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The Suzuki Grand Vitara Bandit
Pave the way for the Suzuki Grand Vitara Bandit, harboring the much-needed ammo to be exhibited at a Netherlands Auto Show. Dutch distributor of Suzuki cars and motorcycles, Nimag, has hooked up with Progress Europe Supply Company to create a tuner special for the Grand Vitara. Only last year did Suzuki actively urged tuning specialists in North America to toil on their models. Looks like Europe has engaged in the trend as well.
The Progress Europe Supply Company labors for a diverse group of established automakers in Europe, mainly crafting aerodynamic body modifications. The Grand Vitara bandit is most popular with surfers or those into water sports. Nimag has commended the company with the whole development process of the Grand Vitara.
Its exterior Suzuki parts look a bit weird in most angles but it definitely is a hit among tropical weathered places such as California and Florida where beaches and sand are part of the state’s landscape. Of course, this is not a geography lesson in the works but it deems the Grand Vitara where it will be most appropriate. It will look out of place in Amsterdam though but it will be displayed at the AutoRai Show in the aforementioned place.
Several key features are fitted in its bodywork construction such as an aggressive-looking front end, wide fenders to accommodate the bigger 15-inch wheels, a new roof rack, a new rear door, a revamped exhaust system, a Pioneer sound system, teak-wood flooring, a wakeboard (hooray for wakeboarding!), an outboard motor and an abundant addition of lights.
It poses a great feeling of driving around this Bandit beast and taking on the sun, sand and surf.
Volvo Vetoes Violence
March 29. A date that you may want to remember. Especially if you are in the Illinois area.
You see, that is the very date when more than 100 leaders in the business arena are going to come together to see through one goal: to work out ways so as to lessen the number of violence in the country and in the area. They call this gathering the CeaseFire Leadership Summit.
Such a gathering would be held at the University of Illinois which is located in Chicago. Together, they would be doing a brainstorming so as to find ways to lessen the amount of violence in the country. They are going to make the program a highly successful one, even more successful than the years before.
CeaseFire Illinois has a website which can be accessed through www.ceasefireillinois.org. This organization is headed by Dr. Gary Slutkin who previously worked as an epidemiologist for the World Health Organization.
For the entire gathering and preparation for this humble cause, Volvo Cars would be joining in and doing its share to achieve the goal. This was after the car maker’s president and chief head honcho, Anne Belec, found out about CeaseFire through the Annual Volvo For Life set of awards. This was because the founder of CeaseFire was one of the nominees and later on became one of the awardees.
Belec did share, “CeaseFire has achieved incredible results in such a short time period. I believe with some of the nation’s best business minds together in one room, and with the attention of our nation’s First Lady, we’re certainly on the right track to take CeaseFire to the next level.”
One Hot Looking 1967 Ford F100
So I’m done with this 1967 Ford F100. Was a lot of work. Soo many dents and peeling paint, scratches. So much blocking, sanding and smoothing out. It was quiet a job but ended up looking so hot.
We used a Lamborghini orange color:
Color Name: Arancio Atlas
Orange Metallic
PPG Code: *0058
Plus over the top of that we applied Radiance candy coat, well actually five coats. Five coats of clear and this baby is awsome looking.
Check out the complete “photo documentary” of this project at www.mirru.com/f100
I don’t care if you are not into cars, you were obviously interrested enough to get this far, I am telling you this is awsome photos! I keep coming back to this page to look at this color. It is amaizing.
For this project I used one gallon of orange base coat for the body, one quart of cream base for the top, 3 quarts of PPG Radiance candy and one gallon of clear (the 4CR clear that I wrote about before, awsome clear).
Enter the C16 Cabrio
The C16 features integrated powertrain, brakes and suspension enhancements into the current Chevrolet Corvette platform plus a six-speed manual or paddle-shift automatic transmissions available with either standard 560 or optional 616 horsepower engines.
