Feb 27th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Putting together a list of the Top 5 Car Chases of All Time was always going to be a challenging, and controversial, task.
When I first thought about this, I was thinking, how could I possibly cut it back to just five. But then, that's part of the challenge, and the final cut is sure to inspire some debate.
So here we go counting down the MotorDude.com top 5 car chase scenes of all time... Continue Reading »
Popularity: 68% [?]
Feb 18th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Ford have ripped the covers off their new Falcon range ahead of the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show. The new FG Falcon is set to become Ford's flagship product as they attempt to wrangle back some of the large car market share in Australia.
The FG Falcon range will be split into three main groupings, the Falcon XT series (entry level), G Series (stepping up a notch, ie. the 'classy'/'executive' range), and the XR series (the balls out sports range).
So how do they differ, particularly under the bonnet?
The XT comes with the choice of either an I6 petrol engine producing 195kW of power and 391Nm of torque matched to a new five-speed automatic transmission with Sequential Sports Shift (SSS), or an optional 156kW E-Gas dedicated LPG engine with a four-speed SSS auto.
The G6E Turbo is differentiated from the G6E by a range of performance-oriented features, including the I6 Turbo engine that produces 270kW of power and 533Nm of torque, matched to the ZF six-speed automatic transmission.
The FG Falcon XR6 Turbo includes a 270 kW / 533 Nm I6 Turbo engine, limited slip differential, upgraded front brakes and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The XR8 shares its major equipment specifications with the XR6 Turbo and is differentiated by its engine and signature bonnet power bulge. The exciting Boss 290 5.4-litre four-valve V8 engine moves to the XR8 with the introduction of the FG Falcon and is complemented by a new exhaust system with a Semi Active Muffler (SAM), said to amplify the sporty V8 exhaust note.
The FG range also raises the bar in terms of the safety features available on the Falcon range. All petrol Falcon sedans will come standard with an advanced safety package, incorporating driver and front passenger airbags, front side head/thorax airbags, driver and front passenger Beltminder® system, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TC), and Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).Side curtain airbags, in conjunction with front side thorax airbags, are standard on premium sedan models, but are also available as an option across the rest of the sedan range.
A new reverse camera system is standard on G6E and G6E Turbo models, and optional on the overt sports XR range, while a reverse sensing system is standard on all G Series models and available as an option across the rest of the sedan range.
But, here's my pick of the bunch, the FPV version. It's picture alone just screams "GRUNT!!!".
Popularity: 55% [?]
Feb 12th, 2008 by Motor Dude
There is something about a big old American muscle car that just floats my boat. Obviously I'm not alone, as Chrysler have seen it in their wisdom to revive the classic Dodge Challenger from its 35 years of slumber.
The Dodge Challenger revival began at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit in January in 2006, and is now set to hit the shop floor in the U.S. spring.
Tagged as the "Ultimate Modern American Muscle Coupe", the Challenger is powered by a mammoth 6.1 litre HEMI V-8 engine capable of a gutsy 425bhp (or 317kW) and 569 Nm of torque.
Performance wise, the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 hits the very American 0 – 60 mph time in the low 5 - second range, and can run through the quarter mile in less than 13.5 seconds.
Whilst the Challenger looks unmistakably modern, there is no doubt that it has taken its design cues from the Challengers of old.
“The all-new Dodge Challenger SRT8 is engineered to give customers everything they want in a modern muscle machine,” said Mike Accavitti, Director – Dodge Brand and SRT Global Marketing, Chrysler LLC. “The new version of Dodge’s American classic boasts tyre-smoking performance and head-turning design while offering a wide array of state-of-the-art technology, such as GPS navigation, ‘Keyless Go’ entry, a MyGIG™ infotainment system and UConnect hands-free communication.”
Standard on the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 is a 13-speaker Kicker High Performance audio system that features a 322-watt amplifier and 200-watt subwoofer, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. A MyGIG infotainment system is also available.
In the U.S. the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 will hit the market at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $US37,995. Unfortunately the Dodge Challenger SRT8 is not available to markets outside North America.
