Maranello, 22 December - Scuderia Ferrari's new simulator was unveiled today at Maranello. The ceremony took place in the structure built to accommodate the new machine, within the Gestione Sportiva, in the presence of Ferrari CEO, Amedeo Felisa and the Scuderia Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali.
"It's an important day for us as the completion of this project means we will now be able to tackle with confidence some of the challenges that make up modern-day Formula 1, while putting Ferrari at the cutting edge in terms of this technology," said Domenicali. "Furthermore, I am pleased that such a complex project as this, which got underway around two years ago, has been completed on schedule thanks to the efforts of all those who worked on it."
The first virtual laps at the wheel of the simulator were driven by Andrea Bertolini, who worked with the Prancing Horse engineers on the development of the project, having gained a great deal of experience over the past few years, working on the simulator at the FIAT Research Centre.
The Ferrari simulator, built with the technical support of Moog, consists of an aluminium and composite structure in which are fitted the cockpit and the equipment which produces the images and sound. The platform weighs around two tonnes and is fitted with electronically controlled actuators that way around half a tonne each. The whole structure is fitted on a specially designed and built base, weighing two hundred tons. The whole is controlled by ten multiprocessor calculators with a total memory of over 60 GB of RAM: the amount of data that can be produced is around 5GB per day. It features a Dolby Surround 7.1 sound system, putting out 3500 W. The installation required over ten kilometres of cabling and power output is around 130 kW. The simulator is housed in a building measuring around 180 square metres, on two floors, which includes the control room. The platform covers a surface area of around eight metres wide by the same length and is six metres high. The driver is installed in front of five displays, which give a total viewing angle in excess of 180°.
source: ferrari.com
Scuderia Ferrari's Simulator
Ferrari has presented a new simulator, you can read a full story below:
Ferrari 599 Hybrid Next Year In Geneva?
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano hybrid, a super advanced Ferrari with the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), a system originally developed for Ferrari's Formula One team, will most likely be presented to the public at Geneva Motor Show.
The Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is basically an electro motor in combination with lithium ion battery bank that gets charged when you start or stop the car. End while the KERS promises up to 30 percent boost in fuel economy, the fact is that KERS is an F1 technology. It's more about performance that winning the hearts of "earth loving" chicks.
2011 Ford Mustang GT with 412HP 5.0-liter V8
The 2011 Ford Mustang with its spanking new 5.0-liter V8 is proving to be the 2010 Detroit Show's worst-kept secret, as following an earlier leak on its powertain specs, we now have the first official shots of the car and its engine. From what 'dam crackers' told us, the new 5.0 will deliver an output of around 412 ponies at 6,500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.As previously reported, the V8 will be matched to your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, with the Mustang GT allegedly returning a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most likely on the highway.
Ford is expected to release initial details and pictures of the 2011 Mustang GT early next week.
New Alfa Romeo Giulietta with up to 235HP
After many bizarre events including a series of factory spy shots and more recently, a squabble with the current and former employees of the Italian firm's Milan plant that led to a last minute decision to drop the 'Milano' name, Alfa Romeo has finally published the first official image of its new compact hatchback that will replace the 147 and compete in the all-important C-segment in Europe.
Even though there have been rumors about the use of the 'Giulietta' name, the Italians have yet to announce something official. However, there's still some time left to choose a name as the compact hatch won't be fully revealed until the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010.
The 147's replacement, which will be made only as a five-door model, is based on the Fiat Group's new C-Evo platform that will also be used in future Chrysler and Dodge products. Measuring in at 4,350mm in length, 1,460 mm in height and 1,800 mm in width, with a wheelbase of 2,630mm, the new compact hatch is slightly longer, taller and wider than the current 147. It also features a boot capacity of 350 liters.
When it arrives in Alfa's showrooms in spring next year, the hatch will initially be offered with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines, all turbocharged. The range will include the 1.4-liter TB and 1.4-liter TB Multiair petrol units with 120HP and 170HP respectively, and the 1.6-liter JTDM and 2.0-liter JTDM diesels with 105HP and 170HP respectively.
