Honda 599 First Ride

Honda brings the latest version of its hugely successful Hornet 600 Euro-model to the States

Five years ago, Honda decided to enter the "middleweight standard" market in Europe by slipping a softened-up version of the CBR600F3 motor into the frame of the budget-oriented Hornet 250 model. The resulting Hornet 600 became a huge sales success overseas, with Honda selling a gazillion of the reasonably priced bikes.

The middleweight Hornet's astounding popularity even gave rise to its own brand-specific racing series, the Hornet Cup.

Now Honda is looking to spread that enthusiasm stateside by bringing the Hornet--rechristened the 599--to the U.S. market. The new middleweight is aimed at a rapidly growing category currently dominated by Suzuki's SV650: the "bang for the buck" class.

The 599 only has a few changes from the tried-and-true Hornet platform. A redesigned fuel tank holds an additional liter of fuel (now 4.5 gallons), and the different shape repositions the rider 15mm forward for better weight distribution. The seat itself has been revamped for greater comfort, and suspension damping rates were firmed up for a more sporting attitude. The engine gets new tuning specs (with the California model utilizing a catalytic converter), and the single round headlight boasts a computer-designed, die-cast aluminum reflector with dual bulbs to improve lighting.

The aforementioned Hornet platform utilizes the 599cc inline-four cylinder from the CBR-F3, but employs smaller 34mm carbs (remember those?), longer intake tracts and extended exhaust head pipes to boost low and midrange power. The chassis is a steel mono-backbone frame that hangs the engine as a stressed member, with an aluminum swingarm out back. The 41mm conventional damping-rod fork and single shock are suitably bare-bones in design, with the fork lacking any adjustment and the shock having only spring preload adjustability. Rolling stock is decently sized, however, with 17-inchers in 3.5-inch width up front and 5.5-inch width out back, both shod with Michelin Pilot Road radials.

Braking duties are handled by twin 296mm discs grabbed by two-piston calipers in front, and a single 220mm disc with a single-piston caliper in the rear.

Our one-day exposure to the new 599 was spent in some of the many twisty canyon roads surrounding Los Angeles that we use for testing. Considering its budget oriented componentry, we were a bit apprehensive at first about flogging the little Honda through twisty pavement; but we were pleasantly surprised to find that the 599 can easily hold its own. Despite the nonadjustability of the suspension components, chassis and wheel control were excellent up to an eight-tenths pace (and we seriously doubt that any potential 599 buyers will approach that level), and handling overall was very agile (a short 55.9-inch wheelbase mates to a tight 25-degree steering-head angle), yet stable--a nice combination for this bike's intended audience. Acceleration from the CBR-F3-based engine was more than adequate, with good, usable power from 6000 rpm up to approximately 11,500 rpm, where the party starts to tail off, and the engine's smooth off-throttle response reminded us why we still like properly dialed-in carburetors.

High marks were also given for the brakes and tires. The 296mm discs and two-piston calipers provided enough power and feel to slow the 599 with ease and control, and the Michelin Pilot Road tires provided all the grip one could need, with very good ride quality.

We were quite impressed with Honda's new 599, and its concept of simplicity means the bike's performance can be had for only $7099. However, the 599 faces some stiff competition in the form of the $5899 Suzuki SV650 and the $6499 Yamaha FZ6. A "Bang for the Buck" comparison is surely looming over the horizon....

HONDA 599

Suggested retail price: $7099

ENGINE
•Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC inline four
•Displacement: 599cc
•Bore x stroke: 65 x 45.2mm
•Compression ratio: 12.0:1
•Induction: Four, 34mm flat-slide CV carburetors
•Transmission: 6-speed

CHASSIS
•Front tire: 120/70ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Road
•Rear tire: 180/55ZR-17 Michelin Pilot Road
•Rake/trail: 25 deg./3.9 in. (98mm)
•Wheelbase: 55.9 in. (1420mm)
•Seat height: 31.1 in. (790mm)
•Fuel capacity: 4.5 gal. (17L)
•Claimed dry weight: 401 lbs. (182kg)

Audi R8 LMS could be racing in ALMS GT Challenge class in 2011

Audi R8 LMS - click above for high res image gallery

When Audi announced its new GT3 class R8 LMS race car late last year it was expecting 2009 to be a year of learning and development. As it turned out, it was a hugely successful season, landing championships in the FIA European GT series, along with the German and Belgian national series. All told, the R8s captured 23 race victories.

In 2010 the new GT Challenge class for GT3 type cars will become a permanent fixture of the American Le Mans Series as the GT1 class is consigned to history. During the 2009 season, GT Challenge was mainly the province of Porsche 911s. However, with the R8s success in Europe this year, Audi is considering offering the car to North American customers for the 2011 season. While the car could probably be competitive in 2010, Audi wants to set up a customer support infrastructure first.