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MSD COILS HEMI DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 W NGK PLUGS M58 |  |
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US $534.95 | 1h 20m |
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09 DODGE CHALLENGER 35 AIR INTAKE KN Free shipping | |
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US $99.00 | 2h 59m |
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GOODMARK 1972 1974 DODGE CHALLENGER GRILLE | |
0 Bid | US $129.95 | 7h 21m |
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70 74 Dodge Challenger Hard To Rear Quarter Panels | |
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US $298.99 | 7h 30m |
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MAISTO PRO RODZ 2008 DODGE CHALLENGER SRT8 1 24 WHITE | |
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US $12.99 | 7h 30m |
Popularity: 31% [?]
Feb 11th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Subaru have officially launched their All-Wheel Drive Impreza WRX STI in both entry-level and spec.R variants, with the range-topper adding lightweight BBS wheels and leather Recaro seats.
Both models are capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous version. Surprisingly, this little boost in performance has been achieved whilst also improving the vehicles overall fuel economy, with Subaru suggesting the new STI is 11.2 per cent more fuel efficient.
But it is underpinned by the same exceptional five-star occupant and four-star pedestrian safety rating shared by every new generation Impreza.WRX STI’s 2.5 litre four-cylinder horizontally opposed turbocharged boxer engine achieves an impressive 7.3 per cent power hike, up from 206 Kilowatts in the superseded model to 221 kW at 6000 rpm. Torque is up 3.8 per cent to 407 Newtonmetres at 4000 rpm.
Pricing for the Impreza WRX STI starts at $59,990 recommended retail price (rrp) with the spec.R variant coming in at $64,990 rrp.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Jan 30th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has let loose its sports F6X, marketed as the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in the Australian market.
The F6X is powered by a high-performance F6 270 Turbo 4.0-litre DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine, that produces 270kW of power and 550Nm of torque.
To summarise then, the F6X is basically a Ford Territory with a whole lot more grunt, as is shown in the picture below.
The F6X sits on 18-inch five-spoke Alpine Silver alloys.To match the higher engine outputs, FPV engineers also had to tweak the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) calibration to provide a better fit for the F6X.
Other standard safety equipment includes side curtain airbags and dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, a Reverse Sensing System and reverse camera.
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Xenon Headlight Bulb H4 Ford Transit Falcon Territory | |
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US $22.10 | 3h 28m |
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Ford Territory 2004 2007 Repair Manual inc Turbo models | |
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US $33.61 | 1d 16h 7m |
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MAX ELLERY REPAIR MANUAL Ford TERRITORY 2004 2007 | |
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US $29.25 | 1d 16h 54m |
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Ford Territory Turbo Cold Air Intake SS Inductions | |
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US $260.03 | 3d 2h 14m |
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Ford Territory SS Inductions Pack CAI and T Body | |
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US $617.59 | 3d 2h 15m |
Popularity: 25% [?]
Jan 30th, 2008 by Motor Dude
The Audi R8 is the car of choice for Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) in the soon to be released, highly anticipated - at least by me - film version of the Marvel Comics Iron Man movie.
Gwyneth Paltrow will also feature in the film as Virginia Potts, and can be seen getting around in an Audi S5.
The R8 received praise from the films director Jon Favreau.
“The R8 is the perfect car for Tony Stark,” said Iron Man director Jon Favreau.
“It’s a technological masterpiece. Plus it’s fast, safe, and sure to be noticed.”
High praise indeed, even if it does sound like something straight from the sales brochure...
Audi is no stranger to product placement, featuring in 'I, Robot' as well as another comic book adaptation, Superman Returns - you may remember Kate Bosworth driving around in an Audi A3.
Any way, here's a screen shot from the film.
If you haven't seen the trailer for Iron Man, you can watch it in all its glory below.
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IRON MAN COMPLETE COLLECTION BY MARVEL ON DVD ROM | |
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US $85.95 | 5h 1m |
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Marvel Comics Group The Invincible Iron Man 5 92 96 | |
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US $19.95 | 8h 25m |
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Marvel Comics Group King Size Iron Man 4 VF NM | |
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US $19.95 | 8h 28m |
Popularity: 30% [?]
Jan 29th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Well it looks like Australia will catch up with the rest of the world with the introduction of electronic stability control (ESC), albeit later rather than sooner.
In a case of 'better late than never' the Australian Automobile Association has thrown its weight behind calls to make ESC standard in all new cars by 2012.
Australia's peak motoring body – the Australian Automobile Association – has supported international calls for the life-saving vehicle safety technology, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), to be included in all new cars by 2012.