The C16’s Callaway-supercharged 6.0L engine delivers world-class power, producing 560 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 529 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm, while the optional 616 HP Performance Package ups the ante to a whopping 616 bhp and 582 lb-ft of torque, boosting the paddle-shifted Cabrio from 0-to-60 in a matter of 3.5 seconds. Maximum speed of the C16 Cabrio is estimated at just over 200 mph. While feeding your need for speed the C16 Cabrio will also impress with its fuel efficiency rating of 18 city/28 highway.
Just like the exterior car parts wowed you, what’s inside will send you ooohing and aahhing with the upgraded door sill panels, dash pad, and steering wheel which all carry signature Callaway badging. Should you choose the optional “Deutschleder” package you’ll get the completely retooled interior in fine German leather and Alcantara, featuring seats manufactured for Callaway by Recaro. Clients are also entitled to choose exterior and interior colors to suit their individual taste. Want exclusivity? Each C16 Cabrio is built to order, serialized and identified by its build plaque.
Another arresting feature of the C16 Cabrio Callaway/Dymag are its wheels which weigh approximately half that of their aluminum counterparts – providing the car significantly reduced unsprung weight for improved acceleration, cornering and braking. These TUV- and DOT-certified wheels feature forged magnesium spiders surrounded by carbon fiber rims and measure 19” by 10” front and 20” by 12” rear.
“With this car, we’ve maintained the C16’s class-leading performance, while creating a gorgeous ‘Cabrio’ version, based on one of the best sports car platforms available anywhere,” says company founder Reeves Callaway. “In true Callaway tradition, it incorporates our race-proven technologies, painstaking testing and validation efforts, and expert craftsmanship in an arresting and appealing style.”
Pricing for the C16 Cabrio starts at $128,765 USD.
Curtains Down For 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe In New York Auto Show
There are new and perhaps more models lining up at the upcoming New York International Auto Show. One among the highlights of the said event will be the much awaited revelation of 2008 Infiniti G37 Coupe. The new car will be wearing more Infiniti parts and the BMW 335i will be in its crosshairs.
The new car is very much different from its previous model. Wearing a wider, smaller and longer body makes it more curvaceous. The G37 is more powerful than its G35 origin. The new powertrain parts will be capable of producing 330 horsepower and it would come mated with a 3.7 liter engine V6 that when compared to its previous model seems larger and more powerful. You see, the previous power source was a 3.5 liter engine that propels on 293 horsepower running at a six-speed manual transmission. The first application of new VQ37VHR is also done on this new vehicle.
The Infiniti G37 will be offered into optional new exterior and bigger brakes plus four-wheel active steering system. The exterior parts are designed with more sexy features such as wave-style hood, flowing front fender curves and L-shaped headlights.
Other extra parts includes a 9.3-gigabyte Music Box hard drive, real-time traffic, XM NavTraffic on its navigation system, 11-speaker Infiniti Studio on Wheels by Bose and rearview monitor. Looks like the new Infiniti G37 Coupe will sure be a hit. I don’t know if it’s a concept or a production car though when they start taking the cloth off this vehicle.
Village Technology’s SMRrTRAM Design Obtains U.S. Patent
The famed Village technology has been awarded a U.S patent (7,062,879) with a Canadian patent pending for its innovative SMRrTRAM People-Mover technique that transforms cheap, zero-emission electric buses into high-comfort and convenient people-movers for traffic and pedestrian congested cities.
John Alt along with two partners is pleased with the people-moving solution that will guide in endless traffic and commuting problems on highways and streets. They are delighted to have the U.S. patent in hand and are now awaiting the Canadian patent.
Village Technology is an urban-solution think-tank that’s headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland. The people-mover method uses computer reason that corresponds to the movements of oppositely moving electric tram-buses in a single guidelane. The synchronization method provides pedestrians and commuters the chance to board a tram-bus that goes in either direction every 150 seconds from each stop.
The Village Technology group has been producing and studying the SMRrTRAM method and its applications for several years. The search of development and financing partners is on for the group to build a demonstration SMRrTRAM project and make the system available to cities and urban areas as soon as possible.
The single SMRrTRAM guidelane can be inserted into virtually any existing streetscape without getting rid of traffic lanes. The utilization of simple, battery-electric tram-buses makes the SMRrTRAM an affordable choice to costly fixed-rail or elevated guideway systems.
The method also aims for the reduction of CO2 emissions while creating sustainable vehicle emission parts and urban living satisfaction. Take in mind that a couple of these people-movers could substitute for thousands of parking search car movements each day.
“We believe SMRrTRAM offers a breakthrough opportunity for congested urban business and shopping corridors,” said Village Technology president and founder, John Alt. “It offers, for the first time, a highly convenient, yet practical means for pedestrians to move conveniently back and forth through congested urban areas, for connecting intercept parking facilities with downtown cores, or for extending pedestrian access to and from major event sites, like convention centers. And it’s a solution cities can easily afford to build.”
For more SMRrTRAM People-Mover Architecture doses, log onto: villagetechnology.com.
Value-Oriented Volkswagen Wolfsburg Passat Edition Released
The Wolfsburg Edition Passat’s auto body parts also include 17-inch alloy wheels, four-spoke leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, and leather stitched gearshift knob and boot, 12-way full power adjustable driver seat, six-disc-in-dash CD changer with Mp3 capability, heated front seats, power sunroof, fog lights, heated windshield washer nozzles, a Sirius satellite radio, safety two rear side airbags as an option, six-standard air bags, four-wheel ABS anti-lock braking system with four-wheel disc brakes and Brake Assist. The ABS system features a brake-wiping feature that keeps the brakes clean and dry. An Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is also standard. Along with its VW parts the vehicle also utilizes ESP with Anti-Slip Regulation and Electronic Differential Locking.
Like all Volkswagens, the Passat comes with a 24-hour Roadside Assistance for unlimited mileage guarantees and a new vehicle warranty that states:
•Five year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
•Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles
•12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation
The Special Edition Passat offers greater value for your buck unlike similarly equipped non Wolfsburg Edition Passat. For more details of the VW special edition Passat, log onto: www.vw.com.
The Five-Seat Grand C4 Picasso Already Available
The Citroen’s new five-seater is totally distinctive, setting it apart from its five-seat competition coupes and its seven-seat stable chum, the Grand C4 Picasso.
The C4 Picasso is already on sale in UK’s mainstream auto market. The exterior car parts exude an attractiveness that struts its expression as a compact MPV on the market. Citroen designers have done a good job as they took home the award-winning Grand C4 Picasso and conceived a five-seat masterpiece. They combined dynamic styling elements featuring refurbished front and rear ends with extraordinary levels of comfort and convenience, a practical interior cabin seating arrangement adhering to its roomy atmosphere and even an all-new version of the Modubox folding trolley.
The edgy compact car also offers all round visibility and ultimately light and airy interior thanks to Citroen’s innovative parking space measurement system, Hill Start Assist, automatic electric parking brake air quality sensor, scented air freshener, lane Departure Warning System, self-leveling suspension and paddleshift gearchange, most of them are standard components.
The C4 Picasso’s front end features matches smart chrome chevrons with a completely customized bumper section that incorporates air intake tinged in a sporty black mesh. Its trademark wave-shaped waistline can also be accented in chrome and can be complemented with a range of bespoke 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and rims.
The C4 Picasso’s cabin has a spacious and eye-catching profile which many of the usual buttons are smartly integrated into its fixed centered controls steering wheel, while individual controls for the vents and air conditioning are conveniently situated at the either end of the dash. Allotting more space, the handbrake is substituted by an automatic electric parking brake and the traditional gear lever, on models with the electronic gearbox system, is changed by a paddeleshift gearchange and mode selector talk.
The vehicle is also wrapped in an expanse of glass, producing a light and bright environment for passengers. The big wide angle panoramic windscreen rises up over the heads of the front seat occupants. The slender detail of the windscreen pillars blends with the larger quarter light windows and panoramic windscreen for that best viewing visibility assurance.
