160
Engine: 2.3-liter in-line four, 133 hp/124 lb-ft and 70-kW electric motor/330-volt battery pack
Transmission: CVT, front- or all-wheel drive
Length x width x height:174.7 x 71.1 x 68 in
Wheelbase: 103.1 in
Curb weight: 3638 lb
Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): TBA
Safety equipment: Dual front side and curtain air bags; anti-lock brakes with traction and stability control

Major standard features: Hybrid specific gauge package and interior, exterior trim; digital info center; dual-zone climate control; six-way power driver's seat; power windows/mirrors/locks; cruise control; AM/FM/CD/MP3 player

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles; eight years/100,000 miles on hybrid components.

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Callaway C16 Convertible debut at 2007 New York Auto Show

CALLAWAY C16 CONVERTIBLE CALLAWAY C16 CONVERTIBLE MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT 2007 NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

World-Class Supercar Performance, Now Available in a Paddle Shifted Convertible

OLD LYME, CONNECTICUT (March 16, 2007) – Callaway Cars today announced it will unveil the C16 Convertible – the company’s latest variant in an impressive lineup of exclusive, hand-built ultra-high-performance automobiles – at the New York International Auto Show.
Based on the current Chevrolet Corvette platform, the C16 convertible takes performance, style and open-air motoring to the next level, giving buyers an opportunity to experience premium supercar performance in a convertible, complete with the ease of a 6-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission.
“Customers who want the exhilaration of a convertible and the daily driver convenience of a paddle-shift automatic without sacrificing the performance capabilities of a Z06 and beyond, can only get it here,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “With this car we have maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous convertible version, based on one of the best sports car platforms ever made. In true Callaway tradition it incorporates our race-proven technologies and superlative craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”
The C16 Convertible, like the C16 Coupe, was drawn and modeled by designer Paul Deutschman, who has a twenty-year portfolio of Callaway designs. Architect of the Callaway look – from its 254 mph Sledgehammer and Corvette-based Le Mans race cars to the current C16 versions – he has masterfully remodeled the original design, redrawing every panel of the standard body to achieve the C16 Convertible’s integrated look while retaining the Corvette’s easy-to-operate power top.
Equipped with Callaway’s 560-hp supercharged 6.0-liter V8, the C16 Convertible is also available with an optional Performance Package that delivers 616 supercharged horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 582 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. The Callaway C16 Convertible does 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, and a quarter-mile in 11.2 seconds. Top speed of the paddle shifted convertible is estimated at just over 200 mph. Equally impressive is its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway. It is emissions compliant and backed by a 5 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
There are three transmission options on the Callaway C16 Convertible: two 6-speed manual transmissions (one incorporating the Z51 Performance Package’s shorter ratios in the first four gears), or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shift. The Callaway C16 Convertible, like C16 Coupe, delivers the feeling of a fully integrated driver’s car, maintaining the company’s legendary hallmark of easy-to-drive, super high-performance road cars, now available with the added pleasure of top-down motoring.
Inside, the C16 convertible’s cockpit is completely retooled in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats with a choice of harnessing styles manufactured for Callaway by Recaro. Door sill panels, steering wheel and passenger dash area also carry signature Callaway badging. Each automobile is serialized and identified by its build plaque. Each Callaway C16 convertible is built to order. Clients choose body and top color and interior appointments to individual taste.
The car’s razor-sharp handling and comfortable ride are courtesy of newly developed Callaway/Eibach Multi-Pro coil-over suspension. This advanced spring/damper system features ride height, corner weight, and pitch angle adjustability. The aluminum-bodied dampers feature 10-click-position compression and rebound adjustability and have remote mounted reservoirs, allowing the driver to customize settings for track or road conditions.
To bring the Callaway C16 Convertible from 200+ mph to rest, the C16 utilizes a Stoptech brake system developed exclusively for Callaway using 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers gripping 355mm diameter rotors. Super-lightweight Callaway Dymag wheels - the lightest road wheel in the industry - measure 19” x 10” front and 20” x 12” rear. The Dymag wheel features forged magnesium centers surrounded by carbon fiber rims - another example of Callaway bringing their race experience to their road cars. Yokohama “AdvanSport” 285/30ZR19 (front) and 325/25ZR20 (rear) tires complete the package.
Pricing for a fully loaded C16 Convertible is $128,765 USD. All Callaway C16 Convertible components are available individually, for both new and currently owned Corvettes, through Callaway authorized retailers and installers.

callawaycars.com

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Lamborghini Alar official images

Lamborghini Alar official picsLamborghini Alar official picsLamborghini Alar official pics


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2007 Volkswagen Beetle Triple White

2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White

2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White2007 VW New Beetle Triple White SPECIAL EDITION NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE NOW AVAILABLE AT LOCAL DEALERS

AUBURN HILLS
, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that the limited edition Triple White New Beetle convertible is now available at dealers. Only 3,000 customers will have the opportunity to own this truly special edition.
The Triple White New Beetle convertible features a unique Campanella white exterior, a white interior, and white convertible roof boot. The Triple White New Beetle convertible takes its color palette from the original Super Beetle convertible of the late 70s. This modern day rendition includes 17-inch 'Oktopus' alloy wheels, a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, white leatherette seats and center armrest. Also included are black carpeting, floor mats and door panels along with Sirius Satellite Radio. Another distinctive feature of the Triple White New Beetle convertible is the special front seat headrests ingrained with the New Beetle convertible icon.
With the standard automatic transmission, the Triple White New Beetle convertible is priced at $25,990.


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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Rapide speeds up Aston Martin’s growth plans under new owners

Photo Aston Martin RapideAston Martin Rapide four-door coupe, previewed by the concept unveiled at the 2006 Detroit show.
Aston’s chief executive, Ulrich Bez, announced that the model will be produced on a new line at the company’s Gaydon facility, and is expected to account for between 1000-2000 units annually, bringing total yearly production for the now-independent automaker up to 7,000. The Aston Martin Rapide will end up being the second car produced under the company’s new owners, as the DBS is expected to bow later this year.
The Aston Martin factory at Gaydon in Oxfordshire will have to be expanded with a new production line and developments to the body and paint shops.

Photo Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin RapidePhoto Aston Martin Rapide
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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Photos: 2007 Geneva Motor Show

photo Maserati GranTurismo© Charles Ellena / Bloomberg News
Maserati's new GranTurismo

photo Audi A5 © Denis Balibouse / Reuters
Audi A5

Photo Diatto Ottovu© Nicholas Ratzenboeck / AP
Diatto Ottovu (designed by Zagato)

Photo Fiat 500 Cinquecento

© Reto Andreoli / Bloomberg News
Fiat 500 "Cinquecento"

Photo Jaguar XJ © Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images
Jaguar's new XJ


Photo Toyota Hybrid X concept© Fabrice Coffrini / AFP
Toyota Hybrid X concept

Photo Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead© Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead

Photo Fiat Bravo © Dominic Favre / AFP
Fiat Bravo

Photo Opel GTC© Adam Berry / Bloomberg News
Opel GTC, a four-seat concept coupe

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