http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=758
The ASI Ferrari sports a unique body kit that consists of a new front bumper, aggressive side skirts and a bold rear bumper. Although the parts were styled to provide similar aerodynamic performance to the components they replace, the ASI pieces weigh 27kg less. To further maximize the F430's appearance, ASI also offers a sporty new exhaust system which uses "Scuderia-style" center-mounted exhaust tips.
For the Bentleys, ASI has unveiled a new high performance exhaust system that has been specially engineered to deliver a thrilling exhaust note as well as increased power. When combined with ASI's ECU tuning package, Bentley Continentals boast an insane 515kW. The company has also announced a revised suspension lowering module which is easier to use, thanks to a new installation adapter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VW's 1.4-liter TSI Engine of the Year
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=759
It's a nifty little piece of work and now the International Engine of the Year Awards have recognized it. That body has bestowed upon Volkswagen's 1.4 liter TSI Twincharger it's greatest honor - Engine of the Year.
And there was more good news for the Wolfsburg-based automaker. The Twincharged 1.4 liter TSI won both the 1.0 to 1.4 liter engine category and the honor of the Green Engine of the Year, beating out the new hybrid power plants from Toyota and Honda.
Dean Slavnich, who co-chairs the awards and is editor of Engine Technology International, said of VW's 1.4 TSI Twincharger:
"It's a masterstroke of downsizing technology and a real engineering showcase. This engine will become the template for a whole new generation of high efficiency, small capacity engines in the years to come."
The 1.4 liter Twincharger is used across VW's range in models such as the Golf, Scirocco and Eos. The engine unit has also been put to work in the Seat Ibiza Cupra and will likely spread to other models of the VW Group's brands.
Other notable engines honored were Mercedes' AMG division's 6.2-liter V8, which won Performance Engine of the Year. BMW took the title for best engine in the 2.5 liter to 3.0 liter category with its 3.0 liter diesel unit. Its 4.0 liter V8 from the M3 also won the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category.
The 11th annual International Engine of the Year Award event was held at the Engine Expo 2009 in Stuttgart, Germany on the 17th of June. The panel of judges consisted of 65 automotive journalists from all over the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2010 Opel Astra Interior Revealed
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=760
What was pretty clear from the onset was that the Opel Insignia would at least inspire, if not set the tone for the next-generation of Opel cars. Evidently this has happened with the upcoming Astra's interior which the company itself says was penned with the Insignia in mind. Nothing wrong there, the Insignia has been applauded for its design, inside and out.
What gives the Astra the edge especially in its segment is the utilisation of space and some of the innovative solutions applied to enhance the experience from a passenger point of view. Designwise we see the Insignia's wing and blade motifs being applied consistently throughout the car. It comes out in places like the gooseneck-shaped door handles and on the gearshift moulding trim.
Opel did a survey among customers to find out how they utilise their interior spaces. The result showed that people generally store twenty common items (not all at once) in their cars, items like cellular phones, CDs, magazines, paper tissues, cups, bottles and even gloves. So they came up with what they call simple, but effective storage solutions. They include the centre console which can take up to nine CD cases while swallowing up two cups at the same time.
For the driver's comfort the Astra's speedometer and tachometer pods angled towards the driver. The seats can be raised by up to 65mm in height, while their fore and aft range goes up to 280mm.
The all-new Opel Astra will be shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September and begin selling at UK dealers later in the year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Qatar soon to have 25% stake in Porsche
http://www.maxauto.co.za/CntView.aspx?CatID=26&CntID=761
Porsche's financial nightmare may soon be over, as the country of Qatar is in talks to take a 25% stake in the troubled automaker.
An agreement between Porsche and the Qatar government prevents either party from disclosing details, but Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem al-Thani, said negotiations are continuing.
As we have previously reported, Porsche has accumulated a massive 9 billion euro ($12.5 billion) debt in their failed attempt to takeover Volkswagen. With the takeover off the table, Porsche has attempted to merge with VW but their debt has proved to be a major sticking point.
Despite the would-be marriage, Volkswagen has distanced themselves from the issue by stating they stand "behind (Porsche's) talks with an investor" and "Qatar ... will only be dealt with by Porsche."
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment