auto body cars: October 2008

Automakers' Car Sales Projected To Fall

As the automakers' year ticks down, one analyst is forecasting significantly lower sales compared to last year.
J.D. Power and Associates is projecting new-vehicle retail sales to end 2008 at 10.8 million units, 2 million fewer than 2007.
"Buyers are both voluntarily and involuntarily exiting the U.S. new-vehicle market," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of automotive forecasting for J.D. Power and Associates. "The additional decline in expected vehicle sales is a function of growing concerns around availability of credit and leasing, declines in vehicle equity and general economic stress."

Part of the decline comes from consumers altering their behavior. On average, drivers are keeping their cars 71 months -- four months longer than 2007.
Another part of the decline comes from from reduced leasing activity and a reduction in fleet sales, which are expected to fall to 2.8 million units, well below the 3.3 million of 2007.
Market uncertainty has also led to a downward revision of the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 U.S. light-vehicle forecast. Total new light-vehicle sales are expected to drop to 13.2 million units in 2009, with the retail sales market declining to 10.6 million units.
"Falling trade-in equity, fewer leasing options, credit market restructuring and the increased migration to used vehicles are all putting added pressure on the U.S. new-vehicle sales market in 2009," said Schuster. "Any truly pronounced recovery appears to be more than 18 months away."

Honda Fit - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Honda Fit ranks 2 out of 35 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Honda Fit, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Fit's configurable cabin, numerous standard amenities and peppy performance secure its place as one of the top affordable small cars and hatchbacks. With the escalating gas prices, it's also an economical purchase for its good fuel mileage.

Reviewers commend the 2008 Honda Fit's all-around appeal compared to similarly styled and powered subcompacts. Back in 2007, both Motor Trend and Road and Track conducted comparison tests featuring the Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa. Both tests concluded the Fit is the standout of those three for its fun-to-drive demeanor on city streets, as well as its utility. Motor Trend calls the Fit "the right choice for the enthusiast who wants a car that handles twisties as well as it does chores, saves gas, and eases your budget." To Road and Track, the Fit is "the most fun to drive" of the three. A four-door hatchback, the 2008 Fit was introduced in the United States just last year in two trims, the base model or Fit Sport.

The 2008 Honda Fit has won more than comparison tests. It was selected as one of Car and Driver's 10Best for 2008, as well as one of Car and Driver's Top 10 Urban Vehicles. In 2007, the Fit received Popular Mechanics' Automotive Excellence Award. "For a small, so-called B-Car, the Fit has what may be class-leading handling, ride, steering feel and brakes," Popular Mechanics writes, adding, "Then, toss in the Fit's surprising interior adaptability with seats that flip, fold and offer more passenger and cargo carrying combinations than many minivans. Finally, Honda's hallmark quality and attention to detail…mean the sum of the parts makes the Fit seem much more than just another B-Car."

"Not only does the Fit deliver what you'd expect -- high mpg numbers and low ownership costs -- but it also delivers something you might not: high-quality interior appointments, a high level of usefulness, and a high fun-to-drive index." -- Car and Driver

"At first you want to drive it because it looks neat. Then, after utilizing its fantastically thought-out interior, you respect it for its usability." -- Road and Track

"It's a lot of fun to drive -- a car that you can be proud to own."-- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"You'd be hard pressed to find a car that can do so much with so little and be so lovable doing it. The Fit is one-half of the perfect two-car garage. Or even one-quarter." -- Los Angeles Times
Disagreeing with most experts, CNET says the Fit offers "low-speed power, maneuverability, nice cabin materials, and plenty of room inside for occupants and cargo. But even with these practical points, it's a car that doesn't live up to its potential." -- CNET

Fit Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
The Fit earns its high performance score with its pleasing ride, as long as drivers keep in mind the Fit is a compact car, not a hot rod. After driving the Fit Sport, The Auto Channel reported, "It 'corners on its door handles,' as the old saying goes, but sticks well and is great fun to drive." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn how the Fit's power and precision compares to the other subcompacts on the test track, or how reviewers say the Fit absorbs road bumps with its tightly packaged suspension. continue

Fit Exterior - 7.7 (Good)
The 2008 Honda Fit has a more functional appeal than a fashionable one, leading to a relatively low exterior score for the class. Still, reviews like CNET's report, "We do like the design," and commend the car's "nice exterior look." Check out the 2008 Honda Fit Photo Gallery to see the four-door hatchback or continue with our Exterior Review to learn how others say the Fit's design compares to the MINI Cooper, Mazda3 or Honda Civic. continue

Fit Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)
The Fit's interior combines functionality with comfort and is considered one of the best interiors in the class. Car and Driver says, "There seems to be more room inside this car than the tidy exterior could possibly contain, the seats flop and fold to yield great cargo versatility, and the interior appointments would do justice to an Accord." Check out the 2008 Honda Fit Photo Gallery to see images of the Fit's "magic seat" and continue with our full Interior Review to learn more about the four different seating and cargo configurations available inside the Fit. continue

Fit Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2008 Fit receives five out of five stars in front crashes, five stars in front seat occupants' protection in side crashes, and three out of five stars in rear seat occupants' protection in side crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the 2008 Fit a "Good" rating -- the highest possible -- in both frontal offset and side-impact tests. Continue with our full Safety Review to learn more about the Fit's safety equipment, as well as how reviewers judge the subcompact's ability to protect against and prevent accidents. continue

Fit Reliability - 10.0 (Excellent)
The 2008 Honda Fit reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2008 Honda Fit comes with a standard three-year or 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty, as well as a five-year or 60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty. Check out our full Reliability Review to find out critics' opinion of the Fit's growing reputation
and build quality. continue

Truck power and car-like fuel efficiency for 2009 Sierra / Silverado Hybrids
By Justin Pritchard

GM has been developing a large-SUV hybrid drive system in cooperation with Chrysler and BMW. Teaming up helps spread development costs across three different automakers, and the resulting Two-Mode hybrid system is already available to Tahoe and Yukon buyers. It's an innovative partial electric drivetrain that allows the huge haulers to consume as little fuel as a mid-sized sedan.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

The technology will soon make the leap from SUV's to pickup trucks. GM has already announced the upcoming availability of the GMC Sierra Hybrid and Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid models, which promise buyers the power of a hefty six-liter engine combined with a hybrid drive system for fuel savings. GM says the new hybrid pickups offer the handsome looks and power owners are used to, while offering a 25 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

All-electric driving is possible at speeds under 30 miles per hour courtesy of the Two-Mode hybrid system. At low speeds and under low-load, the gas engine can go to rest completely, allowing the truck to be driven solely on battery power. This uses no fuel, emits no emissions and is completely silent.

When the accelerator is depressed, Sierra Hybrid's 6.0 liter V8 instantly goes to work to deliver a familiar sound and acceleration. The V8 engine helps the Sierra Hybrid along at highway speeds, while employing some fuel-saving technologies of its own. These include Late Intake Valve Closing (LIVC) to help in the emissions department, and Active Fuel Management to de-activate cylinders when appropriate.

The latter feature allows the engine to put cylinders to 'sleep' when not needed- allowing the big V8 to boast smaller-engine fuel consumption in certain situations. Sierra hybrid also gets a specially tuned exhaust system which takes the hybrid powerplant's unique characteristics into consideration.

GM says the Sierra and Silverado Hybrids will allow owners to realize a fuel savings even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. The hybrid hardware will be sold on crew-cab bodied trucks in two and four wheel drive. A stability control system, trailering package and locking rear axle are standard on hybrid models, and towing capacity is 6,100 lbs.

2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid

Jim Bunnell, GMC general manager, comments on the Sierra Hybrid model. "The Sierra Hybrid represents GMC's commitment to engineering excellence, delivering a fully functional truck that offers a significant improvement in fuel economy. Sierra Hybrid will deliver fuel economy that is expected to be the best in the full-size pickup segment, exceeding the current mileage leader - the non-hybrid Sierra."

The Silverado and Sierra hybrid twins go on sale later this year.

Toyota confirms - again - plans to build production plug-in hybrid vehicles

by John Matras, Automotive Examiner

Plug-in hybrids and lithium-ion batteries are the Next Big Things and Toyota, it would seem from the recent flurry of electric car news, might be losing its grip on first place in the hybrid/lithium-ion battery race.
Lithium-ion batteries developed in a joint project between Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Continental (who will make the batteries) are used in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHybrid as well as a BMW 7-Series hybrid concept car, and will be the sole power source for the pure electric Mini E. Of course, General Motors has the much ballyhooed 2010 Chevrolet Volt almost ready for primetime.

So has Toyota been resting on its Prius?

Not hardly, says Irv Miller, veep of Toyota’s American corporate communications. Says Miller, “Let me be clear about this: We believe strongly in the viability of plug-in hybrids in some applications, and in their use of lithium-ion batteries. We believe so strongly, in fact, that we plan to begin production of PHEVs late next year.”

Toyota has a joint venture (60 per cent owned by Toyota) with electronics giant Panasonic, which will begin production-line assembly of lithium-ion batteries developed entirely in-house.

Toyota, along with Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), began a test of plug-in hybrids equipped with nickel-metal-hydride (NmH) batteries to accumulate real-word data in late 2007. However, the NmH batteries, even in an oversized battery pack, gave only about seven miles of pure electric operation, and as such was not intended for general distribution.

While conceding that seven miles would be adequate for most weekend trips, Toyota still almost frustratedly cited the advantage of its current hybrid system as being independent of the extension cord.

So as announced by Katsuaki Watanabe, president of Toyota Motor Corp., at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, Toyota will build and deliver what he called "a significant fleet" of plug in hybrids to fleet users in the latter part of 2009.

Toyota will introduce the third generation of Prius at the Detroit auto show in January, and (purposefully?) leaked photos of it have been circulating the web and have been confirmed by Toyota as being accurate. Presumably at that time we’ll know, too, whether that plug-in hybrid will be in the form of a specially-equipped Prius.

What we won't know is when Toyota will offer a PHEV to the general public. Or will we? Stay tuned.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

After four years of development, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, as it will now be called, is ready for series production. The most exclusive sports car of all time is following in the footsteps of the legendary Bugatti, those universally-coveted limousines and unbeatable racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s which today are among the most sought-after creations from the early days of automobile construction.

This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model's final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived.

Merging the Past and the Future

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4's home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time.

The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here.

High Performance

The car's safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of 'parachute brake' during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry.

The Art of the Machine

The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other.

1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4's enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction.

Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine's power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots.

Exclusive, Classical, Functional

Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque's legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car's uncompromising sportiness.

Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color.

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

After four years of development, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, as it will now be called, is ready for series production. The most exclusive sports car of all time is following in the footsteps of the legendary Bugatti, those universally-coveted limousines and unbeatable racing cars of the 1920s and 1930s which today are among the most sought-after creations from the early days of automobile construction.

This brings to an end the era of design models and concept cars which since the late 1990s have signposted possible paths to the Bugattis of the future. Design and technological concept have finally become reality in the Veyron model's final form and will be available from the beginning of 2004 as a strictly limited edition of just 300 cars. Technologically futuristic and packed with creative engineering, the first Bugatti of the 21st century has arrived.

Merging the Past and the Future

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4's home is in Molsheim-Dorlisheim, the French town where, almost 100 years ago, Ettore Bugatti began to realize his lifelong dream of being a car manufacturer. The new workshop is not just where the engine and vehicle are assembled and tested, it is also the place where customers collect their Bugattis and drive them out onto the streets for the first time.

The aim is to turn Molsheim into an all-round Bugatti center once again. While up to 70 new vehicles a year are built by hand in the new facility, neighboring specially-equipped workshops are the scene of expert restoration work on historic Bugatti vehicles. Both past and future have found a new home here.

High Performance

The car's safety systems have been designed to cope with its extraordinary performance, acceleration and speed. The single-piece carbon-fiber monocoque alone scores maximum points in crash tests, while airbags give the driver and passenger additional protection. The high-speed tires designed specially for the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (for vmax. > 350 km/h), sizes 265-680 ZR500A (front) and 365-710 R540A (rear), incorporate a further innovative safety feature in the form of the PAX System fitted to the wheels and tires, ensuring safe handling even after sudden pressure loss. Another Bugatti Veyron 16.4 component with a safety element is the rear spoiler. As well as providing the necessary downforce during high-speed travel, it acts as a kind of 'parachute brake' during emergency braking. Once precisely-defined deceleration forces are registered the spoiler tilts and the additional air resistance this generates reduces the braking distance to that of a lorry.

The Art of the Machine

The W16 alloy engine developed by Bugatti for the Veyron 16.4 will have a special and absolutely unique place in the history of sports car construction. Its design employs the space-saving VR principle with two particularly slender eight-cylinder blocks arranged at a 90° angle to each other.

1001 horsepower equip the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 with a level of acceleration unheard of in the sports car segment, propelling it from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and past the 200 mph mark in a mere 24 seconds. Thanks to its 923 lb-ft, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4's enormous propulsive power is not exhausted until it reaches 252.3 mph (406 km/h): the maximum speed for which chassis and drive train have been designed. Any further performance escalation is limited by current design and construction.

Also unique is the power transmission via an innovative directshift gearbox. Without any interruption in the power flow, the sequential seven-speed gearbox transmits the engine's power to the wheels via permanent four-wheel drive. Put simply, this means uninterrupted acceleration from a standing start to maximum speed: a feeling previously known only to jet pilots.

Exclusive, Classical, Functional

Both exclusive and highly functional, the interior of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 will transport you to a world of your own. Superb leather, also two-tone if desired, quality metallic trim and beautifully designed and ergonomically laid-out controls characterize the Veyron cockpit.

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 instruments, with a large central rev counter surrounded by four smaller additional instruments also conjures up memories of the marque's legendary motor sport past. The deliberate avoidance of superfluous instruments and modern extras are an unmistakable statement of the car's uncompromising sportiness.

Unchanged on the series version of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the classical two-tone paintwork. The designers have selected five separate color combinations for the car: Each of the combinations features the bonnet, roof and rear in the darker of the two colors, with the sides and front wheel arches in the lighter color.

Lamborghini Reventon

---- Specifications ----

Price		--	Production		20
Engine		6.5 liter V12	Weight		3671 lbs
Aspiration		natural	Torque		487 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
HP		650 hp @ 8000 rpm	HP/Weight		--
HP/Liter		100 hp per liter	1/4 mile		--
0-62 mph		3.4 seconds	Top Speed		211 mph

(from Lamborghini Press Release) Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Reventón at the Frankfurt Motorshow 2007

The essence of the marque: just 20 examples of a design masterpiece

Clearly a Lamborghini, but nothing quite like it. A super car without equals: the Lamborghini Reventón is a road vehicle with an extreme specification and, at the same time, a limited edition masterpiece – a coherent style, angular with sharp lines, inspired by the very latest aeronautics.

With just 20 produced, each 1 Million Euro (without taxes) Lamborghini Reventón
is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, yet still offering the extraordinary performance that makes the Reventón so unrivalled: under the completely autonomous design, the Reventón possesses the entire technical and dynamic competence of the twelve cylinder Lamborghini.

Lamborghini prides itself on being the extraordinary manufacturer of extreme super sports cars without compromise. Sensuality and provocation characterise every Lamborghini, with an aggressively innovative style. “However, the Reventón is the most extreme of all, a true automotive superlative. Our designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre took the technical base of the Murciélago LP640 and compressed and intensified its DNA, its genetic code,” affirms Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Born in Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Reventón has been entirely designed in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini and the native home of every super car born under the sign of the bull. The design drawn up in Lamborghini’s Centro Stile (Style Centre) is fine-tuned in close collaboration with the Lamborghini Research and Development Department. Thus, the Reventón is not only “haute couture” but it also stands out for its elevated dynamism whilst being entirely suitable for every day use.

The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. A total of 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.

The name Reventón has been chosen according to Lamborghini tradition. Reventón was a fighting bull, owned by the Don Rodriguez family. It is included in the list of the most famous bulls ever and is known for killing the famed bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943.

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

The present day Lamborghini models are distinguished by the clear language of their shape. The coherent proportions of the Murciélago and Gallardo highlight their power and dynamism. Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential. Each element is created exactly according to its function; ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Lamborghini.

With the Reventón the Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created an extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, giving the car incredible movement.

Made of carbon fibre and precision

Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murciélago LP640, the exterior design of the Reventón is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior is made of CFC, a composite carbon fibre material, which is as stable as it is light. The exterior components are glued and fixed to the body comprised of CFC and steel.

The front is characterised by the acute angle of the central ‘arrow’ and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to the turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 650 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake disks and the six cylinder callipers.

Characterised by coherent functions

Naturally, both doors on the Reventón open upwards – since the legendary Countach this has also been a symbol of the V12 Lamborghini product line. With their asymmetric configuration, the large air intakes below the doors provide an example of the extreme coherence with which a Lamborghini fulfils its function: on the driver's side it is large to increase the flow of oil to the radiator. On the passenger’s side of the vehicle, the air intake is flat because in this case, it only has to ensure the flow below the floor. The aerodynamically optimised flat floor structure terminates at the rear with a diffuser featuring an accentuated shape. This guarantees excellent road grip and stability even at 340 km per hour.

In spite of the extreme and innovative language of its shape, the Reventón not only maintains all the strong features of the Murciélago LP640, but also offers further amelioration in terms of aerodynamics, the important engine cooling system, the air intake system and brakes. The airflow and the section of the variable geometry air intakes of the engine and the rear spoiler (also adjustable) have been modified.

Owners of the 20 examples will be able to test the performance of his or her Lamborghini in person.

Perfected to the ultimate detail

The engine hood made of glass laminate with open ventilation slits offers a glimpse of the beating heart of the twelve cylinders of the super car. The glass also features the marked arrow angle that characterises the design from the front to the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini designers’ love for detail is beautifully illustrated by the fuel tank lid: a small mechanical work of art, achieved by milling a solid aluminium block.

The combination lights transform the incisiveness of the design into light: the front features the most modern light-emitting diodes alongside Bi-Xenon headlights. Seven LEDs ensure continuous daylight while there are a further nine diodes for the indicator and hazard lights. Another technical innovation is found in the rear light LEDs. Because of the high temperature in the rear low part of the car, special heatproof LEDs are used for the indicator and hazard lights, stoplights and rear lights with a triple arrow optical effect.

A new body colour

Naturally, such a refined language of shape also demands an extraordinary colour. For the 20 examples of the Reventón, the designers from Sant’Agata Bolognese have created a totally new hue: Reventón, a mid opaque green/grey without the usual shine. However, thanks to the metallic particles, in the daylight this colour tone features surprising depth.

Opaque and brilliant colours for the wheel rims

This play of opaque and lustre is also featured on the wheel rims, especially created for the Reventón. Opaque carbon fins are screwed onto the black aluminium spokes, not only creating a visual effect with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, but a turbine effect also ensures optimum cooling for the powerful ceramic brake disks.

TFT display similar to an airplane

The same innovative force applied to the exterior design characterises the cockpit of the Reventón. Designed and created using Alcantara, carbon, aluminium and leather that comply with the top quality standards, the interior is inspired by the next generation cockpits: just like in modern airplanes, the instruments comprise three TFT liquid crystal displays with innovative display modes. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose from two vehicle information display modes. The instruments are housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminium block, protected by a carbon fibre casing.

The G-Force-Meter is also completely new: this display shows the dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking, as well as transversal acceleration around bends. These forces are represented by the movement of an indicator on a graduated 3D grid depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration. A similar instrument can be found in the airplanes. Formula One teams also use a similar device to analyse dynamic forces.

Customisable instruments

The instrument on the left of the speedometer associates the number of revolutions in the form of a luminous column with the display of the selected gear. Finally, every Reventón is equipped with a robotised e.gear controlled by two small levers under the steering wheel.

By simply pressing a button, the driver can switch to the second, quasi-analogical display, where the classic circular instruments, speedometer and engine speed indicator are configured in an equally innovative way and transformed into luminous pilot lamps with varying colours. The G-Force-Meter naturally remains at the centre in this display mode.

Electronic system developed entirely by Lamborghini

All this is possible thanks to the fact that the entire electronic platform of the Reventón, together with all the control devices, has been autonomously developed by the Lamborghini experts.

The same process for integrating the electronic displays in the car was applied to the Lamborghini Engineering Department.

From the conception of the very first radical ideas, the entire Reventón has been developed in Sant’Agata Bolognese thanks to tight teams of remarkably creative experts. An extremely refined and efficient process was employed: CAD design and development, creation of the prototype in the Prototype Department, all carried out under the constant supervision of the Research and Development Department’s technicians and testers.

Atelier of creativity and high efficiency

Inaugurated in 2004, the Centro Stile is dedicated to design and characterised by a high degree of efficiency: an “atelier” of creators, designers and prototype constructors, who encapsulate the Lamborghini culture and spirit by using their remarkable skills to create aesthetic innovation.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 square two-storey building. The large pavilion houses two test floors and related production and analysis equipment, while other rooms are set aside for the most advanced computerised workstations for designers and a style-model construction workshop. The Centro Stile is also closely linked to the nearby Engineering Department: the direct line between the Lamborghini development departments guarantees that ideas rapidly become reality.

Creativity and production under the same roof

The Lamborghini Reventón is a practical illustration of the streamlined functionality and efficiency characterising the Centro Stile: it took less than a year to progress from the first ideas to the finished car. The complete design process from the first sketches on paper, to three dimensional computer models with 1:10 or 1:4 scale, right up to the real size prototype is organised around streamlined, fast, efficient work groups. Thanks to the Centro Stile, for the first time in its history, Lamborghini is now able to create its own style philosophy in-house without having to rely on any external collaboration.

The 20 units will be manufactured in Sant’Agata, using a production process characterised by artisan perfection and rigorous quality standards.
A masterpiece with tested technology

The technology found in the Murciélago LP640 has not been modified. The engine in the LP640 forwards is the classic twelve-cylinder engine with 6.5 litre displacement. Only for this car, Lamborghini guarantees, an astounding 650 HP (478 kW) at 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The huge torque, equal to maximum 660 Nm, ensures a powerful switch from any number of revolutions: even the slightest pressure on the accelerator is spontaneously transformed into thrust. The robotised e.gear changes gear faster than even the most expert driver. In addition, the permanent Viscous Traction four-wheel drive system ensures that every force is constantly translated into movement.

As in the original Murciélago LP640, the Reventón accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a maximum speed over 340 km/h.

Born to become a legend

Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

With the Lamborghini Reventón, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and driveability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic.

Lamborghini Reventon

---- Specifications ----

Price		--	Production		20
Engine		6.5 liter V12	Weight		3671 lbs
Aspiration		natural	Torque		487 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
HP		650 hp @ 8000 rpm	HP/Weight		--
HP/Liter		100 hp per liter	1/4 mile		--
0-62 mph		3.4 seconds	Top Speed		211 mph

(from Lamborghini Press Release) Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Reventón at the Frankfurt Motorshow 2007

The essence of the marque: just 20 examples of a design masterpiece

Clearly a Lamborghini, but nothing quite like it. A super car without equals: the Lamborghini Reventón is a road vehicle with an extreme specification and, at the same time, a limited edition masterpiece – a coherent style, angular with sharp lines, inspired by the very latest aeronautics.

With just 20 produced, each 1 Million Euro (without taxes) Lamborghini Reventón
is a symbol of extreme exclusivity, yet still offering the extraordinary performance that makes the Reventón so unrivalled: under the completely autonomous design, the Reventón possesses the entire technical and dynamic competence of the twelve cylinder Lamborghini.

