Monday, May 4, 2009

Dodge Magnum SRT (2008)











Overview:

There is no rule that says you have to give up utility for high performance. But if there were such a rule, the all-new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 would break it. “Dodge Magnum is bold, powerful, street-smart and full of life,” said Darryl Jackson, Vice President of Dodge Marketing. “With a 425-horsepower 6.1-liter HEMI engine up front, and 71.6 square feet of cargo space in the rear, the 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 hauls in more ways than one. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 offers key SRT attributes in ride and handling across a dynamic range, benchmark braking, performance-inspired interior appointments and exterior styling, as well as the raw performance of SRT’s big-bore version of the HEMI engine. Performance numbers for the all-new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 include a 0-60 mph time in the low five-second range and 60-0 mph braking in approximately 110 feet. Capable of covering a quarter-mile in the high 13-second range, the Dodge Magnum SRT8 can accomplish SRT’s signature performance test of 0-100-0 mph in the mid 16-second range. The new 6.1-liter SRT version of the legendary HEMI engine was inspired by the original family of HEMIs – particularly the namesake hemispherical combustion chambers that provide power and efficiency and select visual cues, including the classic orange-painted cylinder block and black valve covers.

Performance/Specifications:

Powertrain
  • Type: V8
  • Displacement: 370 cu in (6059 cc).
  • Power: 425 hp @ 6000 rpm.
  • Torque: 420 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm.
  • Redline: 6400
  • Driveline: Rear Wheel Drive/All Wheel Drive.
  • Transmission: 5 Speed Automatic.
Brakes & Tires
  • Brakes Front - Rear: Ventilated Disc - Ventilated Disc.
  • Tire Size Front - Rear: 245/45 R20 - 255/45 R20 (Std.), 245/45 R20 (Opt.).
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
  • Length: 197.7 in.
  • Width: 74.1 in.
  • Height: 57.9 in.
  • Curb Weight: 4260 lbs.
Performance
  • 0-60: n/a.
  • 1/4 Mile: n/a.
  • 60-0 Braking: ~ 110 feet.
  • Top Speed: n/a.

Lamborghini Estoque (2010)

























Overview:

The Lamborghini Estoque is an entirely new interpretation of the Sant' Agata design ethic: it is a concept that provides a clear indication of the future. This applies to the new, elegant self-confidence of the lines themselves, but even more to the concept of the vehicle. The Lamborghini Estoque is the first sedan in the history of Automobili Lamborghini, although "sedan" is more a reference to the number of doors than any other characteristics. Even sports sedan is an inadequate classification: the Lamborghini Estoque establishes a new category of super sports sedans. With a powerful front mid-engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a sophisticated, precision-tuned chassis, the Lamborghini Estoque boasts a unique technology package. Such a Lamborghini must be immediately recognizable in its design as a unique and unmistakable work of art. For the Lamborghini Estoque, this is clearly a case of "mission accomplished." The proportions of the Lamborghini Estoque are simply fascinating: no other automobile combines so convincingly the elegance of length with the sporting attributes of a low profile and impressive breadth. Or to put it into figures - the concept painted in an all-new color, is 5.15 meters (16.89 feet) long and 1.99 meters (6.53 feet) wide, with a height of only 1.35 metres (4.43 feet). The wheelbase is a stately 3.01 meters (9.88 feet) - an equally important element of elegant vehicle architecture. And it is unequivocally Italian - the flat bonnet, the long wheelbase, the narrow window openings, the flat rear that ends decisively with a negative return - it is all pure "Italianità" on wheels; everything bears the design language of the large classic Italian four-door cars, albeit with a unique, modern interpretation. Pure Lamborghini. The bonnet of the Lamborghini Estoque makes the origins of the sheer power of this vehicle immediately apparent. The location of the engine is clearly evident through the distinct division created by two large air outlets and the additional emphasis of a central power area. Further air outlets are positioned both left and right in the wings, behind each of the front wheel arches. Together, with the division of the bonnet, these elements add emphasis to the area above the wheels, framing the front end of the Lamborghini Estoque like a taut muscle. The permanent all-wheel drive that is typical for all Lamborghinis means that the 22 inch wheels, with their new five double-spoke design, also do their part in delivering power to the road. Here too, the Centro Stile has stuck firmly to the Lamborghini principle that form always follows function; after all, the ample cooling air flowing into the high-performance driveline also has to move quickly out of the vehicle. The flow of form is brought to its conclusion by the broad, even expanse of the rear end. The horizontal split created by the flat LED light clusters and the large, mesh-covered lower air outlets bring additional emphasis to this breadth. A narrow, slightly slanted "frame" panel surrounds the whole rear aspect and further highlights its powerful elegance.

