Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Lamborghini 2009 Gallardo LP560-4 Coupe

For 2009, Lamborghini today took the wraps off a more potent version of its Gallardo coupe, called the LP560-4. The car delivers 560 horsepower at 8,000 rpm via a 5.2-liter V10 engine. The car is capable of hitting 62 mph in an amazing 3.7 seconds. The sprint to twice that speed -- 124 mph -- takes just 11.8 seconds.

The 560 portion of the car's name reflects its horsepower, while the "4" designation indicates all-wheel-drive. The "4" was likely added to the name in anticipation of the forthcoming rear-wheel-drive variant, which will likely end in "2."

The engine not only gains power and displacement, it also features a new "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" direct injection system. Despite its clearly increased output, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent.

The enlarged and clearly redesigned cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine. The front spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.

The redesigned four-wheel-drive system, an improved suspension design, and optimized aerodynamics all contribute an improved driving experience. A weight reduction of 44 lbs and decreased friction between the components also enhance performance.

The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the look of the car.

The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned for the LP560. Gear change time reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented "CORSA" setting not only affects shift speed -- it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The 'Thrust Mode' ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized.

An optional carbon-ceramic-disc braking system makes use of eight-piston Brembo calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at he rear. Rotor size is 14.4 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear.

Bi-Xenon headlights provide plenty of illumination at night, while LED daytime running lights give the car a more aggressive and high-tech look.

Base Price : $198,000
Drivetrain : 4-Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) : 3307
City (MPG) : 12
City (MPG) : 14
Hwy (MPG) : 20
Horsepower : 553 @ 8000
Torque (lb-ft) : 398 @ 6500
Wheelbase (in.) : 100.8
Length (in.) : 171.1
Width (in.) : 74.8
Height (in.) : 45.9

MECHANICAL
6-speed manual transmission w/OD
5.2L DOHC DFI 40-valve V10 engine
Variable-geometry intake system (VIS) & exhaust variable valve timing (VVT)
Lamborghini electronic engine management (LIE)
Static ignition w/individual coils
Drive-by-wire electronic throttle control
Dry sump lubrication system
Limited slip front & rear differential
All wheel drive
Cooling system -inc: (2) water radiators, gearbox oil cooler, engine oil cooler
Aluminum space frame
Front & rear aluminum double wishbone suspension -inc: coil springs, anti-dive, anti-squat, anti-roll bar, Koni FSD dampers
Front & rear stabilizer bars
Pwr rack & pinion steering
Front pwr vacuum ventilated disc brakes w/8-cyl alloy calipers
Rear pwr vacuum ventilated disc brakes w/4-cyl alloy calipers
Front automatic brake differential (ABD)
Quad exhaust tips

EXTERIOR
19" x 8.5" front aluminum wheels
19" x 11" rear aluminum wheels
235/35ZR19 front Pirelli PZero tires
295/30ZR19 rear Pirelli PZero tires
Front air dams
Rear diffuser
Electronically controlled rear spoiler
Bi-xenon projector beam headlights
Fog lights
Tinted glass
Fixed rear window
Pwr heated folding mirrors
Variable intermittent windshield wipers

INTERIOR
Front leather sport bucket seats
Full floor console w/storage
Full floor carpeting
Floor mats
Tilt/telescopic steering column
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Instrumentation -inc: tachometer, external temp, digital clock
Trip computer w/average speed, miles to empty
Warning lights -inc: check engine, low fuel, door/hood open
Dual pwr windows w/one-touch up/down
Speed-sensing pwr door locks
Remote entry
Remote fuel door & trunk release
Engine immobilizer
Dual-zone climate control system w/micro filter
Rear defroster
12V pwr outlet
Electrochromic rearview mirror
Dual illuminated visor-mounted vanity mirrors
Lighting -inc: front reading, delayed/fade courtesy, cargo area

SAFETY
4-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) w/electronic brake force distribution
Brake assist
Electronic stability program (ESP)
Viscous traction control system
Daytime running lights
Driver & front passenger dual-stage airbags w/occupant sensors
Side airbags w/head protection
3-point seat belts w/belt pretensioners
Tire pressure monitor

VEHICLE
EPA Classification : Two Seater
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score : 2
EPA Greenhouse Gas Score : 3

ENGINE
Engine Type : Gas V10
Displacement : 5.2L/318
Fuel System : DFI
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM : 553 @ 8000
SAE Net Torque @ RPM : 398 @ 6500

TRANSMISSION
Drivetrain : 4-Wheel Drive
Trans Type : 6
First Gear Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Second Gear Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Third Gear Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Reverse Ratio (:1) : - TBD -
Clutch Size (in) : 8.5
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) : - TBD -

MILEAGE
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) : 15
Fuel Economy Est-Combined (MPG) : 16
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) : 14
EPA Fuel Economy Est - City (MPG) : 12
EPA Fuel Economy Est - Hwy (MPG) : 20

ELECTRICAL
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0° F (Primary) : - TBD -
Maximum Alternator Capacity (amps) : - TBD -

COOLING SYSTEM
Total Cooling System Capacity (qts) : 21.1

WEIGHT INFORMATION
Base Curb Weight (lbs) : 3307

TRAILERING
SUSPENSION
Suspension Type - Front : Independent
Suspension Type - Rear : Independent
Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) : double wishbone
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) : double wishbone
Shock Absorber Diameter - Front (mm) : - TBD -
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm) : - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in) : - TBD -
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in) : - TBD -

BRAKES
Brake Type : Power
Brake ABS System : 4-Wheel
Disc - Front (Yes or ) : Yes
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) : Yes
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) : 14.4 x 1.3
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) : 14.0 x 1.3

TIRES
Front Tire Size : 235/35ZR19
Front Tire Size : - TBD -
Rear Tire Size : - TBD -
Rear Tire Size : 295/30ZR19

WHEELS
Front Wheel Size (in) : 19 x 8.5
Rear Wheel Size (in) : 19 x 11
Front Wheel Material : Aluminum
Rear Wheel Material : Aluminum

STEERING
Steering Type : Power rack & pinion
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall : - TBD -
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) : - TBD -
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) : 37.7
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft) : - TBD -

FUEL TANK
Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx (gal) : 23.8

EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (in) : 100.8
Length, Overall (in) : 171.1
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in) : 74.8
Height, Overall (in) : 45.9
Tread Width, Front (in) : 63.9
Tread Width, Rear (in) : 62.7
Min Ground Clearance (in) : - TBD -
Liftover Height (in) : - TBD -

CARGO AREA DIMENSIONS
Trunk Volume (ft³) : 4.5

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Passenger Capacity : 2
Passenger Volume (ft³) : - TBD -
Front Head Room (in) : 36.0
Front Leg Room (in) : 45.0
Front Shoulder Room (in) : - TBD -
Front Hip Room (in) : - TBD -

SUMMARY
Vehicle Name
Gallardo
Body Style
2 Door Coupe

Honda Accord 2009 EX-L V-6 4dr Sedan w/Navigation (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 194.3 in.
Width: 72.7 in.
Height: 58.1 in.
Wheel Base: 110.2 in.
Curb Weight: 3616 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 39 in.
Front Hip Room: 56.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 58.2 in.
Rear Head Room: 37.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 56.4 in.
Rear Hip Room: 54.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.5 in.
Rear Leg Room: 37.2 in.
Luggage Capacity: 14 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5


Performance Data
Performance
Base Number of Cylinders: 6
Base Engine Size: 3.5 liters
Base Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 271 hp
Max Horsepower: 6200 rpm
Torque: 254 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 5000 rpm
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 37.7 ft.


Fuel Data


Fuel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 19 mpg / 29 mpg / 22 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 351.5 mi. / 536.5 mi. / 407 mi.



Safety Features
Antilock Brakes: Standard
Four Wheel Antilock Brakes: Standard
Depowered Airbag: Standard
Passenger Airbag: Standard
Head Airbag: Standard
Side Airbag: Standard
Child Safety Seats: Not Available
Traction Control: Standard
Stability Control: Standard


Crash Test Results
NHTSA Ratings
Passenger: 5 stars
Driver: 5 stars
Side Impact Front: 5 stars
Side Impact Rear: 3 stars
Rollover Rating: 5 stars
NHTSA: 5 star, 4 star, 3 star, 2 star, 1 star, Not Test