A key feature includes its artificial lighting with up to 30 various light options ranging from a rechargeable boot light that doubles as a hand-held torch to slight strip lighting in the doors, headlining and dash. With the five-seating outline, occupants in the rear row benefit from three individual, full size, sliding and tilting seats which are pretty rare for most automobiles.
Citroen’s new compact MPV hoards 605 liters of boot space underneath the luggage area with the extensions of 1,743 liters maximum to the roof when the rear seats are folded flat.
The C4 Picasso has several significant features which safety fundamentals are built on the vehicle’s platform such as a child mirror in the front, four Isofix seats, anti-pinch functions on the windows, an electric child lock system, five audible and visual seatbelt warning indicators, laminated side windows, remote control locking with deadlocks and automatic locking of the vehicle when in motion.
The C4 Picasso’s engine bay is powered by four options: 1.8i 16V and 143hp 2.0i 16V petrol units, as well as 110hp 1.6HDi and 138hp 2.0HDi diesel powerplants. Both diesel engines are entrenched with Diesel Particulate Filter Systems and have low CO2 gas emissions.
According to Xavier Duchemin, Managing Director at Citroen UK elaborated that the automotive brand has “all the right ingredients to stand out from the five seat MPV crowd.”
A1 Hatchback To Be Available in US Car Market
Remember a few days ago? When the new A1 that was about to be revealed on April on the Shanghai Auto Show? It looks like the car makers are pulling back their statement that the previously known Chery QQ will not be available on the US market.
It will be the first car ever exported by the China’s Chery Automobile Company to the U.S. which will be sold under the DaimlerChrysler AG brand after they agreed to form a partnership in December.
“Chery’s compact cars will be cost competitive in the U.S. market. DaimlerChrysler can have any model they think is suitable for sale in U.S. and other markets,” the Chery spokesman Wang Wei from Anhui province said today after making a release that the A1 will not be available on western Europe as well as in North American car market few days ago.
The domestic car maker is looking forward on making fuel-efficient vehicles to boost its US sales decline and it has also agreed to buy mini cars from Chery this coming December. Chrysler is deepening its ties with the China car brand.
“Chrysler is trying to improve its product lineup with Chery small cars. But it will take a long time to see gains from this sector as small cars aren’t very popular with Americans,” an analyst at the CSM Asia Huang Zherui said.
The Chery A1 will be sent to showrooms this April in China. The auto body parts of the new car includes a powertrain part 1.3-liter A1 and this is similar to Chery’s QQ – a subcompact model that costs as little as $3,800 in China. Chery was able to sell 20,600 QQs in the first two months of the year making it the eighth most popular passenger car in China.
Trevor Hale, a Beijing-based spokesman of DaimlerChrysler, said, “We are moving forward in cooperation with Chery. It’s too early to name which model we’ll export.”
Honda Civic Hybrid is Britain’s Greenest Car
Here’s the rest of the list:
Top ten green cars:
• Honda Civic Hybrid
• Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi
• Toyota Yaris 1.4 D-4D Manual
• Renault Modus 1.2 16V VVT
• Daihatsu Sirion M300
• Citroen C1 1.1
• Toyota Aygo 1.0 Manual
• Peugeot 107 Manual
• Daihatsu Charade Manual
• Fiat Panda 1.3
This is probably the last list you want to see magnificent cars like the Lamborghini, Ferrari and Aston Martin – but they’re here, proving that fast cars = lots of petrol:
Top ten worst cars:
• Lamborghini Diablo Roadster
• Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
• Ferrari Supermerica
• Ferrari Scagliatti
• Bentley Azure
• Bentley Arnage RL
• Aston Martin Vanquish
• Aston Martin DB9 Manual
• Bentley Continental Flying Spur
• Ferrari F430 Spider
The award for Greenest Off-Roader went to the Toyota RAV4 diesel and the Greenest Luxury Car award went to the Jaguar XJ 2.7 diesel.
Meanwhile help make your car a bit more environment-friendly by making sure your car’s auto body parts, especially its exhaust parts and emission parts are in top condition.
Automobile 