Performance/Specifications:

Drivetrain
  • Layout: Mid-Engine, Mounted Aft of Front Axel, AWD.
Engine
  • Unconfirmed Engine: Most likely a variation of Gallardo LP560-4 V10, Turbocharged/Hybrid V8, V12 TDI.
Exterior
  • Wheels (F): 22 in.
  • Wheels (R): 23 in.
  • Wheelbase: 9.88 feet.
  • Width: 6.53 feet.
  • Length: 16.89 feet.
  • Height: 4.43 feet.
  • Body Type: Four Door, Four Seat GT Sedan.
Interior
  • Seats: Four Nappa Leather-Covered Sport Seats.
  • Navigation: Large-Area LCD, Joystick Controlled Navigation and Entertainment System.

Nissan 370Z (2009)





















Overview:

The 2009 Nissan 370Z replaces the 350Z coupe as Nissan's two-seat sports car. Along with a new engine, the 370Z gets freshened styling and added features. The next generation of Nissan's signature sports car is about 4 inches shorter in wheelbase and almost 3 inches shorter overall than the 2003-2008 350Z. 370Z comes in Base, Touring, and high-performance NISMO trim levels and retains the rear-drive hatchback layout of the 350Z. A 3.7-liter V6 replaces the outgoing model's 3.5-liter V6. Base and Touring have 332 hp while the NISMO has 350. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all. Base and Touring have an optional 7-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Base and Touring 370Z models have standard 18-inch wheels. An optional Sport Package includes 19s. NISMO versions have 19-inch wheels and a sport suspension. A Navigation Package for Touring versions includes a navigation system with real-time traffic information and a 9.3-gigabyte hard drive for storing digital music files. Note that Nissan still sells the 350Z in convertible form. That model uses the same basic design and powertrain as the 2003-2008. The convertible is slated to adopt the 370Z's design in calendar 2009 as a 2010 model. This evaluation is based on preview test drives. The 2009 370Z's dynamic new styling offers dual benefits - a more aggressive appearance and a lighter, tighter structure for enhanced performance. The new Z's wheelbase is nearly 100mm shorter than the previous generation Nissan 350Z (2550mm versus 2650mm), accomplished by moving the rear wheels forward in the 2nd generation FM platform, while overall length is reduced by 70mm (4250mm versus 4320mm). At the same time, the overall width been increased by 33mm and the rear track by 55mm. The more compact exterior dimensions and expanded use of lightweight materials help reduce weight, while at the same time the body structure has been extensively reinforced, improving rigidity. Along with its new structure and stance, the Nissan 370Z has a taut new skin - one that looks completely new, yet completely Z. The exterior design incorporates intentional 240Z styling cues, a sleek aerodynamic shape, a "dynamic motion" feel with a dramatic cantilevered roof (with Nissan GT-R styling cues) and a "low visual gravity." The 370Z's sleek silhouette is defined by its upswept quarter window design that is echoed by the dynamic upward curvature in the lower rocker panel and the sense of the taut sheet metal molding itself around the wheels and frame. Attention to detail and functionality is evident throughout the exterior design, including the addition of a turn indicator integrated into the Z logo mounted between the front wheel and door. The interior design of the new Nissan 370Z continues the Z tradition of enhancing driving pleasure, no matter what the road or traffic conditions offer. Additionally, particular attention has been paid to the quality of the material, as well as the fit and finish. The traditional 2-seat layout is built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length centre console separating the driver and passenger's seat. In the rear is an open luggage area with enhanced storage and accessibility. The information layer provides enhanced visibility with easy access to all key data. The gauges are once again attached to the steering column, so the driver doesn't have to choose between the perfect steering wheel position and visibility of the gauges.

Performance/Specifications:

Drivetrain
  • Layout: Front Engine, RWD.
  • Transmission: 6 Speed Manual with Automatic Rev-Matched Downshifts, or 7 Speed Paddle Shifted Automatic with SynchroRev.
  • Differential: LSD.
Engine
  • Type: Nissan VQ Series VVEL V6
  • Displacement: 3.7 liters.
  • Horsepower: 332 horsepower @ 7000 rpm.
  • Torque: 270 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm.
  • Induction: Naturally aspirated.
Exterior
  • Body Type: 2 Door, 2 Seat Convertible Roadster.
  • Length: 176.2 inches.
  • Wheelbase: 100.4 inches.
  • Convertible Top: Power soft top with glass rear window.
Chassis
  • Wheels (F): 18x8.0-inch 5-spoke Alluminum Alloy.
  • Wheels (R): 18x9.0-inch 5-spoke Alluminum Alloy.
  • Tires Front: Yokohama ADVAN Sport P225/50R18
  • Tires Rear: Yokohama ADVAN Sport P245/45R18
  • Front Suspension: Forged Alluminum Double Wishbone.
  • Rear Suspension: Unicrafted (No Welding) 4 Link.