Lamborghini prides itself on being the extraordinary manufacturer of extreme super sports cars without compromise. Sensuality and provocation characterise every Lamborghini, with an aggressively innovative style. “However, the Reventón is the most extreme of all, a true automotive superlative. Our designers at the Lamborghini Style Centre took the technical base of the Murciélago LP640 and compressed and intensified its DNA, its genetic code,” affirms Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Born in Sant’Agata Bolognese

The Lamborghini Reventón has been entirely designed in Sant’Agata Bolognese, the original birthplace of the Lamborghini and the native home of every super car born under the sign of the bull. The design drawn up in Lamborghini’s Centro Stile (Style Centre) is fine-tuned in close collaboration with the Lamborghini Research and Development Department. Thus, the Reventón is not only “haute couture” but it also stands out for its elevated dynamism whilst being entirely suitable for every day use.

The Lamborghini Reventón is not destined to remain a one-off. A total of 20 Lamborghini friends and collectors will be able to own this extraordinary car and, naturally, enjoy the incomparable pleasure of driving it.

The name Reventón has been chosen according to Lamborghini tradition. Reventón was a fighting bull, owned by the Don Rodriguez family. It is included in the list of the most famous bulls ever and is known for killing the famed bullfighter Felix Guzman in 1943.

Inspired by the fastest airplanes

The present day Lamborghini models are distinguished by the clear language of their shape. The coherent proportions of the Murciélago and Gallardo highlight their power and dynamism. Sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces: these are ingredients of a style reduced to the essential. Each element is created exactly according to its function; ornaments and decorations are totally foreign to a Lamborghini.

With the Reventón the Centro Stile designers have coherently developed this philosophy, inspired by another sphere where speed and dynamism reign absolute: modern aeronautics, responsible for the fastest and most agile airplanes in the world. This has created an extremely precise, technically striking style with a new vitality: interrupted lines and contorted surfaces create a fascinating play of light, giving the car incredible movement.

Made of carbon fibre and precision

Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murciélago LP640, the exterior design of the Reventón is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior is made of CFC, a composite carbon fibre material, which is as stable as it is light. The exterior components are glued and fixed to the body comprised of CFC and steel.

The front is characterised by the acute angle of the central ‘arrow’ and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to the turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 650 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake disks and the six cylinder callipers.

Characterised by coherent functions

Naturally, both doors on the Reventón open upwards – since the legendary Countach this has also been a symbol of the V12 Lamborghini product line. With their asymmetric configuration, the large air intakes below the doors provide an example of the extreme coherence with which a Lamborghini fulfils its function: on the driver's side it is large to increase the flow of oil to the radiator. On the passenger’s side of the vehicle, the air intake is flat because in this case, it only has to ensure the flow below the floor. The aerodynamically optimised flat floor structure terminates at the rear with a diffuser featuring an accentuated shape. This guarantees excellent road grip and stability even at 340 km per hour.

In spite of the extreme and innovative language of its shape, the Reventón not only maintains all the strong features of the Murciélago LP640, but also offers further amelioration in terms of aerodynamics, the important engine cooling system, the air intake system and brakes. The airflow and the section of the variable geometry air intakes of the engine and the rear spoiler (also adjustable) have been modified.

Owners of the 20 examples will be able to test the performance of his or her Lamborghini in person.

Perfected to the ultimate detail

The engine hood made of glass laminate with open ventilation slits offers a glimpse of the beating heart of the twelve cylinders of the super car. The glass also features the marked arrow angle that characterises the design from the front to the rear spoiler. The Lamborghini designers’ love for detail is beautifully illustrated by the fuel tank lid: a small mechanical work of art, achieved by milling a solid aluminium block.

The combination lights transform the incisiveness of the design into light: the front features the most modern light-emitting diodes alongside Bi-Xenon headlights. Seven LEDs ensure continuous daylight while there are a further nine diodes for the indicator and hazard lights. Another technical innovation is found in the rear light LEDs. Because of the high temperature in the rear low part of the car, special heatproof LEDs are used for the indicator and hazard lights, stoplights and rear lights with a triple arrow optical effect.

A new body colour

Naturally, such a refined language of shape also demands an extraordinary colour. For the 20 examples of the Reventón, the designers from Sant’Agata Bolognese have created a totally new hue: Reventón, a mid opaque green/grey without the usual shine. However, thanks to the metallic particles, in the daylight this colour tone features surprising depth.

Opaque and brilliant colours for the wheel rims

This play of opaque and lustre is also featured on the wheel rims, especially created for the Reventón. Opaque carbon fins are screwed onto the black aluminium spokes, not only creating a visual effect with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel, but a turbine effect also ensures optimum cooling for the powerful ceramic brake disks.

TFT display similar to an airplane

The same innovative force applied to the exterior design characterises the cockpit of the Reventón. Designed and created using Alcantara, carbon, aluminium and leather that comply with the top quality standards, the interior is inspired by the next generation cockpits: just like in modern airplanes, the instruments comprise three TFT liquid crystal displays with innovative display modes. At the touch of a button, the driver can choose from two vehicle information display modes. The instruments are housed in a structure milled from a solid aluminium block, protected by a carbon fibre casing.

The G-Force-Meter is also completely new: this display shows the dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration during acceleration and braking, as well as transversal acceleration around bends. These forces are represented by the movement of an indicator on a graduated 3D grid depending on the direction and intensity of the acceleration. A similar instrument can be found in the airplanes. Formula One teams also use a similar device to analyse dynamic forces.

Customisable instruments

The instrument on the left of the speedometer associates the number of revolutions in the form of a luminous column with the display of the selected gear. Finally, every Reventón is equipped with a robotised e.gear controlled by two small levers under the steering wheel.

By simply pressing a button, the driver can switch to the second, quasi-analogical display, where the classic circular instruments, speedometer and engine speed indicator are configured in an equally innovative way and transformed into luminous pilot lamps with varying colours. The G-Force-Meter naturally remains at the centre in this display mode.

Electronic system developed entirely by Lamborghini

All this is possible thanks to the fact that the entire electronic platform of the Reventón, together with all the control devices, has been autonomously developed by the Lamborghini experts.

The same process for integrating the electronic displays in the car was applied to the Lamborghini Engineering Department.

From the conception of the very first radical ideas, the entire Reventón has been developed in Sant’Agata Bolognese thanks to tight teams of remarkably creative experts. An extremely refined and efficient process was employed: CAD design and development, creation of the prototype in the Prototype Department, all carried out under the constant supervision of the Research and Development Department’s technicians and testers.