Later in the year, Alfa Romeo will introduce a sportier version wearing the "Quadrifoglio Verde" (four-leaf clover) badge to compete against the VW Golf GTI and Renault Megane RS. The QV will be powered by a 1.7-liter (1,750cc) four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivering an output of 235 horsepower.
TRD Releases First Upgrades for Toyota Sai Hybrid
Toyota's budget version of the Lexus HS 250h, the new Sai Hybrid, just went on sale in Japan in the beginning of the month, but the automaker's TRD division has already lined up some subtle visual and performance upgrades for the sedan. In addition to the selection of aero bits, TRD has also released a new grille insert, a sport suspension kit, specific oil and fuel caps as well as a choice of 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels available in various designs. The Japan-only Sai sedan, which made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show this past October, features the same gasoline-electric hybrid system as the Lexus HS 250h.The 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle VVTi four-cylinder is linked to an electric motor and a battery pack achieving a total system output of 190HP. A continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive round out the drivetrain.
Ford Fiesta is getting into the ASEAN
Ford Fiesta, which debut in the ASEAN market in Thailand International Motor Expo recently started to be manufactured in a factory next year Auto Alliance Thailand, which had just started producing Mazda2. Production facility worth $ 500 million is the result of partnerships between Mazda and Ford, while the Fiesta and Mazda2 uses the same platform.Ford said the plant will supply Thailand Fiesta for the ASEAN markets, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and the countries with the right wheel in the southern hemisphere of the earth.Will attend the Fiesta hatchback and sedan form. In Indonesia, scheduled to attend the Fiesta this year and became one of Ford's most important models in Indonesia. This model is very popular in England because has dynamic shape. While in China, selling very quickly and became the model Ford with the fastest sales in China.
2010 Kia Sorento SUV Geared
The new generation Kia Sorento that made its debut earlier this year is the latest object of Cobra Technology & Lifestyle's tuning affections. Not that most Sorento buyers will actually ever need bull bars - that is, unless your parking skills are worse 16-year-old that just got his license, but Cobra offers a variety of front, rear and rocker panel guards including a lower front bar with integrated LED daytime running lights. Once you're done with the body armor, you can also choose from numerous alloy wheel designs with diameters of 19 and 20 inches. The largest alloy wheels can be fitted with tires in size 265/45 R 20.
Honda HSV-010 GT
Earlier this week, Honda released the first official details and a photo of its new HSV-010 GT, which stands for Honda Sports Velocity, and has been developed to replace the racing variant of the NSX in the GT500 class of the 2010 Super GT Series. Now we have the first videos of the blacked out racer that's the closest we'll get to the next generation NSX supercar. You see, the HSV-010 GT is based on the NSX's replacement that Honda canceled at the end of 2008 due to the economic recession. The Japanese company had previewed the supercar which featured a front-mounted V10 engine in concept form through the Acura Advance Sports Car Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. According to company sources, the V10 supercar would have been the Japanese automaker's most powerful production model ever.The HSV-010 GT carries the production-ready supercar's shape and underpinnings though Honda's engineers swapped the V10 engine for a 3.4-liter V8 churning out some 500HP and replaced the rear-biased all-wheel drive system for a simpler rear-wheel drive layout to conform to the 2010 GT500 Regulations. Honda's new GT is slated to make its official racing debut at the Super GT season opener at the Suzuka Circuit, held on March 20–21, 2010.
Bugatti 16C Galibier
The question of whether or not Volkswagen will decide to put the Bugatti 16C Galibier into production is still unanswered. While we've heard rumors that the German automaker was leaning towards the affirmative, the green light has yet to be lit. Still, Bugatti is making sure all of its ducks are in a row... just in case. Evidence of such can be seen in a trademark filing with the World Intellectual Property Organization that seeks to keep other automakers from stealing the car's design and shape. After all, it's happened before.With Veyron production scheduled to come to an end after the 2012 model year, Bugatti only has a little bit of time to decide if it's moving forward on that supercar's successor, and if so, whether or not the front-engine, four-door Galibier is the direction it needs to go. We should know soon enough.
