CarZi » Tech

Electric Porsche 959 / 911 Pictures & Video

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:13:14 +0000

I recently had a chance to check this Electric Porsche 911 / 959 while at Supercar Weekend 2009 in Palm Beach Florida.

This EV’s purpose was built for 95% driving around town. Battery options range from 50-200 mile range and can reach over 100 mph. Lead acid package includes 17 Odyssey series-2150 93AH batteries, EPN DC 11″ motor, 1000 amp water cooled controller, 5 speed 915 Porsche trans. 17″ Cup wheels. Power windows, A/C. Color change available. Available for $65,000 USD.

[Source: evPorsche.com]

Godzilla 700 – Hennessey Nissan GT-R Upgrade

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:09:06 +0000

Check OUT: CarZi AUTO PARTS STORE!

Modified Nissan GT-R Pictures: Nissan GT-R Pictures

Hennessey Performance has just come out with the Godzilla 700 Nissan GT-R Upgrade tuning package just in time for Christmas 2008. If you are one of the lucky few to have a Nissan GT-R, you might want to re-adjust your Xmas list to include this moderately priced tuning upgrade package!

Hennessey Godzilla 700 Price:
Mail Order: $18,500 USD
Installed: $24,500 USD

Tuned Power Output:
700hp @ 6400 rpm
630lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

Hennessey Performance Godzilla 700 Upgrades:
Upgraded Sport Turbos
Upgraded Intercoolers
Polished Aluminum Intercooler Pipes
Air Induction System Upgrade
Electronic Boost Controller
Stainless Steel Turbo Down Pipes
Stainless Steel Mid-Pipe Exhaust Upgrade
Stainless Steel Rear Section Exhaust Upgrade
Wastegate Actuator Upgrade
Blow-Off Valve Upgrade

Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend

2008 Nissan GT-R – Godzilla Awakes On Steroids

[Source: HennesseyPerformance.com]

Godzilla 600 – Hennessey Nissan GT-R Upgrade

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 18:28:51 +0000

Hennessey Performance has just come out with the Godzilla 600 Nissan GT-R Upgrade tuning package just in time for Christmas 2008. If you are one of the privileged to own a Nissan GT-R, you might want to re-write your Christmas 2008 wish list to include this moderately priced GT-R tuning upgrade package from Hennessey Performance!

Hennessey Godzilla 600 Price:
Mail Order: $11,500 USD
Installed: $14,500 USD

Tuned Power Output:
600hp @ 6400 rpm
570lb-ft @ 5200 rpm

Hennessey Performance Godzilla 700 Upgrades:
Polished Aluminum Intercooler Pipes
Air Induction System Upgrade
Electronic Boost Controller
Stainless Steel Turbo Down Pipes
Stainless Steel Mid-Pipe Exhaust Upgrade
Stainless Steel Rear Section Exhaust Upgrade
Wastegate Actuator Upgrade
Blow-Off Valve Upgrade

Related Hennessey Performance Posts
Hennessey Venom 700 NM Neiman Marcus Edition
Hennessey Dodge Challenger

Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend

2008 Nissan GT-R – Godzilla Awakes On Steroids

[Source: HennesseyPerformance.com]

Renault Megane R26R Has Plastic Windows

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:11:57 +0000

Renault has launched a limited edition of its Mégane R26 sports car with polycarbonate (clear plastic) rear and side windows! Honda currently uses polycarbonate (PC) for the lower portion of the rear window in its Euro version of the Civic and most automakers are currently only using PC on their concept cars.

In North America PC has yet to fully transition the auto market due to its higher than glass cost on a part for part basis. The only NA car which currently employs PC can be found on some models of the Chevy Corvette in their panoramic roof system. However tougher fuel economy standards will have automakers searching for ways to shed pounds of of their upcoming cars and I guarantee you we will see PC windows in the market within the next few years.

Smart reduced the weight of its roof module by 12.1 pounds just by switching to the PC module! Don’t think a weight savings of 12 lbs on a small car is worth it? Consider reducing 26 pounds of a mid size fleet vehicle which boosts fuel economy by nearly 1/3 of a PERCENT. Sounds like nothing, I aggree, but for a company ith a fleet of 250,000 vehicles driving only 10,000 miles a year that would save 516,000 gallons of fuel. More miles more $$ savings.

On June 23, 2008 the Renault Mégane performed a lap record time of 8 minutes 17 seconds around the famous Nürburgring circuit, in Nürburg, Germany – the fastest ever for a front-wheel drive production car.

Creating the distinctive plastic (polycarbonate) windows envisioned for the Mégane sports car was a challenge in several respects. The polycarbonate glazing had to equal the optical quality of glass while also surpassing glass in design freedom and weight savings.

Contours of the racing track and the record lap time are printed on the left and right rear quarter windows of the Mégane R26.

[Source: Sabic-ip.com, Plastics News]

Gordon Murray – Reflections on the Acura NSX

Anthony Carbone — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 14:18:39 +0000

Gordon Murray is a renowned designer of Formula One race cars and the famous and ultra wicked awesome McLaren F1 supercar. This is a translated reflection on the ACURA NSX by the Automotive Rockstar Designer himself.

To this day, the NSX is still a car that is near and dear to my heart. I put 75,000 Km on my NSX over the course of six or seven years.

It’s very difficult to discuss the NSX using current values and sensibilities. When the NSX debuted, the word “supercar” was still a relatively new idea in Europe. There are some who would say the Lamborghini Miura from the late 1960s was the first supercar. However, the truth is the explosion of modern supercars really started at the end of the 1980s.

At the end of the 80s was the time when McLaren Cars was conceiving the idea for the McLaren F1. To that end, I was concentrating on coming up with what I wanted in a road car.

To my thinking, the ideal car is one in which I could get in the driver’s seat and be out for a drive in downtown London, and then want to continue straight on to the South of France. A car that you can trust, with functional air conditioning, and retains daily drivability. No offset pedals allowed. No high dashboards restricting your view either. Having a low roof hitting your head every time you go over a bump in the name of aerodynamics and styling is out of the question. It is essential that a supercar be a pleasure to drive, and anything detracting from that must be excised.

I started by driving the cars known then as “supercars.” The Porsche 959, Bugatti EB110, Ferrari F40, Jaguar XJ220. Unfortunately, none of these fit the pattern of the supercar we were trying to build. What we wanted was a relatively compact, usable driver’s car. The Porsche 911 had the usability, but with the engine packed in the back, it had a weakness in its handling stability.

During this time, we were able to visit with Ayrton Senna (the late F1 Champion) and Honda’s Tochigi Research Center. The visit related to the fact that at the time, McLaren’s F1 Grand Prix cars were using Honda engines.

Coincidentally, I spotted an NSX prototype parked near the course. I also learned at the time that Ayrton was assisting in the development of the NSX. And that Honda rear mid-engined sports car–the NSX–was the friendly supercar that we had been looking for. This car had perfectly functional air conditioning, a reasonably roomy trunk, and of course, it was a Honda, with the high levels of quality and reliability that implies.

Then I had the opportunity to drive it. Along with Ron Dennis (President, McLaren Cars) and Mansour Ojjeh (Tag McLaren Group Representative), we drove the prototype on the Tochigi Research Center test course. I remember being moved, thinking, “It is remarkable how our vision comes through in this car.”

Of course as you know, the engine has only six cylinders; however, the NSX’s very rigid chassis is excellent and would easily be capable of handling more power. Although it’s true I had thought it would have been better to put a larger engine, the moment I drove the “little” NSX, all the benchmark cars–Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini–I had been using as references in the development of my car vanished from my mind. Of course the car we would create, the McLaren F1, needed to be faster than the NSX, but the NSX’s ride quality and handling would become our new design target.

When working on the development of a new car for years, it’s easy to be caught in certain pitfalls. When you drive the car under development for testing every day (in truth, I was responsible for two-thirds of the testing for the McLaren F1), in that time, you can unknowingly convince yourself you are making progress when in fact you are not. For example, it’s human nature that at the end of a long day you may want to think that your efforts to reduce low speed harshness are working better than they are. It is at times like this when you need a car to compare with. In those situations, the NSX time and again showed us the path in the areas of ride quality and handling, and also helped us recognize when we weren’t making as much progress as we thought.

In my opinion, the NSX’s most special quality has long been overlooked.

That could be summarized with the words, “The NSX’s suspension is amazing.”

Both the body and suspension are aluminum, and it probably couldn’t be helped that journalists’ attention has been focused on praising the aluminum body. However, the suspension is the much more impressive use of aluminum.

It’s lightweight, tough, yet compliant. Also contributing to the refined NSX’s handling and ride quality are 17 inch wheels and tires that are not overly large. The NSX’s suspension is truly an ingenious system, and back then I imagined the development costs must have been enormous. To achieve that unparalleled accuracy and superior ride quality, longitudinal wheel movement is allowed via the use of a compliance pivot.

Compliance refers to when you travel over a bump, the tire experiences a longitudinal force, which the tire and suspension must move with and absorb the shock. The pivot couples the upper and lower arms. It is connected to the arms via ball joints so that they move as a unit. When encountering input, the pivot rotates, keeping alignment changes to near zero while retaining compliance (see diagram). The inspiration obtained from this NSX suspension system would later influence the development of the McLaren F1′s suspension.

The NSX was also the first car to use DBW (Drive By Wire). It felt very pleasing. DBW is when instead of using a mechanical cable, an electronic signal is used to communicate throttle position. It achieved a very natural, linear feeling throttle, and I can now hide my embarrassment and confess that I copied the idea during the development of the McLaren F1 (laughs).

The low-slung NSX’s driver’s seat position also provided just the right head clearance and an amazing field of view. The NSX development team moved the air conditioning unit away from the dash and deep into the NSX’s nose in order to obtain more space. That air conditioning unit is an excellent one, and normally, you don’t notice whether it’s on or not.

On the day I bought the NSX, I pressed the “Auto” button and since then until selling it, I never had to touch it. It was that perfect. Ah, I also remember the audio system as being very good.

However, the media wrote up the aluminum body, and the many merits and advantages I perceived in the NSX have largely been overlooked.

In my opinion, the NSX, while being such a great sports car, had two large flaws in it’s marketing. First, at the time, the public was not ready to accept a Japanese car that was this expensive. The second is that for supercar customers, the power figures were not quite high enough. Of course, the prototype’s engine was not bad, and soon the VTEC engine was added. Whenever I hear that VTEC sound it’s amazing. I am repeating myself, but the NSX’s excellent chassis would have been capable of handling much more power.

With just a slightly lower price, or possibly selling it with a different brand name and a different badge, or perhaps endowing it with a touch flashier and more aggressive styling and additional power, there is no question the NSX would have reigned as a cult star of the supercars.

However, during that time, in Honda’s philosophy there was a resistance to large engines with many cylinders. I am not certain, but probably at the time, the voluntary restraint on power limits was a factor. Being a fan of Honda engines, I later went to Honda’s Tochigi Research Center on two occasions and requested that they consider building for the McLaren F1 a 4.5 liter V10 or V12. I asked, I tried to persuade them, but in the end could not convince them to do it, and the McLaren F1 ended up equipped with a BMW engine.

The NSX’s development costs must have been enormous. Everything on it is unique. The chassis, powertrain, even the air conditioning are peerless. That aluminum body was very expensive. The numerous hurdles overcome by the NSX to reach production in areas such as spot welding, corrosion, and repairability make it a monumental work in automotive history. The philosophy of creating a car for human beings is apparent throughout. If it were me, I probably would not have obsessed over the aluminum and would have settled for a steel structure with aluminum panels to try to achieve a similar weight reduction. But what I really want to emphasize is the suspension. It is a a groundbreaking use of aluminum.

There are a few things that could be improved on the NSX. First, the tires are too soft. Over the seven years I ran mine, I went through 14 sets of tires. After changing over to harder-compound Michelins in the rear, my tire life increased. As a result, rear grip was decreased slightly, but driving became more fun. The NSX’s traction control and ABS are first generation systems and as a result are somewhat slow-acting. I also missed having more storage space in the interior. However, such things hardly seem significant in a sports car of this caliber.

The NSX is a landmark car. It awoke not only a lazy Ferrari, but Porsche as well and sparked advances in usability, ergonomics, and handling. It may not have achieved success from a marketing standpoint, but many influential and important people have owned them. The NSX is also unusual in that it continued to be on sale for so long. If I were to looking for that type of car now, I would–without a doubt–gladly own an NSX again.

CHECKOUT: NSX PHOTO ALBUMS HERE

[Original Source: Honda.co.jp]
[Translated Source: docs.google.com]

Ford Hybrid Interior Smart Gauges

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:56:45 +0000

Ford is placing LCDs on either side of new Hybrid speedometers. Similar to the concept cars which have been seen at all of this years car shows, the LCDs can be configured to show different kinds of information.

Ford breaks the different standard displays down like this:
-Inform: Fuel level and battery charge status
-Enlighten: Adds electric vehicle mode indicator and tachometer
-Engage: Adds engine output power and battery output power
-Empower: Adds power to wheels, engine pull-up threshold and accessory power

These new LCDs screens will show a variety of different information gauges, like: instant fuel economy, economy over time, battery charge rates and also show conventional gauges such as engine speed and tank level. The special marketing gimmick “green gauge” shows an image of leaves that get greener if you achieve better fuel economy! Hilarious, lets see if it takes in 2009!

[Source: reviews.cnet.com]

Infiniti’s Around View 360 Monitor Gets Award

Anthony Carbone — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 16:03:49 +0000

Popular Mechanics magazine recently unveiled its “Breakthrough Awards,” the publication’s annual celebration of the best and brightest innovators and innovations. Of automotive interest, Infiniti’s Around View monitor received an innovation award. You have also probably started to see Infiniti’s advertising campaign on TV with respect to this new innovative “Around View 360 Monitor”.

Their system was designed to give drivers a 360-degree view via ultra wide angle high-res cameras that produce a top birds eye view around their cars. With an increase of documented cases of children being run over by their own parents, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to conclude this device will save lives and most likely reduce fender benders in parking lots.

[Source: news.CNet.com]

Nissan GT-R R35 Racing Brake Calipers by ENDLESS

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:50:06 +0000

Endless is a race quality brake manufacturer which many of the best Nissan GT-R R35 tuners choose to use. They finally launched their Racing Mono6 brake upgrade package to the general public this this month. Having been tested and love by MCR and Hirano Tire on the track in prototype form, these are now available in the form of Endless “System Inch Up Kits”.

Pricing below is expensive as expected but you are paying for race quality hardware:

Fronts: ($7,875 USD)
Rears: ($6,690 USD)
Fronts and Rears: ($14,175 USD)

The kits are supplied with 387mm x 34mm two piece slotted vented rotors with aluminum hats, Endless RCP072 pads, braided lines and caliper brackets for bolt on fitment.

Don’t forget to checkout the Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend

First Test Drive: Nissan GT-R Video 0-60mph in 3.3 Seconds!
Modified GTR R35 – Top Secret Aero Kit Photos
HKS Nissan GT-R – R35 GT570 Racing Tune Kit
Nissan R35 GTR Modified by Wald International
Nissan GT-R Nismo Parts + Tuners
Powerhouse Amuse Nissan R35 GT-R (Photos + Video)
Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend
600hp Nissan GT-R – Amuse Tuned
Nissan R35 GT-R Performance Parts Review by Mines Motor Sports
HiDef Nissan GT-R Test Drive (Video)
First Test Drive: Nissan GT-R Video 0-60mph in 3.3 Seconds!

2008 Nissan GT-R – Godzilla Awakes On Steroids
Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo Motorsports Wheels Photos

[Source: Endless-sport.co.jp]

Michael Schumacher Abu Dhabi Tower Unveiled

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:39:53 +0000

The Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower was recently unveiled at Cityscape Dubai by a fresh new Architecture firm called LAVA (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture). They integrated Formula 1 Technology in their design and drew further inspiration via collaboration with Michael Schumacher himself! It is set to break ground early 2009.

Developed for clients Vedera Capital|Marasi, completion is expected around June 2011.

The combined resume’s of LAVA’s 3 co-partners (Chris Bosse, Tobias Wallisser and Alexander Rieck) include Beijing’s Watercuboid and the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany.