Atelier of creativity and high efficiency

Inaugurated in 2004, the Centro Stile is dedicated to design and characterised by a high degree of efficiency: an “atelier” of creators, designers and prototype constructors, who encapsulate the Lamborghini culture and spirit by using their remarkable skills to create aesthetic innovation.

The Centro Stile is located in a 2,900 square two-storey building. The large pavilion houses two test floors and related production and analysis equipment, while other rooms are set aside for the most advanced computerised workstations for designers and a style-model construction workshop. The Centro Stile is also closely linked to the nearby Engineering Department: the direct line between the Lamborghini development departments guarantees that ideas rapidly become reality.

Creativity and production under the same roof

The Lamborghini Reventón is a practical illustration of the streamlined functionality and efficiency characterising the Centro Stile: it took less than a year to progress from the first ideas to the finished car. The complete design process from the first sketches on paper, to three dimensional computer models with 1:10 or 1:4 scale, right up to the real size prototype is organised around streamlined, fast, efficient work groups. Thanks to the Centro Stile, for the first time in its history, Lamborghini is now able to create its own style philosophy in-house without having to rely on any external collaboration.

The 20 units will be manufactured in Sant’Agata, using a production process characterised by artisan perfection and rigorous quality standards.
A masterpiece with tested technology

The technology found in the Murciélago LP640 has not been modified. The engine in the LP640 forwards is the classic twelve-cylinder engine with 6.5 litre displacement. Only for this car, Lamborghini guarantees, an astounding 650 HP (478 kW) at 8,000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The huge torque, equal to maximum 660 Nm, ensures a powerful switch from any number of revolutions: even the slightest pressure on the accelerator is spontaneously transformed into thrust. The robotised e.gear changes gear faster than even the most expert driver. In addition, the permanent Viscous Traction four-wheel drive system ensures that every force is constantly translated into movement.

As in the original Murciélago LP640, the Reventón accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a maximum speed over 340 km/h.

Born to become a legend

Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

With the Lamborghini Reventón, Lamborghini has done it again; it has created an unequalled super car; the perfect synthesis between the exclusivity and appeal of a limited edition design masterpiece, and the dynamism and driveability of a standard sports car. Thus, the Lamborghini legend is further enhanced by another, stylish future classic.

Review Car 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Blings:

Two raucous, high-po engine options
Shoulders more aggressive than a defensive lineman
Neck-snapping Brembo brakes
Sub-$30K projected MSRP

Dings:

Stiff ride
As of today, no planned navigation system option

Ruling: If this pre-production mule is any indication of what’s to come, even amidst a financial Pearl Harbor, Genesis Coupes won’t even make it off the transport truck before being sold.

Hyundai PR Manager Miles Johnson wanted to make it clear so he didn’t get in trouble with big chief in Korea; we didn’t drive the yet-to-be-released 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, we simply rode shotgun. But shotgun was still good enough to get a feel for what some in the automotive press are calling the next “Mustang killer”. We’re not quite sure why it’s receiving that moniker, because after our jaunt in the Genesis Coupe, it’s clear that this car has almost nothing in common with the Mustang besides it’s attractive projected MSRP of $23,000-$29,000.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Styling

Slated to replace the outgoing Tiburon, Genesis Coupe shares a couple design characteristics with its predecessor. However, from first glance, it’s clear that the benchmark for Hyundai’s upcoming rear-wheel drive sports coupe was the Infiniti G37. There are some unmistakable design cues, but before anyone can claim the Genesis Coupe to be a visual ripoff of the Infiniti, Hyundai seasoned the recipe with mighty, yet beautifully sculpted shoulders and rearseat glass that drops below the window line in a defiant, yet tasteful attempt to create a signature look that can’t be mistaken for any other design. Styling-wise, Hyundai has pulled it off. Remove the badging, and most would never guess it’s a Hyundai. Not that there’s anything wrong with a Hyundai. Quite the contrary. The brand has improved leaps and bounds since it’s American launch in the mid-80’s. It’s amazing what a 10-year warranty can do for a fledgling brand.

Performance

The Genesis Coupe will have two powerplant options; a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder which will put out a reported 212 horsepower on 87 octane and 223 on 91, and a 3.8 liter DOHC V-6 which will do north of 300 horsepower on both 87 and 91 octane and can sprint to 0-60 in under 6 seconds. Transmission options range from a 6-speed manual or manumatic to a 5-speed automatic. Drivetrains will also be available with an optional limited slip differential so both rear tires can get equal burnout abuse.

The car that Johnson took us out in was a blinding-yellow, fully-tracked out SE model with the V-6, a Brembo brake package and a 6-speed manual transmission. Right from the first throttle stomp, we were roused. The six-cylinder motor delivers incredible power numbers, especially considering the fact that it’s a non-direct injection engine. It also delivers a ferocious growl under full trompage. Even from the passenger seat, the combination of thrust and exhaust note indicates beyond a reasonable doubt that the Genesis Coupe isn’t screwing around.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

For a pre-production car, the Genesis Coupe felt tight and well put together. There were almost no rattles or squeaks we noticed beyond an exhaust plate vibration at high RPMs. Of course, we only rode in it for 20 minutes; not nearly enough time to develop a sense for the little annoyances that an everyday driver experiences. The Hyundai suspension and steering was well-composed and straight even on the hellacious, bone-shaking broken bits of asphalt that the City of Fontana tries to pass off as a ‘road’. In Afghanistan? Maybe.