The AAA backed comments by the President of the FIA, Max Mosley, who has called on the European Union to meet its stated goal of fitting ESC on all new cars by 2012.
source: AAA media release
The AAA seem happy to quote figures celebrating the benefits of ESC, yet they are willing to wait until 2012 for it to become standard fitment. Lets be honest, at the rate ESC is being picked up by the market at the moment, the AAA et al could do nothing between now and 2012 and ESC will be fitted on 99% of new cars anyway.
Research shows that ESC has the potential to significantly reduce the road toll, so isn't it about time the auto world got serious about it, rather than paying it lip service and making warm and fuzzy motherhood statements in press releases? How about mandating the compulsory fitment of ESC for all new cars sold in Australia? How about including it in the Australian Design Rules? Instead of following the standard set by Europe, why doesn't the Australian car industry take the initiative and lead the way?
Yes it's good to set targets that are achievable, but how about setting some that would accelerate things a little? Grrr... this big on talk, low on action lip service announcements really annoy me!
Rant over.
Popularity: 23% [?]
Jan 28th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype-S concept its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16.
Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity and with wide-and-low proportions that leave no doubt as to the concept underlying its design, Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty even by European standards, echoing the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car.
According to the specification data provided by Mitsubishi, the Prototype-S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC intercooler/turbocharger engine capable of 177 kW and 343 Nm. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors' Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front/rear drive torque split to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.
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Mitsubishi ECM TCM ECU TAKE A PEEK AND SEE YOURS NR | |
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US $459.00 | 20m |
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00 05 Mitsubishi Eclipse HID Headlight GS 01 02 03 04 | |
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US $49.99 | 27m |
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Mitsubishi Mirage 15 Timing Belt Kit 1991 1996 | |
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US $35.95 | 30m |
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Mitsubishi Mini Flexible Disk Drive Mini Diskette1983 | |
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US $34.99 | 31m |
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MITSUBISHI 3000GT DIAMANTE GALANT ECLIPSE AIR INTAKE | |
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US $98.00 | 35m |
Popularity: 25% [?]
Jan 15th, 2008 by Motor Dude
I've reported on the Mitsubishi Concept-RA previously, and featured some of the early concept sketches, and I have to say, this thing looks set to rock my stinky old socks off.
The Mitsubishi Concept-RA is a sport coupe concept that is said to fuse a passion for dynamic, exciting driving with a heightened sensitivity for the environment thanks to a clean, efficient drivetrain. The concept is powered by a new high-output, high-efficiency clean diesel engine and Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission.
Also in Detroit, Mitsubishi will feature its new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan Lancer Evolution. It's sure to make the Evo purists drool!
To top it all off, Mitsubishi have announced two new additions to the ever green Lancer range. The 2.0-litre Lancer sedan will sit next to a new a 2.4-litre DOHC MIVEC engine variant and, later on in the US summer, will be joined by the Lancer Ralliart model. The Ralliart will be powered by a new 4-cylinder 2.0-litre MIVEC turbocharged engine that develops maximum output 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35kg-m). The Ralliart Lancer will be one I will definitely be on the lookout for if/when it hits the Aussie shores.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Jan 14th, 2008 by Motor Dude
Environmentally friendly and sports car, are not two things you normally associate with one another. Mazda have attempted to merge the two with their Furai concept car.
FURAI: (pronounced "foo-rye"), Japanese for sound of the wind.
One of Mazda's aims with the Furai was to bridge the gap between track car and super car. That said, Mazda neither intends to race Furai, nor is it a supercar the company plans to build and sell in the near future. Furai is a design study, a high powered experiment.
"The major element we did not change is the 450-horsepower RENESIS-based R20B three-rotor rotary engine that provides Furai ample Zoom-Zoom. The ultimate Mazda in our minds is rotary powered; as a company, we have no intention of abandoning that valuable asset. When people think of the very best sports cars in the world, the rotary powered Mazda RX-7 is always on that list," said Franz von Holzhausen, Mazda North American Operations’ (MNAO) Director of Design.
Furai not only probes future design possibilities, it also ventures ahead with alternative renewable fuels. Consistent with Mazda's recently announced "Sustainable Zoom-Zoom" initiatives, Furai’s three-rotor powerplant has been tuned to run powerfully on ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and ethanol gasoline blends.
Popularity: 19% [?]