Audi A8 Luxury Sedan 2011
To answer you first question, no we have not mistaken the A4 for the new A8. It's just that Ingolstadt has followed the typical German approach of "one-style fits all" with its new flagship model that looks exactly like the firm's entry-level A4 sedan. Don't get us wrong, the new A8 is in our opinion if not the, one of the most elegant and sleek proposals in the luxury sedan segment, but we were expecting something a tad more unique (in other words, more revolutionary, less evolutionary) from Audi. On the other hand, it should be noted that Audi's designers managed to achieve an exceptional drag coefficient of only 0.26, which is about the same as the smaller Toyota Prius hybrid. Moving on to the interior, let's just say that, sans the A4-esque instrument panel, owners of the current generation A8 will feel right at home. In fact, we bet that most will have a hard time telling the two interiors apart. Nonetheless, the Germans do claim that the cabin has been further improved in terms of quality of workmanship as well as materials.Leaving the evolutionary styling of the exterior and interior aside, the new 2011 A8 continues to make use of a lightweight aluminum body. The normal wheelbase A8 (a LWB will follow at a later date) measures 5,137 mm (16.85 ft) in length, 1,949 mm (6.39 ft) in width and 1,460 mm (4.79 ft) in height, with a 2,992 mm (9.82 ft) wheelbase. The company has not yet released official figures for the A8, however, Audi says that the new model weighs about the same as the current A8, even though it's bigger (3 in. longer, 2 in. wider) and has more standard equipment.
Lotus celebrates return to F1 with Exige S Type 72
After a 15-year hiatus, Lotus is coming back to Formula One, and to commemorate its return to the top tier of motorsport, the Hethel crew is creating yet another special Exige inspired by the Type 72 that dominated F1 in the Seventies. Like nearly every other limited edition Lotus released in the last few years, the Exige S Type 72 is little more than a repainted, kitted-up version of its midship masterpiece. The supercharged, 1.8-liter inline four remains unchanged, putting out 220 horsepower and allowing the two-tone coupe to sprint to 60 in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145 mph.
A set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats swathed in black microfiber with contrast stitching ties in with the exterior's gold wheels and emblems, while standard twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar round out the mechanical upgrades.
A set of carbon fiber ProBax sport seats swathed in black microfiber with contrast stitching ties in with the exterior's gold wheels and emblems, while standard twin oil coolers and an adjustable front anti-roll bar round out the mechanical upgrades.
GM with SAAB's 2010 9-5 Sedan
Unless you have been living under a rock, you've probably heard about GM's decision to close down its SAAB brand after it became clear that the Spyker deal could not be completed in reasonable time - or so the Detroit automaker claimed. Some say, there's still some hope left for the once innovative and quirky Swedish brand as during the wind-down procedure, a savior might come forward and express interest in Saab as a whole or a part of the company.
There's even talk about a second life in China as GM could sell more Saab assets to BAIC or another domestic maker. In any case, one of the first questions that arose after GM's decision, which, let's not forget, will leave several thousands of workers without a job, is what's going to happen with the production-ready 2010 9-5 sedan and the almost-ready 9-4x crossover?
GM with SAAB's 2010 9-5 SedanThere's even talk about a second life in China as GM could sell more Saab assets to BAIC or another domestic maker. In any case, one of the first questions that arose after GM's decision, which, let's not forget, will leave several thousands of workers without a job, is what's going to happen with the production-ready 2010 9-5 sedan and the almost-ready 9-4x crossover?
In what concerns the two new models, we can think of several options that GM may have including killing them off entirely, rebidding the cars under a different name and even selling the rights / assets to another automaker - although, common sense says that the last option is probably the least likely to happen for obvious competitive reasons.
So, here's the question we would like to ask you, our readers: What do you think General Motors should do with the new SAAB 9-5 sedan and 9-4x Crossover?