“The unique collaboration with Michael Schumacher gave us new insights. Technology, precision, speed, elegance, paired with human intuition and extraordinary performance were a great source of inspiration for the design. Similar to the formula one operation, construction is a team sport with a lot of highly skilled experts. In this sense the architects take the driver seat in the process, taking the project to the physical limits of possibility”, says Alexander Rieck

Inspired by the geometric order of a snowflake and F1 racing aerodynamics, this futuristic tower encapsulates speed, and technology drawing from fluid dynamics with a tough of Feng Shui.

[Source: Architectenweb.nl]

Electric Porsche 997 Pics by RUF

Anthony Carbone — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:56:06 +0000

As we reported earlier last month on rumors of the RUF Electric Porsche Cayman, RUF has actually been developing a prototype RUF Electric Porsche 997! It currently features a 204hp (150kW) electric motor producing 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque.

The Electricl Powered Porsche 911 has 1200 lbs (538 kg) (96 battery cells x 5.6 kg each) worth of Axeon lithium-ion batteries.

The Electric 911 goes from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in less than 7 seconds.

and currently its distance per charge is around 155-180 miles (250-300 km) under normal driving conditions.

[Source: Spiegel.de]

Carbon Fiber Wheels

Anthony Carbone — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 02:15:22 +0000

A Japanese company Weds Sport has manufactured the first full carbon fiber wheel. This carbon fiber wheel was manufactured using a Dry Carbon Fiber technique and was unveiled at this years Tokyo Auto Salon show.

The weight of one wheel is 2.76kg (6.08 lbs)!

There are 2 ways to create a carbon fiber laminate: “wet” layup and pre-impregnated “dry” layup.

“Wet” carbon fiber layup process has been used since the ice age for creating molded shapes from carbon fiber or other engineered polymers. It is the easiest and least labor intensive method and has even made its way into the do-it-yourself areas of self indulgent creations.

The main disadvantage of the “wet” laminate is the lack of resin control.

“Dry” carbon fibers are placed into a mold and resin is poured and brushed over the cloth. Layer upon layer are manually added until the desired resin coating thickness is met. This method of resin impregnation is somewhat uncontrolled which can result in to heavy of resin to fiber ratio creating additional voids and decreased mechanical properties.

The pre-impregnated (pre-preg) “Dry” carbon fiber method developed and mastered during the past 10 years has created a stiffer, stronger laminate with controlled and predictably desirable results.

In this pre-pre carbon fiber construction method the fiber is pre-impregnated with resin at a production facility, rolled on spools, and frozen to prevent the resin from curing prematurely. This raw material is then cut and hand laid into a mold to the proper thickness and cured via vacuum packing and high temperature curing which melts the glass resin which flows and hardens in the shape of the parent mold.

Need a refresher into the Science of Carbon Fiber? Checkout my earlier post on the subject: Carbon Fiber Wheels – Not the Ultimate Performance Material

Isn’t science bad ass?

[Source: CarbonFiberGear.com, Wikipedia.com, NSXPrime.com]

BMW Search System powered by Google Maps

Anthony Carbone — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:33:29 +0000

New 2009 1 and 3 series BMW’s will have a new BMW Search System powered by Google Maps. If you are signed up for the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (German Version of OnStar) you will be able to use the BMW Search System to search for a business then map it, then route the call directly to your Bluetooth phone.

The BMW Search System is priced at $199 annually which isn’t that much off the top for those who can afford BMW’s in the first place. Other value added services included are; stolen car GPS locator, emergency contact assistance and remote car unlock.

BMW decided to include the Google Maps into its 2009 fleet, the exception being the BMW X3. Google Maps will power the BMW Search system which will be available only in the vehicles equipped with BMW Assist and Navigation system.

Since the 3G High-Speed networks are underdeveloped compared to Europe, the BMW’s in-car mobile technology will use the GPRS network, an older technology that will be considerably slower than the current standards. So, do not expect any fast blazing searches when it comes to Google Maps!

Full Press Release

BMW ADDS NEW “BMW SEARCH” SERVICE TO BMW ASSIST POWERED BY GOOGLE MAPS™.