New Bajaj Pulsar Launched in india

Bajaj Auto rolls out its all new Bajaj Pulsar in 135cc version. Bajaj Pulsar 135LS bike boasts of a new design and a whole new engine priced at Rs. 51000. The pricing has shifted Bajaj Pulsar to a more affordable range in the 135cc segment.

The new Bajaj Pulsar 135cc is powered with a 4 valve DTSi engine which delivers 13.5 Ps power. Bajaj Pulsar 135 LS bike is equipped with a light weight rigid frame assisted by gas-charged Nitrox shock absorbers at the rear. Speaking at the launch, Bajaj Auto MD, Rajiv Bajaj said "The Pulsar 135LS is not a big, intimidating Pulsar but its actually light, sharp and a faster Pulsar." He added "The unique thing is that at 135cc, high rpm, the world’s first twin-spark four-valve engine, the power to weight will give its bigger Pulsar brothers a run for their money."

Bajaj Pulsar 135cc LS Bike Key Features:
- Bikini headlight and LED tail lamps
- Clip on handle bar, split seats and split grab rail
- Single down tube frame
- 4 Valve DTS-i bike with135cc & 13.5Ps
- 5 speed gearbox
- Enhanced volume of air-fuel mixture with efficient combustion
- Improved power and fuel efficiency
- Faster and better evacuation of exhaust gases
- Improved pick-up at low speeds which removes the need for constant gear shifts
- Smooth power transmission
- Available in cocktail wine red and midnight black

Bajaj has major sales plans for the new variant and hopes to sell a minimum of 40,000 units of the all new Bajaj Pulsar 135LS. Bajaj Pulsar sales have picked up in past 6 months and the company is hopeful that the good sales figures will enable the company to capture more than 50% market share of the sports bike segment. The new bike is being manufactured at its Chakan plant near Pune.

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.

Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: Inside Lineripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers.

Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking.

That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release

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Want to be patriotic or snag a deal? Consider these cars from Big Three









Ford F-150

Need a pickup? It’s hard to go wrong with any of the domestic trucks, which are all excellent. But Ford’s F-150 and Chevrolet’s Silverado have earned good reliability ratings besides having the ability to engage in all manner of useless and unlikely derring-do for television commercials.
Both trucks earned Consumer Reports’ “Recommended” label, and they tied for second place in J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study. The F-150 also earned first place for pickups in J.D. Power's Initial Quality study, which could be considered a tie-breaker. And it was also named the 2009 North American Truck of the Year. Each of these trucks boasts unique features which can help sway the decision when picking between them.

BMW overtake Mercedes

Bavaria records significantly higher monthly sales in India

MERCEDES-BENZE HAVE LOST their decade long reign in the premium car market to BMW in the first two months of 2009 . Mercedes sold 315 cars in the January –February period whereas BMW sold 514 cars during the same period . Audi , which has been the last to enter the Indian market , has sold 222 cars in the first two months of 2009 to Emerge as the third best in the segment . Audi and BMW have been Prompt in bringing their latest models in the domestic market but Mercedes- Benz still continues to sell some of its older models and technologies in India . Younger buyers who are new in this segment also seem to prefer the sportier offerings from Audi and BMW . The increasing number of Audi and BMW showrooms coming up in cities other than the metros must have also helped cause this upheaval In no small measure.

A-Star breaks its own record In Mileage

Maruti confirms new mileage figures

THE MARUTI –SUZUKI A-STAR has broken its own fuel efficiency record of 37.6 kmpl that it had made earlier at a rally in Chennai .The winning contestant at the fuel efficiency rally in Mumbai was able to achieve an unbelieveble fuel economy of 39.84kmpl. The A-star delivered a mileage of 19.6 kilometers per liter of petrol in the fuel efficiency test conducted by ARAI . the country’s premier automotive research agency .

In the A-star mileage rally in Mumbai the top 25 participants achieved an average mileage of over 26.72kmpl while in Chennai this figure was a whopping 32.5kmlp . The cars were driven on a predetermined route of approx 60 kilometers and there ware a total of 51 participants in Mumbai and 45 in Chennai. The contestants minimized the use of the brakes and the throttle in order to burn the least possible amount of fuel .

New version of Honda CR-V launched

New version of Honda CR-V launched

A new version of the sports utility vehicle Honda CR-V was launched recently by the leading carmaker Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI).

It is priced between RS. 18.4 Lakhs and Rs. 19.1 lakhs in Delhi.

It comes in two variants – 6 speed manual and 5 speed automatic. It is powered by a 2.41 l petrol engine.

Luxury features include electrically operated sun roof and real time 4-WD.

"It is our constant endeavour to study customers emerging demand and introduce features that make our cars even more desirable," HSCI Senior General Manager Jnaneswar Sen said.