2011 Ford Mustang GT: More Info Leaks on 412HP 5.0L V8
Journalists that attended a pre-Detroit show event on the new 2011 Ford Mustang GT have spilled more beans on the new 5.0-liter V8 engine that uses an aluminum block with cast-iron cylinder sleeves. We already knew that the eight-cylinder power plant churns out 412 horsepower, but now, we've also learned that those ponies will be delivered at 6,500 rpm and that the new engine produces 390 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 4.6-liter V8's 315HP and 325 lb-ft.
In addition, it was also confirmed that the brand-new V8, which features four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable valve timing, will be linked to six-speed transmissions in both automatic and manual forms.
Last but not least, the bean spillers said that the new 2011 Mustang GT will return a fuel economy of 25mpg (9.4lt/100km), most probably on the highway.
In comparison, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS' 6.2-liter V8 produces 426HP at 5,900rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, returning 24mpg on the highway, while the 2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8's 6.1-liter Hemi V8 is rated at 42H5HP at 6,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm, returning 22mpg on the highway.
Bugatti Veyron Extended Warranty
The Bugatti extended warranty applies to a specific car and is transferable to the new owner Bugatti Veyron Extended Warranty To enforce this warranty Bugatti has set up a special help line that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where all calls are managed personally by a member of the Bugatti customer service. The Bugatti Veyron extended warranty will provide an anti-inconvenience check that can be used to cover any expenses resulting from a breakdown, such as hotel accommodation or travel tickets, without any need to produce receipts. If they have to tow your car the Bugatti Veyron extended warranty also assures they will provide you with a replacement car of Audi A8 standards. The warranty provides immediate breakdown service, plus towing free of charge if the car cannot be repaired on the spot.
will make you reach your destination. In case your Veyron brakes down Bugatti S.A.S. In the event of a failure, the warranty also provides for the delivery of replacement parts anywhere in the world. The built-in telemetric system of the Bugatti Veyron can be used to provide early warning of any possible malfunction within the cars equipment.
The optional warranty for the Bugatti Veyron guarantees the mechanical and electrical components, the body- and paintwork, including a guarantee against rust throughout the entire vehicle. The Bugatti Veyron extended warranty covers every eventuality up to four years after the vehicles original delivery. The Bugatti Veyron extended warranty is extended to three and four years. Bugatti announced that it has introduced an extended warranty cov
Audi Sportscar Experience
With its Using a variety of vehicles from among the Audi R, RS, and S model lines, the Audi Sportscar Experience takes drivers through a rigorous, behind-the-wheel instructional driving program at one of the most exciting racing circuits in the world. There is no better way to demonstrate the foundation of this company than behind the wheel and on the track.” The Audi Sportscar Experience operates year-round from the Audi Forum Sonoma, located trackside at Turn 1 of Infineon Raceway in beautiful Sonoma Valley. “The Audi Sportcar Experience allows participants to test and sharpen their driving skills and push our cars in a controlled environment. “This program was developed on the pillars of the Audi brand – performance and technology,” said Scott Keogh, chief marketing officer, Audi of America.
In addition, participants will have access to highly-acclaimed, limited-volume new products from Audi. The Audi Sportscar Experience features a special half-day program that allows drivers to experience the true performance of Audi’s newest “S” models — including the sporty S4, the new and powerful S5 coupe, and the luxurious and commanding 450-horsepower S8. The 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience will feature the new Audi R8 sportscar and the Audi RS 4 high-performance sedan. Created by Audi and its strategic partner, Emotive, the Audi Sportscar Experience is a hands-on driving experience designed especially for performance car enthusiasts – consumers who love to drive and experience exceptionally engineered vehicles.
today announced the launch of the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience based at the Audi Forum Sonoma at Infineon Raceway in California. Audi of America, Inc.