Available in BMW Assist & Navigation-equipped 2009 BMW 1 & 3 Series Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey – September 15, 2008″… BMW introduces access to Google Maps (http://maps.google.com) search capability within the vehicle on 2009 BMW Assist and Navigation system – equipped 1 and 3 Series. For the first time, subscribers to the optional BMW Assist Convenience Plan can access “BMW Search” to quickly find a desired business with just a key word, benefiting from the world’s most famous online search engine. After finding what you want, you can immediately start route guidance or a hands-free call with your Bluetooth® -linked phone at just a simple push of a button.

Utilizing newly introduced hardware operating on the AT&T Mobility GSM network, this unique service identifies the current location and destination of the vehicle automatically and then displays the local results with details of address, phone number and distance. For example, you can look up business information like the names of restaurants, hotels, service stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas and public facilities such as schools or city halls, all by the simple use of a key word. You can also easily ask for a search at another location.

In a nutshell, “BMW Search” using Google search technology and intelligence saves time and reduces frustration with destination entry on today’s navigation systems. The information you look up is continuously updated by Google. “BMW Search” is the next logical and consequential development of the link between the automobile and the Internet.

To allow customers to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet directly to their BMW, Google and BMW began offering “MyInfo” with the introduction of the X6 back in April, now extended to all other 2009 BMWs except for X3. “BMW Search” now opens up access to the Internet directly from the vehicle, representing another building block in the BMW Assist services portfolio. About BMW Assist: BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® System is standard on all 5, 6 and 7 Series models, including the M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models. BMW includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost. BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to certain limitations.

The in-vehicle equipment integrates GPS technology and hands-free wireless communication functions to deliver emergency and other services, accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. The BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the vehicle occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and/or requested. A severe accident automatically activates the Automatic Collision Notification function.

The BMW Assist Safety Plan also includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the driver time and money. New to BMW Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet, directly to their BMW. TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service. A service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have the needed parts ready.

BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of BMW Assist concierge services; from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on flight arrival gates or times, as well as receiving directions, traffic and weather information. On most models produced September 2006 and later, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the BMW Navigation system and the subscriber’s Bluetooth – linked mobile phone, after a push of the Concierge menu option. New for 2009 is BMW Search, which allows online access to the Google Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.

Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and phone connectivity with phonebook access and speech recognition for dialing by name or number via steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone. To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.

[Source: BMW, Official Google Blog]

BMW M Double Clutch Transmission Explained

Anthony Carbone — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:35:38 +0000

The new BMW M Double Clutch Transmission gearbox is said to be the first dual-clutch automated manual developed for sporty M-type production engine speeds of up to 9000 rpm! When compared to a conventional automatic, the new gearbox allows for greater fuel economy due to a more direct connection with the engine, as well as the larger number of gears (7 vs. 6) which yield a greater overall gear-ratio spread of 4.8.

The Double-clutch transmission is BMW’s technical name for their automated-manual transmission. Yes this sounds somewhat contradicting but bear with the name for a moment.

It is constructed like a manual transmission BUT can shift automatically and has NO clutch pedal. WHERE IS THE FUN IN THIS YOU ASK?? I am not sure, but I have a sneaky suspicion that driving one might change both of our minds as quickly as it would take us to bang through the first 3 shifts!

The advantage to its Manual/Automatic engineering is that you get an automatic that shifts extremely quickly compared to a traditional automatic and also takes up less space and also weighs less.

The BMW M Series of performance engineering cars will all be equipped with this new transmission system.

Now, there’s is also a single-clutch automated manual that’s found in less performance oriented cars like the Smart ForTwo which are fuel economy engineered. A single-clutch system may not be as smooth as a dual-clutch because the clutch has to disengage, choose a gear then re-engage. With a dual-clutch system the next gear can be staged and ready to shift before you’re even out of the previous gear, so slamming through gears at high rpm’s is flawless and sharper than anything you have previously driven (unless your driving an F1 car).

Click Image for Detailed Explanation of Components

You may also hear a double-clutch transmission called dual-clutch, clutchless manual, twin-clutch, etc. As previously mentioned, you get quick shifts, but for drivers it means there’s no clutch pedal and shifting can be controlled through either paddle shifters on the steering wheel or via a plus/minus gate on the shifter.

You don’t, however, have to use the paddles or plus/minus gate; most cars with these transmissions also have an automatic mode, where the transmission will shift on its own like a regular automatic. Shifting on its own is where you’ll find the downside to these transmissions, as sometimes that shifting can be jerky or feel unnatural in day-to-day driving.

