With six awards for five engines gained at this year’s “International Engine of the Year Awards”, BMW has successfully defended its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of efficient high-performance power units.

For the second time in succession, the 3-litre straight six engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection has won the overall ranking in this most significant international engine competition.

The 225 kW engine employed in the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, as well as in the soon to arrive BMW X6, also has repeated last year’s victory in the 2.5 to 3-litre engine category.
Continue Reading »

Popularity: 11% [?]

The 5-door version of the Audi A3, the S3 Sportback, has been officially disrobed. The S3 Sportback will join the three door Audi S3 in Australia toward the end of 2008.

Both the Audi S3 and the Audi S3 Sportback are equipped with the same 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 188 kW. This is coupled with impressive torque figures, with 350 Nm of torque available constantly from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm.

The two-litre turbo can send the three-door model from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and 5.8 seconds for the Sportback version. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is kept to the more than respectable average of 8.5 litres per 100 km.

The 18 inch alloys give the car a sportier look, whilst the S3 Sportback will be distinguished from the S3 by features such as the aluminum-look exterior mirrors, and alternative front grille. Inside, there are driver and front passenger leather-clad sports seats with Audi exclusive bucket seats available as an option. Aluminum pedals, deluxe automatic air conditioning, an anti-theft alarm and xenon plus headlamps with LED daytime running light extend the range of standard features.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has today revealed via press release that its new F6 engine will produce 310kW, while the new Boss V8 engine will increase its power output to 315kW.

Here's a bulky extract from the release.

The new F6 will be powered by a high performance 4.0 litre turbo charged DOHC 24 valve in-line 6 cylinder engine that produces an awesome 310 kW of power at 5500 RPM, and 565 Nm of torque between 1950 and 5200 RPM.

The new 5.4 litre Boss V8 engine also receives a substantial performance upgrade, producing 315 kW of power at 6500 RPM and 551 Nm of torque at 4750 RPM- an increase of 13 kW from the previous Boss 302 engine.

"After months of speculation, we're proud to officially confirm the power figures for our next generation of performance cars," General Manager, Ford Performance Vehicles, Rod Barrett said.

"After two years of testing and development we have two new engine variants that will deliver big performance."

The new F6 receives a whopping 40 kilowatt increase, making it one of the best high performance six-cylinder production cars on the market.

"The F6 is an amazing car with performance equal or better to many European sports cars, but at a fraction of the price." Barrett said.

"Those who enjoy taking their vehicles to track days are going to really benefit from this car."

To achieve the significant 40 kilowatt increase, FPV engineers strengthened the piston design and cranked up the boost. The larger intercooler is mounted in front of the radiator, with substantially reduced pressure drop across the intercooler which provides better airflow with no loss of boost capability.

"With the new Boss 315, our engineers broadened the torque curve, which consequently delivers better pick and drive at a lower rev range, as well as better get up and go from a standing start." Barrett said.

"As a result, the V8 powered cars feel lighter and more responsive."

The 310kW turbo-charged 6 will power both the F6 and F6 Ute, while the 315kW Boss V8 will feature in the GT E, GT-P and GT sedans and Super Pursuit and Pursuit utes.

The Boss 315 badging will feature on the GT and GT-P's new-look power bulge and engine cover.

The F6 will carry F6 310 badging on the sides and rear of the sedan and ute, as well as the engine air cleaner box.

"The power upgrades are significant on both our V8 and F6 engines and they perfectly complement the aggressive styling of our new range."

Popularity: 10% [?]

Here's something to file under the "you don't see that every day" category. A car company actively promoting the achievement of an entirely average crash test rating.

That is exactly what Nissan are doing with their spin doctors working overtime to highlight the fact that their Nissan Navara has been retested and has scored a 3 star safety rating. In the age of the 5 star car, a 3 star result is underwhelming at best. But why would the folks at Nissan be actively promoting there newly acquired 3 stars?

Simple. In the original crash test the Navara scored a struck-through 1 star result in the EuroNCAP crash testing program.

According to EuroNCAP, the 1 star result was a result of airbag failure.

The poor rating was due in part to the delayed firing of the airbag in the frontal impact test.
Source: EuroNCAP accessed 18 March 2008

As a consequence of this poor result, Nissan went back to the drawing board and developed some new airbag software to ensure the airbag deployed when needed.

The full Nissan media release is attached below.

Three Stars for Nissan Navara in Euro NCAP Test

Score improves after modification to airbag control unit software.

