Jun 26th, 2008 by Motor Dude
For every cool looking concept car, there is a pig ugly dog of a concept. This post celebrates those dogs. The concept cars that make you groan and want to look away. The kind of concept cars that make you yearn for the pedestrian life.
So here's a few concepts that just don't got no alibi, they's UGLY... let's countdown the ten ugliest concept cars...
Continue Reading »
Popularity: 18% [?]
Jun 25th, 2008 by Motor Dude
The Nissan GT-R is most definitely Nissan's 'hero' car. Packed with a 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 “VR38†engine and a twin-turbo exhaust manifold system the Nissan GT-R’s new engine produces 353kW at 6400rpm and maximum torque of 588Nm from 3200 to 5200rpm. A GR6-type dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifting and a Borg Warner six-plate dual clutch makes sure the power hits the ground.
Nissan claims the GT-R has a top speed of 310 km/h (193 mph) and can hit 0-60 mph times of in as quickly as 3.2. That is super car like performance.
In a number of tests, the GT-R has outperformed the Audi R8, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, BMW M3 E92, Lotus Elise, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, the three current Porsche 911s (Carrera, Turbo and GT3), and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Based on that alone, the GT-R is sure to take out a number of 'Bang for your Buck' awards.
Why my current obsession with the GT-R? Well you can thank Project Gotham Racing 4.
![Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360 Game)[New Sealed]](http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/370403022713_0.jpg) |
Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360 Game)[New Sealed] |  |
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US $24.25 | 1h 42m |
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Project Gotham Racing 4 (Xbox 360, 2007 | |
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US $24.99 | 4h 7m |
Popularity: 15% [?]
Jun 20th, 2008 by Motor Dude
I've been a fan of the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo since it's initial release, so I was glad to hear news from Ford that the XR5 will be undergoing a refresh. Along with a new "look" Ford are saying that the XR5 Turbo will be packed with more premium quality features and higher specifications, when the LV model hits show rooms later this month.
The German built flagship of the Focus family is the first model in the small car line-up to feature Ford's kinetic design philosophy.
"The Focus XR5 Turbo has established itself as a firm favourite amongst Australian performance motoring enthusiasts and changes introduced with the new model will further strengthen its position as a performance and dynamics leader," said Ford Australia Vice President Marketing and Sales, Mark Winslow.
"These enhancements will position Focus XR5 Turbo as one of the most desirable, functional and versatile hot-hatches available."
Powering the Focus XR5 Turbo is the turbocharged 2.5-litre 166 kW Duratec five-cylinder engine, offering sustained 320 Nm of torque from 1600 rpm right through to 4000 rpm.
Standard safety features include passive safety systems such as six airbags, pyrotechnic safety belt pre-tensioners and neck injury protection systems on the front seats and active safety systems such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
The recommended retail price of the new Focus XR5 Turbo is $36,990AUD (excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges).
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00-04 Ford Focus Stainless Steel Turbo Kit T3T4 T3/T4 | |
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US $599.00 | 1h |
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Ford Focus Probe / 240SX N1 Turbo Muffler Exhaust Megan | |
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GT30 T3 turbo charger 350-400hp FORD GT FOCUS ZETEZ 2.0 | |
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US $279.99 | 4h 25m |
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TURBONETICS TURBO T3/T4 .57 TRIM FORD GT FOCUS ZETEZ 2. | |
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TURBONETICS TURBO T3/T4 .57 TRIM FORD GT FOCUS ZETEZ 2. | |
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US $839.99 | 4h 28m |
Popularity: 15% [?]
Jun 18th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Mazda will present an all-new show car at this year’s Moscow International Automobile Salon. The concept is a sporty, compact crossover SUV designed especially for the Russian market.
The Moscow show car is the latest concept to be developed using the new design direction called Nagare – following in the footsteps of Nagare, Ryuga, Hakaze, Taiki and Furai. Nagare, which means “flow†in Japanese, represents a new approach to expressing movement in car design, taking as inspiration the flow patterns of natural elements, such as the wind. The design theme of Mazda’s concept for the 2008 Moscow motor show is “crosswindsâ€.
Russia is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets and is rapidly becoming the region’s largest automobile market. SUVs are particularly popular in Russia, with a segment share of about 20 percent. Mazda’s latest concept car is designed to appeal particularly to younger SUV owners who have a strong sense of style.
The Moscow show car, the name of which will be announced in due course, again showcases the depth of creativity within Mazda design. In February 2008, the Mazda Design team received the coveted Grand Prix du Design at the Festival Automobile International in Paris.
Popularity: 13% [?]
Jun 6th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Ford have released official images of their new "Nitro" blue FG01 V8 Supercar ahead of its first public appearance this weekend at Sandown.
The FG01 is based on Ford's recently launched FG Falcon XR8 sedan road car. One significant safety-related improvement involved moving the driver seat as far inboard as possible, creating a noticeable gap between the seat and driver door.
The FG01 prototype will reside in pit lane for the duration of Sandown this weekend, from where it will launch into a number of preview laps on the 3.1 kilometre circuit.
Craig Lowndes is set to steer the new Falcon with associate Ford driver and Channel Seven pit reporter Grant Denyer riding as passenger, giving the V8 Supercar world a glimpse of Ford's future in the sport.
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REVELL FORD F-150 PICK COMBO 50th Anniversary | |
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01 02 03 FORD EXPLORER SPEEDOMETER | |
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Ford Mustang 45 YEARS United We Stand Adult T-Shirt, XL | |
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04 05 06 07 FORD TAURUS GRILLE w/ EMBLEM ** GREAT OEM | |
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99 00 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY L. CORNER/PARK LIGHT | |
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Popularity: 14% [?]