I’m sure this double clutch transmission system is super amazing, but it’s definitely hard to wrap your head around driving a fun sporty performance oriented sports car without a CLUTCH and essentially shifting by wire.

Some purists who would never be caught dead driving an “F1 Style Paddle-Shift Transmission” have been known to rave about the new F1 Transmission in the Ferrari F430. I know first hand my business partner Vinay has changed his tune after logging many hours and km’s in one of his best friends new Ferrari F430 Coupe that has the F1 style transmission.

Checkout the Video below to SEE and HEAR how effortlessly and quickly one can shift with these F1 inspired engineered gearboxes.

[Source: SAE.org, Ask.Cars.Com]

Nissan GT-R Nismo Parts + Tuners

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:52:16 +0000

Last month we were ahead of the speculation curve when we reported and posted photos of potential 2009 Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo Motorsports Wheels and today that news was validated. Official details about the Club Sport Tuning Package have finally surfaced as Nismo officially released the news!

Compare Prices: Nissan GT-R TIRES

Performance parts improve handling, performance and visual appeal of the Nissan R35 GT-R. The kit is currently only available in Japan and only 1 of 12 Nismo Tuning Shops are currently authorized to install the package!

The entire Club Sport Kit should soon be available for North Americans for roughly $50,000 and includes the following:

-Nismo Branding
-Nismo Titanium exhaust system
-Nismo Recaro SP-X CL100 Carbon/Leather seats
-Nismo Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser

-Nismo 20 inch Rays lightweight forged aluminium rims with Potenza RE070R run-flats, front: 255/40 ZRF20 tyres and rear: 285/35 ZRF20

-Nismo Sports Suspension – Three mode-switchable Bilstein Damptronic suspension with spring rates of front: 18.5kg/mm and rear: 9.6kg/mm

If $50,000 is too much for you to spend in one shot, you can perform the Nismo upgrades via 2 smaller sub offerings.

Chassis Package – $18,000 – Suspension upgrade, Wheels and Tires (weight saving of 3.2kgs front and 2.8kgs rear)

Carbon Bucket Seats Package – $15,000 – Nismo Recaro leather-wrapped carbon fiber racing seats

Titanium Exhaust System Package – $15,000 – Lightweight titanium exhaust and carbon fiber rear diffuser (a weight saving of 5kgs)

The kit will be available in Japan as of September 30th and NO global dates have yet to be confirmed.

Checkout other Nissan GT-R Tuned R35′s

Powerhouse Amuse 600hp Nissan GT-R R35

Nissan GT-R R35 Photos – Tuned by Garage Defend

Mines Motorsports Nissan GT-R R35

Nissan GT-R R35 Nismo Motorsports Wheels Photos
Carbon-Fiber Wheels – Not the Ultimate Performance Material

[Source: PressPortal.com.au]

Gumball 3000 2009 Route Announced

Anthony Carbone — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:30:59 +0000

“Coast to Coast” – Los Angeles to Miami!

Following this years 2008 Gumball 3000 ‘around the world’ bonanza, the Gumball 3000 2009 route was announced and they have decided to put on a classic “coast to coast” road trip, driving from sea to shining sea, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from Los Angeles to the partying capital of the world, Miami! Sorry for the short post, but I am off to have dinner with Vinay and Mr. John Chow!

2008 THIS YEARS CAR PHOTOS: 2008 Gumball 3000 Photos

With key check-points and parties on route in Las Vegas, Santa Fe, Dallas, and New Orleans, the 2009 event will combine automobiles with music, film, and entertainment throughout the 3000 miles, closing the streets in each city to create a full-on Gumball festival!

THIS YEARS PARTIES HERE: 2008 Gumball 3000 US Party Photos

It will be 6 years since the Gumball last fully took place within the US, and since then Gumball has grown considerably.

“It’s going to be exciting to bring it back to the States – we’re going to put on a show that no one will forget” Maximillion Cooper.

The dates of the event have been brought forward to Gumball’s traditional first week of May (1st-7th). If you’re up for the adventure, and want a road trip you’ll never forget, drop your wallet and sign up!

[Source: Gumball3000.com]