Once onto smoother pavement, we did notice that the suspension was on the stiff side, and Johnson confirmed our observations when he mentioned that Hyundai suspension engineers are still working on developing the optimal spring and shock combinations. But beyond the ride stiffness, which isn’t a bad thing for a track-bound machine, the Genesis Coupe was quite impressive for still being a test car. By the time it launches next spring, the few minor issues we noticed will surely be ironed out.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe interior

Interior

Although it has a nicely appointed interior with aggressive, yet comfortable sporty buckets, a simple, intuitive center stack, quality electrical switches and seemingly high-grade plastics, the Genesis Coupe still doesn’t even come close to an Infiniti interior. But that’s okay. As we saw it, the Genesis Coupe interior is perfectly adequate and passable for what it is - a sub-$30,000 performance coupe. Unlike the G-series, the Genesis not designed to be a luxury machine. Perhaps that’s why as of today the Genesis Coupe will not be offered at launch with a navigation system, something that Johnson himself admitted as a potential issue. But for real driving enthusiasts who aren’t directionally challenged and still prefer using maps (this author included), no navigation is actually a refreshing departure from the inevitable electronification of automobiles.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Conclusion

Everything about the Genesis Coupe points to a future success in the making. Then add on a typically generous Hyundai warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles, the pot is sweetened. Hyundai has come a long way from the early days of the wince-inducing Excel. It seems they’re actually spending a lot of money on product testing and R&D, an observation that Johnson later confirmed. Although Hyundai engineers didn’t necessarily set out to make the Genesis Coupe a “Mustang killer”, it most certainly will do its fair share of equine execution. But more than just taking on the most iconic, budget-minded muscle car, Genesis Coupe represents a paradigm shift in the Hyundai brand. With the introduction of the Genesis Coupe, it seems the Koreans have come of age in the automotive performance arena.

Review Car 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Blings:

Two raucous, high-po engine options
Shoulders more aggressive than a defensive lineman
Neck-snapping Brembo brakes
Sub-$30K projected MSRP

Dings:

Stiff ride
As of today, no planned navigation system option

Ruling: If this pre-production mule is any indication of what’s to come, even amidst a financial Pearl Harbor, Genesis Coupes won’t even make it off the transport truck before being sold.

Hyundai PR Manager Miles Johnson wanted to make it clear so he didn’t get in trouble with big chief in Korea; we didn’t drive the yet-to-be-released 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe, we simply rode shotgun. But shotgun was still good enough to get a feel for what some in the automotive press are calling the next “Mustang killer”. We’re not quite sure why it’s receiving that moniker, because after our jaunt in the Genesis Coupe, it’s clear that this car has almost nothing in common with the Mustang besides it’s attractive projected MSRP of $23,000-$29,000.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Styling

Slated to replace the outgoing Tiburon, Genesis Coupe shares a couple design characteristics with its predecessor. However, from first glance, it’s clear that the benchmark for Hyundai’s upcoming rear-wheel drive sports coupe was the Infiniti G37. There are some unmistakable design cues, but before anyone can claim the Genesis Coupe to be a visual ripoff of the Infiniti, Hyundai seasoned the recipe with mighty, yet beautifully sculpted shoulders and rearseat glass that drops below the window line in a defiant, yet tasteful attempt to create a signature look that can’t be mistaken for any other design. Styling-wise, Hyundai has pulled it off. Remove the badging, and most would never guess it’s a Hyundai. Not that there’s anything wrong with a Hyundai. Quite the contrary. The brand has improved leaps and bounds since it’s American launch in the mid-80’s. It’s amazing what a 10-year warranty can do for a fledgling brand.

Performance

The Genesis Coupe will have two powerplant options; a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder which will put out a reported 212 horsepower on 87 octane and 223 on 91, and a 3.8 liter DOHC V-6 which will do north of 300 horsepower on both 87 and 91 octane and can sprint to 0-60 in under 6 seconds. Transmission options range from a 6-speed manual or manumatic to a 5-speed automatic. Drivetrains will also be available with an optional limited slip differential so both rear tires can get equal burnout abuse.

The car that Johnson took us out in was a blinding-yellow, fully-tracked out SE model with the V-6, a Brembo brake package and a 6-speed manual transmission. Right from the first throttle stomp, we were roused. The six-cylinder motor delivers incredible power numbers, especially considering the fact that it’s a non-direct injection engine. It also delivers a ferocious growl under full trompage. Even from the passenger seat, the combination of thrust and exhaust note indicates beyond a reasonable doubt that the Genesis Coupe isn’t screwing around.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

For a pre-production car, the Genesis Coupe felt tight and well put together. There were almost no rattles or squeaks we noticed beyond an exhaust plate vibration at high RPMs. Of course, we only rode in it for 20 minutes; not nearly enough time to develop a sense for the little annoyances that an everyday driver experiences. The Hyundai suspension and steering was well-composed and straight even on the hellacious, bone-shaking broken bits of asphalt that the City of Fontana tries to pass off as a ‘road’. In Afghanistan? Maybe.

Once onto smoother pavement, we did notice that the suspension was on the stiff side, and Johnson confirmed our observations when he mentioned that Hyundai suspension engineers are still working on developing the optimal spring and shock combinations. But beyond the ride stiffness, which isn’t a bad thing for a track-bound machine, the Genesis Coupe was quite impressive for still being a test car. By the time it launches next spring, the few minor issues we noticed will surely be ironed out.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe interior

Interior

Although it has a nicely appointed interior with aggressive, yet comfortable sporty buckets, a simple, intuitive center stack, quality electrical switches and seemingly high-grade plastics, the Genesis Coupe still doesn’t even come close to an Infiniti interior. But that’s okay. As we saw it, the Genesis Coupe interior is perfectly adequate and passable for what it is - a sub-$30,000 performance coupe. Unlike the G-series, the Genesis not designed to be a luxury machine. Perhaps that’s why as of today the Genesis Coupe will not be offered at launch with a navigation system, something that Johnson himself admitted as a potential issue. But for real driving enthusiasts who aren’t directionally challenged and still prefer using maps (this author included), no navigation is actually a refreshing departure from the inevitable electronification of automobiles.

Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Conclusion

Everything about the Genesis Coupe points to a future success in the making. Then add on a typically generous Hyundai warranty of 5 years/60,000 miles, the pot is sweetened. Hyundai has come a long way from the early days of the wince-inducing Excel. It seems they’re actually spending a lot of money on product testing and R&D, an observation that Johnson later confirmed. Although Hyundai engineers didn’t necessarily set out to make the Genesis Coupe a “Mustang killer”, it most certainly will do its fair share of equine execution. But more than just taking on the most iconic, budget-minded muscle car, Genesis Coupe represents a paradigm shift in the Hyundai brand. With the introduction of the Genesis Coupe, it seems the Koreans have come of age in the automotive performance arena.