Jun 6th, 2008 by Motor Dude
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program, Australia’s leading vehicle safety advocate, today announced two more vehicles costing less than $30,000 – the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Hyundai i30 – have received a five-star safety rating.
To be perfectly honest, I was surprised that the Hyundai results were so strong, as traditionally they have not been known for their safety performance. This is a fantastic result, and one that should perhaps shame some of the larger manufacturers (remember the Holden Barina result?), into taking some further action in regard to their safety performance.
ANCAP Chair, Lauchlan McIntosh, said the trend towards safer vehicles was now filtering through to the small car market, making safety a genuine option for new car buyers in this price range.
“What we are now seeing is the provision of the latest vehicle safety features in cars below $30,000 – which is great news for consumers,†Mr McIntosh said.
“The Lancer result is a good outcome for Mitsubishi and we congratulate them on the vehicle – it scored well in the three crash tests conducted and it was pleasing to see the high-spec model with side curtain airbags which protect the head,†Mr McIntosh said.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer rated highly for occupant protection following a series of crash tests – a frontal offset, a side offset and a pole test. The model tested was the top-spec model, which includes head-protecting side air bags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – both prerequisites for a five-star rating under ANCAP’s rating methodology. The lower spec Lancer scored four stars.
The Hyundai i30, which also includes side curtains and ESC, achieved five stars after a recent modification improved the vehicle’s knee impact area, which ANCAP had raised as an issue. The New Zealand i30 will receive the same upgrade. Similar to the Lancer, the lower spec i30 scores four stars.
For a full list of ANCAP’s vehicle safety ratings and other vehicle safety information, go to www.ancap.com.au
Popularity: 16% [?]
May 28th, 2008 by Motor Dude
While the countdown to the release of the next generation Mazda RX-8 continues, Mazda have started releasing more details and images of the new RX-8.
Mazda Australia have confirmed that the new RX-8 range will consist of three models, one of which will wear the storied GT moniker.
The new Mazda RX-8 GT will spearhead Mazda's charge into the next decade of rotary exhilaration when it hits Australian dealerships in July. Specially tuned sports suspension with light-weight 19-inch wheels and a wide range of modifications to the RX-8's RENESIS rotary engine will raise handling and dynamic prowess to new levels.
Based on the images I've seen so far, not a lot has changed design wise with the RX-8, however it remains the world's only rotary-powered, four-door sports car.
The new Mazda RX-8 range arrives in Australia early in the second half of 2008.
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BMW SHARK FIN ANTENNA MAZDA 3 5 6 CX-7 CX-9 RX-8 MX-5 | |
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BMW SHARK FIN ANTENNA MAZDA 3 5 6 CX-7 CX-9 RX-8 MX-5 | |
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Stainless Steel Clutch Hose Line Mazda RX-8 RX8 13b | |
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Heads Up Display MPH SER SPEC-V Mazda 3 6 rx8 g35 M3 | |
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Heads Up Display MPH SER SPEC-V Mazda 3 6 rx8 g35 M3 | |
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US $189.99 | 31m |
Popularity: 13% [?]
May 28th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Subaru has unveiled its new generation All-Wheel Drive Impreza World Rally Car 2008, in time for its competitive debut at this month’s Acropolis Rally in Greece.
This is the first time ever that the Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) will use a hatchback design, and follows a successful research, development and testing phase. The Impreza WRC 2008 will be driven by Australia’s Chris Atkinson and Norwegian Petter Solberg in the Acropolis Rally starting 29 May. Continue Reading »
Popularity: 13% [?]
May 18th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Building on the strong heritage of the GT nameplate, Ford Performance Vehicles’ new 315kW GT-P and GT deliver the latest evolution of V8 powered vehicles that boast impressive performance and outstanding driving dynamics.
“The new GT range has been fully engineered and designed to incorporate the latest in performance engineering, as well as significant ride and handling advancements,†Ford Performance Vehicles General Manager Rod Barrett said.
“Not only are the new GT and GT-P the most powerful V8s we’ve ever built, but they also deliver the ideal combination of high performance, driveability and fuel efficiency.â€
The GT-P and GT are powered by high performance 5.4 litre quad-cam 32 valve V8 engines that produce a maximum power output of 315kW at 6500 rpm and maximum 551Nm of torque at 4750 rpm.
The Boss 315 has been completely re-calibrated to maximise response and driveability, while an improvement in volumetric efficiency allows the engine to breathe better.
The extra breathing capability, along with strength and durability improvements made to the engine hardware, has allowed FPV to increase the maximum revs to 6500 rpm.
“Drivers of the GT will notice improved vehicle acceleration and overall driveability, along with a smoother idle and a better engine note.â€
Importantly, the increased power does not compromise on fuel economy and in automatic guise; the FPV GT-P and GT boast fuel economy figures of 14L/100km, a decrease in fuel consumption of 4.8 percent over the previous model.
Complementing the increased power is FPV performance independent double wishbone front suspension and performance Control Blade Independent Rear Suspension (IRS).
Matched to the performance suspension is a Brembo brake package with 355 x 32mm cross-drilled and ventilated front rotors with 4-piston calipers and 328 x 26mm rear rotors with single red piston caliper.
In another first for FPV, owners will have the option of the performance TR6060 six-speed manual transmission, or the ZF six-speed high-torque automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift at no extra cost.
Popularity: 15% [?]
May 16th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Popularity: 13% [?]