In addition, participants will have access to highly-acclaimed, limited-volume new products from Audi. The Audi Sportscar Experience features a special half-day program that allows drivers to experience the true performance of Audi’s newest “S” models — including the sporty S4, the new and powerful S5 coupe, and the luxurious and commanding 450-horsepower S8. The 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience will feature the new Audi R8 sportscar and the Audi RS 4 high-performance sedan. Created by Audi and its strategic partner, Emotive, the Audi Sportscar Experience is a hands-on driving experience designed especially for performance car enthusiasts – consumers who love to drive and experience exceptionally engineered vehicles.
today announced the launch of the 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience based at the Audi Forum Sonoma at Infineon Raceway in California. Audi of America, Inc.
Honda Sponsors COP15
Commenting on the sponsorship, Svend Olling, Head of Department at the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “In meeting our criteria, Honda has been selected as official sponsor of vehicles for the COP15 Climate Conference. Not only does the sponsorship enable us to lower emissions from the conference itself, but the vehicles also demonstrate technology, which already today can help us in our efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in the transportation sector.”
Yuishi Fukuda, President of Nordic Honda A.B. added: “Honda is proud to have been accepted by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an official sponsor of the COP15 Climate Conference. The vehicles on display will demonstrate Honda’s commitment to manufacturing products with the highest possible environmental performance, using production systems with the smallest environmental impact. “
In 2006 Honda became the first automobile manufacturer in the world to announce global per-unit CO2 reduction targets for both its products and production activities.
Pheonix Area DriveTime
A free online resource is now available for drivers in Pheonix Area. DriveTime has launched a new interested website for motorists in many market for Used Cars. The Drive Time home page provides instant approval to the applicants. The customers can even get before approved online by visiting the company's website.
Prospective buyers can access many information about all of the DriveTime dealerships and the inventory at each lot. The lists of website several locations in the Phoenix area. When it came to used car sales, DriveTime offers of several options to Phoenix drivers. The company hopes that the expanded services will be spell repeat for business. In more information,you can visit in this website http://www.drivetime.com
Volvo V60 Series
Volvo has officially disclosed it's up coming S60 sedan at the recent Shanghai Motor Show, and plans to display the car at the Geneva Motor Show next March, before going into production next summer. At this time, another rumor has spreader in the marketplace, that a new V60 Station Wagon namely, based on the S60 sedan could be released at about the same time as the sedan, and will be added to the existing V40, V50 and V70 line of Wagons.
The American owned Swedish car maker sees great potential to win market share from the Mercedes's C class Estate wagon, the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi's A4 Avant, as well as some of the other luxury wagons. V60 may share the same engines as the S60, which will include the newly developed turbo-charged 1.6L engine 180hp, front wheel drive with 6 speed PowerShift. The V60 wagon may also come with All wheel drive.
Is not it amazing for a car company who does not even know who it may belong to next year, to keep thinking of getting new market shares? Ford may sell Volvo to China's car maker Geely for U.S. $ 2 billions, aftering buying it for more than U.S. $ 6 billion a while ago. Let's hope that the new Chinese owner could make better use of the 'safe car' image Volvo has established all along, cause that's the real assets owned Volvo's in the mind of car buyers.
The American owned Swedish car maker sees great potential to win market share from the Mercedes's C class Estate wagon, the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi's A4 Avant, as well as some of the other luxury wagons. V60 may share the same engines as the S60, which will include the newly developed turbo-charged 1.6L engine 180hp, front wheel drive with 6 speed PowerShift. The V60 wagon may also come with All wheel drive.
Is not it amazing for a car company who does not even know who it may belong to next year, to keep thinking of getting new market shares? Ford may sell Volvo to China's car maker Geely for U.S. $ 2 billions, aftering buying it for more than U.S. $ 6 billion a while ago. Let's hope that the new Chinese owner could make better use of the 'safe car' image Volvo has established all along, cause that's the real assets owned Volvo's in the mind of car buyers.