2009 Acura RL First Impressions

2009 Acura RL

Up:

Perfectly tuned suspension, excellent road feel. SH-AWD really works
Comfortable yet firmly supportive seats, great driving ergonomics
A luxury car for people that understand performance isn’t just how fast you can leave a stoplight

Down:

Can’t decide whether it’s futuristic or conservative. The result just looks strange
Dash has too much plastic trim, too many plastic buttons for a $50K car
Needs something more to differentiate it from the TL

Ever since they stopped naming their cars and started using cryptic acronyms, Acura has always had a major brand identity problem. Is it a luxury marque, or a performance marque?

The RL’s identity crisis starts with the exterior styling: jarringly random chrome bits make it look like the love child of a Lexus and a Decepticon. The interior has its own issues: comfortable yet firmly supportive leather seats with heating and cooling, wood trimmed dash and steering wheel — and chromed plastic around the navigation system that looks out of place on a $50K luxury sedan.

Turn the keyless ignition, though, and pull out into traffic…and all is forgiven. The RL drives effortlessly, and feels like a much smaller, lighter car than the two ton mid-size sedan it actually is. The suspension is perfectly tuned and damped: firm enough to offer excellent road feedback and well-controlled cornering, but not so firm as to be distracting over bad pavement or long freeway commutes. Add usable paddle shifters and that intoxicating VTEC induction roar at high RPMs — and Acura’s excellent SH-AWD system, which makes understeer nearly impossible — and you’ll find yourself carving both corners and freeway traffic with a big, stupid grin.

Yet, unlike most Acuras, the RL is quiet enough inside, even at highway speed, to feel like a real luxury vehicle, and there is enough rear headroom (thanks to strategic dents in the headliner) to seat four reasonably tall adults.

Luxury sports sedans are a tricky balance between comfort and performance. The 2009 Acura RL splits that difference as well as any car I’ve driven, setting a standard for “grin-inducing performance in the twisties while still remaining a totally practical everyday driver.” Now Acura needs to figure out how to make it look as sharp as it drives.

2009 Acura RL First Impressions

2009 Acura RL

Up:

Perfectly tuned suspension, excellent road feel. SH-AWD really works
Comfortable yet firmly supportive seats, great driving ergonomics
A luxury car for people that understand performance isn’t just how fast you can leave a stoplight

Down:

Can’t decide whether it’s futuristic or conservative. The result just looks strange
Dash has too much plastic trim, too many plastic buttons for a $50K car
Needs something more to differentiate it from the TL

Ever since they stopped naming their cars and started using cryptic acronyms, Acura has always had a major brand identity problem. Is it a luxury marque, or a performance marque?

The RL’s identity crisis starts with the exterior styling: jarringly random chrome bits make it look like the love child of a Lexus and a Decepticon. The interior has its own issues: comfortable yet firmly supportive leather seats with heating and cooling, wood trimmed dash and steering wheel — and chromed plastic around the navigation system that looks out of place on a $50K luxury sedan.

Turn the keyless ignition, though, and pull out into traffic…and all is forgiven. The RL drives effortlessly, and feels like a much smaller, lighter car than the two ton mid-size sedan it actually is. The suspension is perfectly tuned and damped: firm enough to offer excellent road feedback and well-controlled cornering, but not so firm as to be distracting over bad pavement or long freeway commutes. Add usable paddle shifters and that intoxicating VTEC induction roar at high RPMs — and Acura’s excellent SH-AWD system, which makes understeer nearly impossible — and you’ll find yourself carving both corners and freeway traffic with a big, stupid grin.

Yet, unlike most Acuras, the RL is quiet enough inside, even at highway speed, to feel like a real luxury vehicle, and there is enough rear headroom (thanks to strategic dents in the headliner) to seat four reasonably tall adults.

Luxury sports sedans are a tricky balance between comfort and performance. The 2009 Acura RL splits that difference as well as any car I’ve driven, setting a standard for “grin-inducing performance in the twisties while still remaining a totally practical everyday driver.” Now Acura needs to figure out how to make it look as sharp as it drives.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Juiced 2

ต้องขอบคุณโมด้วยคับสำหรับคันนี้ที่ช่วยเเก้ไข ^^"

Ford Mustang TOKYO DRIFT

Hi, again this is my second car from the TOKYO DRIFT
i hope you like it.
Enjoy.

DOWNLOAD:Ford Mustang_by_DRIFT_KING.rar

PAGANI ZONDA F

10 Most Popular Cars of the Year

By the Road & Track Staff

September 2008

What's the hottest car on the market? Depends on who you ask. But Yahoo! knows which car it is, thanks to an exhaustive tracking plan that factors in numerous criteria. Yes, user interest is high on that list, but so too is the intent and satisfaction of each Yahoo! visitor, which is measured not only by search queries and leads submitted, but also by ratings and reviews.

And you know what? The results may surprise you. While 2008 has seen the introduction of some of the most powerful sports cars ever, concerns over gas prices have focused buyer attention like a laser on fuel-efficient transportation. Smoky burnouts may be fun, but great fuel economy, affordable sticker prices and dependability are top priorities in today's market.

This shift in consumer attitudes is best reflected in the top 10 Yahoo! cars. The list is dominated by compact and subcompact fuel sippers, hybrids and two of the most popular family sedans on the market today. Still, the fact that the Ford Mustang cracked this elite group shows that even in a time of volatile gas prices, the American love affair with the automobile is still alive and well.

The list of top 10 cars of 2008 is arranged alphabetically, with pricing, fuel economy, competitive set, hot features and capsule summaries of each provided by the editors of Road & Track magazine. The top car of 2008 as determined by Yahoo! users will be announced at the 2008 Los Angeles International Auto Show in November.

Top 10 Contenders for the Yahoo! Autos Excelerator Award:
Ford Focus
Ford Mustang
Honda Accord Sedan
Honda Civic
Honda Fit
Kia Rio
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Prius
Toyota Yaris

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