Archive for the ‘Motoring’ Category

Poll: Is Top Gear Australia in with the sharks already?

November 17th, 2008 by | No Comments | Filed in News

I waited with anticipation the release of the Australian version of the mega successful British series Top Gear. After watching the first episode i was well a little in shock mixed with a serving of dismay. I personally found it painful to watch and was hoping for a lot more. One point to remember is that when Top Gear in the UK started the hosts were alot younger than they are now, 12 years actually or near enough. The initial cast has changed slightly to what we have today, which is now like watching 3 mates chat about cars which never ceases to raise a smile. I love this show and the Aussie version was always going to have an up hill battle.

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Bailout ‘good news’ for car buyers

November 11th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

AN auto industry bailout plan worth $6bn has been welcomed as the possible saviour of thousands of jobs as well as good news for car buyers.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced a $3.4 billion lifeline for the industry today, doubling federal assistance to more than $6 billion over the next decade and a half.

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FPR not up for sale

November 10th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

THE future of Ford’s flagship racing team has been given the firmest possible backing by its British-based parent, Prodrive.

David Richards, chairman of the international automotive performance company that owns Ford Performance Racing, has laughed off speculation FPR might be sold off by his Prodrive group.

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Hamilton snatches crown

November 4th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

Felipe Massa wins the Brazilian Grand Prix but Hamilton takes out the championship.

Lewis Hamilton kept the Formula One world waiting until the last corner of the last lap of the last race before triumphing as world champion in the most nailbiting championship finish in recent memory.

Ferrari’s hometown hero Felipe Massa won the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, but Hamilton snatched the fifth place he needed in the dying seconds of the race to become F1’s youngest champion.

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2009 Arash AF10

November 1st, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

THE AF-10:  The AF10 features an advanced road car aerodynamic package.

The package includes a radical front wing separated from the main front body clam and strong air intake side pods.

These features have taken influences from Lemans racing cars and F1 cars, however perform specific functions for the overall performance of the car. Split radiators have been used for the front and Oil radiators have been postioned in the side pods including air intakes. Active front and rear wings have been used to achieve an overall impressive aeropackage for high speed stability and low speed grip. The position of the front wing is unique to the current car industry today and is a ‘signiture’ to the Arash Cars family.

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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S

October 6th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

The new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster 722 S opens up astonishing dimensions when it comes to open-top driving. Delivering 478 kW/650 hp, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 335 km/h, this two-seater cabriolet surpasses the existing benchmark among open-top super sports cars the SLR McLaren Roadster. Both vehicles feature a fully retractable folding soft top capable of withstanding the high speed and are made of carbon fibre.

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2009 Ford Mustang

September 24th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

Glass roof mustang shines light on 45th anniversary of ford’s iconic muscle car

Roof options: Segment-first, factory-installed glass roof option now available on both the V-6 and GT models.

Added extras: The “Premium” array now includes ambient lighting, satin aluminium instrument panel trim, interior upgrades and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio.

Style selections: “Bullitt” and “Warriors in Pink” packages continue in 2009.

Ford Mustang, the United States best-selling sports car for 22 consecutive years and one of the auto industry’s most successful nameplates ever, celebrates its 45th anniversary with a new panoramic glass roof option that opens the world to pony-car enthusiasts from Maine to Maui and all points between. The segment first, factory-installed glass roof is available as a USD $1,995 option on Mustang V-6 and GT models.

“Our new panoramic glass roof will allow owners to enjoy the outdoors year-round from the comfort of their Mustang,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for Global Product Development. “It’s one more feature that sets Mustang apart from the competition.”

Source: Ford Press Release

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Steve Jobs car

September 21st, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring

Steve Jobs Mercedes
In the last week Ive heard on podcasts and online the fact that Apple CEO Steve Jobs does not have any licence plates displayed on his car. Instead there is a barcode in its place. Rumour has it the plates are kept in the boot if required.

Actually i think this is pretty cool and makes alot of sense. You can just bet its cheaper to pay any fines that may be received rather than the hassle of replacing stolen plates all the time. The most important fact is that most number plates just ruin the look anyway especially on a silver Merc.

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2009 MTM Audi R8R

September 12th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring
Now this is one car that sends a chill up your spine when you see it in the flesh. The Audi R8 is simply awesome and one of my favourite supercars and this example by MTM is simply stunning. 
  • Engine -  V8 compressor, twin srew supercharger belt driven 
  • Gearbox -  6-speed manual gearbox 
  • Power -  (max.) 560 PS (412 kW) torque (max.) 580 Nm
  • Top Speed -  (unlimited) 301 km/h (315 km/h) 
  • Acceleration 0 -100/200 km/h: 3,9 sec./12,5sec 
  • Drivetrain - permanent all-wheel drive Quattro 
  • Wheels - VA mtm bimoto Forged 9 x 20″ ET 42 & HA mtm bimoto Forged 11 x 20 ET 50 
  • Tyres - VA Michelin Sport Cup 245/30-20″  & HA Michelin Sport Cup 315/25-20″
For more information on German Tuner MTM visit thier website 

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2009 Brabus Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG

September 9th, 2008 by Mark Griffin | No Comments | Filed in Motoring
 

High performance made by BRABUS is now also available for the new C 63 AMG. The BRABUS B63 S performance kit adds a whopping 73 hp (72 bhp) / 53.7 kW to the rated power output of the 6.2-liter V8 engine, and propels the car to a new top speed of 315 km/h (197 mph). In addition, BRABUS offers a wide range of exclusive accessories from a limited-slip rear differential to custom-tailored 19-inch wheels complete with corresponding high-performance tires, from a height-adjustable coil-over suspension and generously dimensioned high-performance brakes to exclusive interior options.

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