Hydrogen car test top three Japanese
Toyota, Nissan and Honda to participate in fuel cell demonstrations in Japan last week. All three automotive companies are bringing fuel-cell vehicles to the best two-day trip from Tokyo to Fukuoka after the previous night in Osaka. This activity lasted 11 to 12 November 2009. Three cars, Honda FCX Clarity, Nissan X-Trail FCV and the Toyota Highlander FCHV-adv. In 2007, FCHV travel from Osaka to Tokyo by a single tank of hydrogen.
These three hydrogen-fueled cars to travel and spend 1.137km hydrogen 28.8kg. That means on average one kilogram of hydrogen to travel 132km. So a car using hydrogen 8.6kg with the distance 132km/kg. In other words a single tank of hydrogen can walk 792km. One kilogram of hydrogen has the energy content equivalent to one gallon of gasoline. Left 19 hours. The trial demonstrates the efficiency of hydrogen even better than conventional gasoline engines.
Demonstration was organized by the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel-cell project. The third largest car manufacturer in Japan continues to develop fuel cell technology and hydrogen remain convinced the best long term solution.
These three hydrogen-fueled cars to travel and spend 1.137km hydrogen 28.8kg. That means on average one kilogram of hydrogen to travel 132km. So a car using hydrogen 8.6kg with the distance 132km/kg. In other words a single tank of hydrogen can walk 792km. One kilogram of hydrogen has the energy content equivalent to one gallon of gasoline. Left 19 hours. The trial demonstrates the efficiency of hydrogen even better than conventional gasoline engines.
Demonstration was organized by the Japan Hydrogen and Fuel-cell project. The third largest car manufacturer in Japan continues to develop fuel cell technology and hydrogen remain convinced the best long term solution.
Toyota Avanza G launched Matik
Toyota-Astra Motor launches 1.3G AT in Jakarta, Tuesday (17 / 8) which will be followed Avanza E automatic. With the launch of this new model, the number of variants of Avanza into five three-manual and two automatic. Additional types of new, Toyota-Astra Motor Avanza expect demand will grow even faster.Automatic transmission used type G and E the same as that used variants of the top Avanza S, 4-speed automatic. What distinguishes only the final gear ratio for better acceleration pursue.
If during the automatic version of the price of USD 15 million more expensive than the manual versions, the Toyota-Astra Motor automatic versions priced USD $ 10 million more expensive. Thus, the price for Avanza 1.3 E AT USD 142 million, while the Avanza 1.3 G AT USD 155.6 million. Price on the road in Jakarta. Avanza offers a choice of seven colors, namely Silver Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Wine Red, Drak Gray, Black Mica, Aqua Metallic, and Light Green Metallic.
If during the automatic version of the price of USD 15 million more expensive than the manual versions, the Toyota-Astra Motor automatic versions priced USD $ 10 million more expensive. Thus, the price for Avanza 1.3 E AT USD 142 million, while the Avanza 1.3 G AT USD 155.6 million. Price on the road in Jakarta. Avanza offers a choice of seven colors, namely Silver Metallic, Champagne Metallic, Wine Red, Drak Gray, Black Mica, Aqua Metallic, and Light Green Metallic.
The BMW Just42 is powered by a K1100 engine from BMW that produces power up to 100 bhp. With the powerful engine, the new model can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a time span of just 6 seconds. Apart from the powerful engine, the new model is also equipped with the passenger air bags and side impact protection air bags.The interesting feature to the new BMW Just42 is that the trunk of the car can be carried like any suitcase and it is called as suitcase and trunk in one package. The new car is also provided with all the parts and accessories for both the passenger and driver, which are as stylish as the equipments provided in the competitor models, ranging from helmet to the weather proof outfit.
2010 BMW X1
The 2010 BMW X1 from the house of BMW is a compact sport utility vehicle. The new model will extend the present BMW sports car lineup, currently consisting of BMW X3, X5 and X6. The sports model is released as 2009 model vehicle.The 2010 BMW X1 is designed based on the AWD BWM 3-Series touring model. The concept car of the model was shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. On the positive side of the car, it has more cargo space, semi command sitting position and high performance. The sports car has the storage space of 1350 liters. The other highlight features in the car include rear view camera, performance control and adaptive cruise control.