Source: Infibeam.com News

World Fastest Car New Bugatti EB110

The Bugatti EB110 is a sports car manufactured by Bugatti Automobili SpA in between the years 1991-1995.

The price of the Bugatti EB110 cost over $350,000 US, it was also driven by Phil Hill, a United States automobile racer. The Bugatti EB110 was also purchased by the seven time world champion Michael Schumacher, which he later sold the car in the year 2003.

The Bugatti EB110 featured six speed automatic transmission and the gear shifts can be performed easily at higher stress. The body of the car is made of aluminum and carbon fibre and it featured a double wish suspension, glass engine with speed sensitive electronic rear.

In the year 1991, the Bugatti EB110 featured a 3.5 L quad-turbo V12 engine with 60 valves. The capacity of the engine is 3499 cc and it delivered an output power of 524 bhp at 8000 rpm and it reached the speed of 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and the top speed is about 213 mph.

In the year 1992, the Bugatti EB110 “SuperSport” version was launched. The engine delivered an output power of 592 bhp at 8000 rpm and it reached the speed of 62 mph in 3.2 seconds and the top speed is about 216 mph.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: - 2-door coupe
Configuration: - Mid Engine
Engine: - 3.5 L quad-turbo V12
Capacity: - 3499 cc
Transmission: - 6-Speed Manual
Wheelbase: - 100.5 inches
Length: - 173.4 inches
Weight: - 3560 lbs

B Engineering Edonis
The B Engineering Edonis was built based on the model of Bugatti EB110 SuperSport. It featured a powerful 3.5 L quad-turbo V12 engine with four IHI turbochargers and an engine capacity of 3760 cc. The engine delivered an output power of 670 bhp at 8000 rpm and 542 lb-ft torque. It reached the speed of 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and the top speed is about 227 mph.

Dauer EB110
The Dauer EB110 was manufactured in two different forms which are the EB110 and Super Sport. Both these cars featured a powerful 3.5 L quad-cam V12 engine with four IHI turbochargers. The engine of the Dauer EB110 delivered an output power of 560 bhp at 8000 rpm and the Super Sport delivered an output power of 650 bhp at 8200 rpm. Both these cars reached the speed of 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and the top speed is about 230 mph.

Sourse : thesupercars

BMW 1-Series update: Two-door coupe in 2008!

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• We already mentioned that BMW fully intends to bring its 1-Series sedan stateside, but more details have emerged from BMW North America CEO Tom Purves via a recent Automotive News report.

Purves confirms what we reported in the May issue of Motor Trend, that the U.S. will get a two-door coupe version (pictured) of the 1-Series first for 2008 - not the three-door hatchback variant (pictured below) that was expected by most - with a convertible version expected to follow. The German automaker currently offers the 1-Series in the European market in a variety of configurations including a five-door sedan. BMW's 265 horsepower 3.0-liter straight six will likley be the hot engine option, with 170 and 140 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mills to round out the range.

The falling value of the euro to the dollar, while heavily impacting profit margins on European imports, is manageable according to Purves. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen where pricing will fall on the 1-Series, generally considered to be BMW's budget model. Seems to us that BMW may choose to take a small hit on per-car profits to keep the price of the 1-Series competitive. Projections are that BMW will have a winner in the small coupe and profit may be able to be gained back with high-volume sales.

We tend to agree. After all, who doesn't love a sporty, value-priced, two-door, rear-drive coupe?

Honda Jazz in India could cost Rs. 5.5 lakhs

Honda is all set to launch their Jazz premium hatchback in the Indian market.

This new model is expected to cost at prices starting at Rs. 5.5 lakhs.

Honda Jazz would compete in India with existing models like Skoda Fabia, Tata Indigo, Ford Fusion, and Hyundai Accent.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz and Fiat Grande Punto are also going to join this segment of the market in the coming months.

Honda Jazz in India would be powered with a 1.2-litre intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control petrol engine that has been developed specifically for the Indian market.

Skoda Superb

Skoda Superb is an automobile marvel. Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd. announced the launch of this luxury sedan in June 2004. Over the passing years, the car has bewitched its buyers with its attractive styling, exquisite interiors and superior performance. A huge cabin space is offered by the car, which gives its occupants a luxurious sense that is never felt before. Skoda Superb fits the budget of upper-middle class buyers perfectly. The automobile is available in both petrol and diesel variants.

Engine
At the heart of the petrol model of Skoda Superb lies a powerful 2.8L 30-valve V6 gasoline engine, which pumps out a mind blowing 193 bhp of power at 6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 280 Nm @ 3200 rpm. The diesel variants of the automobile are powered by 2.5 L V6 engine that churns out a power of 163 bhp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm @ 3000 rpm.