Nissan’s Navara was awarded an improved score of three stars in adult occupant protection in a reassessment test conducted by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) following a modification to the vehicle’s airbag control unit software.

In an earlier test conducted by Euro NCAP whose results were released on Feb. 26, the Navara’s rating in adult occupant protection was affected by the delayed deployment of the front airbags.

Following the first test, Nissan immediately developed a modification to the software to enhance the function of the airbags. In December 2007, the countermeasure was put into production of the Navara to ensure the airbags performed exactly according to design specifications.

Nissan Australia launched a service campaign inviting affected Navara owners to go to their dealers to have the updated software applied to their vehicle. The campaign covers all Navaras produced since launch in 2005 in order to offer maximum reassurance to all Navara customers.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Overshadowing pretty much all of the other big "reveals" at the Melbourne International Motor Show was GM Holden's two door performance concept, the Coupe 60. Yes, it's smells like the next "Monaro", however at this stage it doesn't look like the Coupe 60 will see production.

The throbbing 6.0 litre V8 engine was one of the highlights of the show, and drew plenty of attention to the Holden stand. In true concept fashion the Holden Coupe 60 stands out on 21-inch centre-lock alloy wheels. The engine is also calibrated for E85 ethanol fuel.

The Coupe 60 features a whole host of features associated with race bred vehicles. These include full flat under body, rear underbody air diffuser, one piece carbon fiber bucket seats (featuring leather and suede pad design) and a sports-inspired flat bottomed steering wheel with integrated shift light display and LCD sports instrument cluster.

Highlighting the "one-off" nature of the concept, the Coupe 60 features an eye catching liquid aluminium finish.Unfortunately, for the moment at least, the Coupe 60 appears to be a concept only.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said, “Coupe 60 is Holden's 60th anniversary gift to its fans worldwide.

“It highlights Holden’s heritage of rear wheel drive performance whilst looking ahead to the potential offered by new technologies and materials.

“This is a vehicle I know our designers would dearly love to see go into production, but for the moment it has to remain a concept only,” he said.

From what I have seen, that's sad news for Holden fans.

Popularity: 15% [?]

If you've ever seen the TV show The Dukes of Hazzard, then chances are you'll recognise the good old General Lee Charger that starred in the series. Good news for Aussie fans, one of the surviving General Lee's is up for auction through Shannons.

Driven by Luke and Bo Duke, the General Lee was used for a variety of high-speed pursuits, jumps, stunts and became a celebrity in its own right. Between 1979 and 1985, it's believed no less than 309 Chargers were used in The Dukes of Hazzard, during which they were routinely destroyed at the rate of one or two per episode while performing their punishing stunts.

Of these, it is estimated that only around 23 originals survive today, although guesstimates on the number vary.Regardless, documented General Lee Dodge Chargers are now very collectible, as shown by the record price achieved at auction last year for the original ‘Lee 1’, which sold in the US for a staggering $Aus 10.5 million.

Shannons are auctioning one of these rare surviving General Lee Chargers at the Melbourne International Motor Show Auction on Monday March 10 and estimate that it will sell for between $220,000 and $260,000.The 1969 Dodge Charger is based on an original 440-cid R/T and was converted to General Lee configuration by General Lee Enterprises in the early 1980s.

General Lee Enterprises built a small number of cars (somewhere between 8 and 11) that Warner Bros. used for promotional work and some close-ups in filming.The car subsequently spent 20 years in storage in Kentucky prior to undergoing a comprehensive restoration and was then sold to the current Australian owner last year.

In September/October 2007, the full drivetrain rebuild took place and the vehicle generally tidied up in the cosmetic department, presenting in great condition both inside and out.

The Charger will be sold registered in Victoria on 'GN-LEE' plates along with a Victorian roadworthy certificate that will be supplied after the sale. The Dodge comes with supporting documentation, including American titles.

Popularity: 14% [?]

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: 20% [?]

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: 9% [?]

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.

NY Yankees Dodge Challenger – Mariano Rivera Diecast

US $39.99

17m

NEW DODGE 2009 CHALLENGER T SHIRT 2 X

US $16.00

18m

1970-71 Dodge Dart Charger Challenger Parts Catalog 70

US $16.95

18m

Highway 61 Dodge Challenger Super Stock Diecast Car

US $64.99

28m

2009 Dodge Challenger R/T Trunk & Floor Mats Set RED

US $289.90

30m

Popularity: 7% [?]

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: 6% [?]