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Audi A6 2009

Audi is working quickly to update its lineup these days, with the 2009 Audi A6 the latest model to get a makeover. While it's not getting the same level of attention as the redesigned 2009 A4, a major engine addition and a number of minor tweaks should help the refreshed A6 maintain lead in global sales over the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which it holds despite selling just 12,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2007, compared with almost 49,000 for the E-Class and more than 54,000 for the 5 Series.
New to the 2009 Audi A6's engine options is a supercharged, 3.0L direct-injection V-6 rated at 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque in U.S. spec. Called the 3.0 TSFI V6, the engine has a relatively high 10.5:1 compression ratio, a bore size of 3.33 in. and a stroke of 3.5 in. The supercharger is a Roots-style unit with twin four-vane rotors housed entirely between the cylinder banks. The vanes can spin at up to 23,000 rpm, pushing through 2204.6 lb of air per hour at a maximum boost pressure of 11.6 psi. This design allows the engine to hit its torque peak at just 2500 rpm and sustain that output until 4850 rpm. Peak power comes at slightly below 5000 rpm and revolutions top out at 6500 rpm. The entire package is fairly lightweight, tipping the scales at about 417 lb.

Although straight-line performance and fuel-economy numbers for the U.S.-spec 3.0L TSFI engine aren't yet available, the European version -- rated at 290 hp -- helps the A6 sprint 0-to-62 mph in 5.9 sec with an electronically limited 155 mph, all while getting a combined fuel economy of 24.8 mpg (European cycle).
The 3.0L TSFI will be the lone engine offered in the A6 Avant and it largely replaces the existing 255-hp 3.2L V-6, which will continue to serve duty in the front-drive version of the A6 sedan mated to a continuously variable transmission. All A6s fitted with the new V-6 will come with a new rear-biased 40/60 torque split version of Audi's signature quattro AWD system mated to a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic. The optional 350-hp 4.2L V-8 remains unchanged, as does the 435-hp 5.2L V-10 that powers the S6. The RS6 and its 580-hp twin-turbo 5.0L V-10 is still not expected to make it to North American shores, despite the arrival of a sedan variant.

Audi has also reportedly massaged the A6's suspension in an effort to further improve both comfort and handling, with new, large-diameter shocks up front being the major change, along with improved spring response. We won't get Audi's air suspension for our versions of the A6, however.
In addition to the new engine and underpinning updates, the 2009 A6 also undergoes some minor cosmetic changes and interior upgrades. There are new R8-inspired headlights equipped with LED daytime running lights, a new front fascia featuring different foglamps, and a revised grille. At the rear, Audi is adding two-piece LED taillights with nighttime optics to the sedan, which are similar to that of the current A6 Avant. There are also new wheels, additional interior aluminum trim on the steering wheel and other surfaces, and higher-resolution instrument cluster graphics. The A6's optional side assist blind-spot detection system turns on an alarm light on the side mirror if it detects a vehicle the way. In European spec, the system kicks in at 37.3 mph (60 km/h) and can detect cars as far as 164 ft (50 meters) away. Last, a new third-generation version of Audi's MMI Multi Media System is coming for next fall for the 2010 model.
The 2009 Audi A6 makes its global debut this month at the Moscow auto show and goes on sale in January 2009 in the U.S. Pricing will be announced at a later date, but expect it to remain roughly the same as that of the present car.

2009 Nissan Teana Sedan

Nissan with its Chinese joint-venture partner Dongfeng has presented the new 2009 Nissan Teana and the more luxurious Teana XV at the 2008 Beijing Motor Show recently. The car is based on the Nissan Intima Concept that was revealed October last year at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The luxurious front-wheel-drive Teana sedan is powered by Nissan’s award-winning VQ35DE 3.5 liter V6 engine which is mated to the CVT transmission for the Chinese market. When the car goes on sale in late summer, a VQ25DE 2.5 liter 4-cylinder and MR20DE 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engines will be available.
Power will come courtesy of Nissan’s V6 Engine(VQ25DE and VQ35DE versions) and XTRONIC CVT(continuously variable transmission) and especially for China - a two-liter four-cylinder engine(MR20DE) will also be made available.
The 2009 Nissan Teana shares the same platform as the Nissan Altima, Maxima and Murano while the Teana XV version will come with a BOSE 5.1-channel surround sound system and Nissan’s panoramic sunroof.