Design And Comfort
Powerful Bi-Xenon headlights, with integrated fog lamps, adorn the frontage of Skoda Superb. The stylish design of the luxurious car is accentuated by chrome detailing in the interiors as well as exteriors. Adding to the sophistication is the outside rear view mirror, with built-in turn signal lamps. Electrically operated sunroof can be slide-opened at the touch of a button. The headlamps of Superb are equipped with inbuilt power washers, for daylight visibility. The cushioned seats provide a comfortable ride for five people.

Interiors
The plush interiors of Skoda Superb truly mesmerize its occupants. The cabin is full of small storage spaces that are tucked away within easy reach. A unique climate controlled travel box is fitted into the flip-out rear seat armrest. There is a wet case for storing umbrella as well. Climatronic air conditioning system is integrated on the dash, with vents located on the front and rear portion of the cabin. The central console and gear knob look elegant with wooden finish. The instrument cluster of Skoda Superb consists of CD player, with MP3 playback.

Ride And Handling
The multi function steering wheel of Skoda Superb is height and reach adjustable, providing you great driving comfort. Adding to the driving pleasure is the four-way electrically adjustable driver's seat. Effortless driving is also facilitated by cruise control of the car.

Safety
Skoda Superb is laden with safety features that facilitate safe driving and help the driver to acquire control over the vehicle at critical situations. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Skid Restrain System (ASR), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA) are the key safety features of Skoda Superb. The car is equipped with six airbags in order to shield the driver and co-passengers in the event of collisions.

Variants, Price And Color
Skoda Superb is available in three variants - Comfort 2.5 V6 TDi AT, Elegance 2.5 V6 TDi AT and Elegance 2.8 V6 MPI AT. The luxury sedan is priced at Rs 23.45 lakh (approx). It comes in three colors - Candy White, Black Magic and Diamond Silver.

Hummer in India

General motors has made it public that they are looking at negotiations seriously with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. regarding launching the Hummer in India with full fledged availability.

GM had admitted to this in Thailand at the plant opening for production of new cars. There have also been talks of GM selling their Hummer division to the Indian company but that idea seems to be far fetched for the moment. Although there are several automakers in Russia and also China who could be interested in such a deal.

The company has been reporting its worse numbers in their corporate history and is looking to raise capital with the sale of its assets.

Aston Martin DBS - Volante

Amidst all the hoopla of the One -77 and the Lagonda concept , was the DBS Volante - a droap top version of the Quantum of Solace favourite , Aston Martin DBS . It gets the same 6.0-liter
V12 as the DBS and can manage a top whack of over 300km/h even with the roof down . The open top car sprints from a standstill to 100 km/h in under 4.5 seconds thanks to its aluminium . magnesium alloy and carbonifiber composite body . The rear mounted gearbox will be available with two options : a standard six - speed manual or an automatic Touchtronic .

Lamborghini Murciel AGO LP650 -4 ROADSTER

This is the Edward Scissorhands of super cars. Think about it - with just over 640 bhp available , the Murcileago LP640 was already skirting with danger, ready to slash your wrists if you didn't respect the power and handling finesse available . So when Lamborghini decided that your haircut needs to get a littel quicker, then added another 10 bhp , put in a new paint scheme abd literally put Edward at the helm of procceedings as far as the Barchetta is concerned . it's called the Mucielago LP650 -4 Roadster and is the last hurrah before the next Murcieago starts to flirt with hearbeats in 2010-11 . Lamborghini will offer 50 of thse fine bulls to signify the end of an era . 50 of these fine bulls to signify the end of an era. it's finished in carbon grey with a steak of orange for the bumper lip spoiler , skirts and
rear, along with LP650-4 badging on the flanks and breaks callipers in the same colour .
with the increased power in the same colour . With the increased power, the Lambo can now hit 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds , with top speed on the positive side of 320 kph. Which means if you decide to get too frisky with the car, Edward will rein you in , but not before taking a snaip at yout hair and your courage.

Chocolate fuel to power car made of plants In British

BRITISH scientists hope chocolate will help power one of the world's first biofuel vehicles.

Its makers hope the formula three racer, powered by waste from chocolate factories, will reach 230 km/h and give manufacturers ideas about how to build more ecologically friendly vehicles.

The car runs on vegetable oils and chocolate waste that has been turned into biofuel. The steering wheel is made of plant-based fibres derived from carrots and other root vegetables, and the seat is built of flax fibre and soybean oil foam. The body is also made of plant fibres.

Scientists at the University of Warwick say their car is the fastest to run on biofuels. It has been built to formula three specifications of size, weight and performance. Their claims cannot be independently verified.

They hope it can reach speeds of over 230 km/h when it is tested on a racetrack in a few weeks. They have driven it at about 110 km/h and are making engine adjustments before attempting top speed.

Warwick's project manager, James Meredith, said the model showed it was possible to build a fast and efficient car that was environmentally friendly.

The car, named the World First Formula 3 racing car, will go on display at several auto races in Europe.