2008 Lamborghini Reventon Diamond Black Review

Leading automotive coating specialist Zircotec has been selected by Automobili Lamborghini to supply a new thermal barrier for its one million Euro Reventón car. Zircotec’s plasma-sprayed Diamond Black coating is applied to the exhaust and inhibits heat transfer from the tailpipe protecting heat sensitive components from damage.

“Lamborghini needed a durable solution that protected the composite bodywork and components at the rear of the car,” says Zircotec’s sales manager Peter Whyman. “Paint finishes were unable to meet the stringent quality and durability requirements set by Lamborghini. Our coating is plasma-sprayed, in effect welding it to the base material, making it more resilient during heat cycling, life testing and abrasion tests. Together with the new black finish, Zircotec was able to deliver not only a highly durable coating but one that satisfied the requirements of Lamborghini’s Styling Department”. “The Zircotec coating was the only coating that satisfied all our requirements,” adds Luca Meschiari, Head of Exhausts at Lamborghini. “It is durable and offers significantly better performance than any other solution we have seen.”

Lamborghini is the first application for the Diamond Black surface, for which a patent has been applied for. “Up until now, black was only available using high temperature paints,” continues Whyman. “Only using paint is less durable and is therefore not appropriate for OEM applications. We developed this finish as part of an increasing range of individual coatings that can be adjusted to the application and customer requirements. It provides an extremely hard and durable surface that is highly resistant to vibration, mechanical damage and thermal shock.”

As packaging restrictions increase, together with a requirement to reduce weight, the Zircotec coating offers OEMs a robust, easily packaged solution that can dramatically inhibit the transfer of heat from exhausts, turbos and catalysts, protecting heat sensitive components. Proven in Formula One and World Rally, Lamborghini joins other prestige vehicle manufacturers and top level motorsport competitors to benefit from a technology that was originally developed for the nuclear industry. “The technology allows OEMs to quickly resolve heat management, even on existing platforms.”

Zircotec’s zirconia-based ceramics have a thermal efficiency of less than 1.7 W/m K, so provide an excellent thermal barrier. When applied to an exhaust system, the Zircotec coating inhibits the radiation of heat from the surface of the material, holding the heat inside. The coating can also be applied to other metal components including heat shields.

2009 Subaru Exiga 7-Seat Panorama Tourer Review

Based on the concept of a seven-seater with panoramic visibility for the touring experience, the EXIGA has been developed to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all occupants. Capitalizing on its accumulated know-how from building wagons and crossover SUVs, Subaru has succeeded in creating open and comfortable interior space for all the passengers to easily engage in conversation and share the experience of touring enhanced by dramatic wide-angle views through the windows.

The new model represents Subaru’s latest proposal for a new type of multi-passenger vehicle, built on Subaru’s strengths in vehicle stability, low noise, and quality ride -all realized by Subaru’s Horizontally-Opposed engine layout and the Subaru Dynamic Chassis Control Concept (Subaru DC3).

1. Development Concept: a Seven-Seater for Panorama Touring

• Seven passengers
Despite a body size that’s convenient for maneuvering, the EXIGA comfortably accommodates up to seven occupants, ensuring ample space and a pleasant ride for each passenger. Excellent utility and comfort have been added through the adoption of new designs for better visibility, ingress/egress, and cargo space.

• Panorama
A bright, open interior space has been created for passengers in any seat to enjoy the scenery outside. The vehicle’s low noise level allows all passengers to easily converse.

• Touring
In addition to high levels of safety, both active and passive, the EXIGA blends high performance and smooth handling with high-quality riding comfort. The vehicle also offers excellent environmental performance and fuel economy.

2. FHI offers four EXIGA models:

• 2.0i is the basic model with selected standard equipment, priced in a more affordable range

• 2.0i-L offers high quality finishes and expanded standard equipment

• 2.0i-S is a sporty model with a naturally aspirated engine, featuring dynamic powerful styling and interior designs

• 2.0GT is a grand touring car that combines potent powertrain performance with environmental considerations

3. Major Features

• The EXIGA has realized ideal proportions that provide the optimal body size for better handling, as well as ample interior space through its carefully calculated measurements of the height, width, length, wheelbase, floor size, and roof design.
• Front and rear visibility is maximized by the creative design and positioning of pillars and windows.
• The three rows of seats are laid out at three different heights, like gradually elevated theater seating, placing the first and second rows slightly lower than the third to allow all passengers better outside views.
• A large panoramic glass roof fully covers area above the second row of seats and enhances the openness of the interior. The glass roof is available as an option on all models except the 2.0i.
• Large rear door openings with wide plastic door sills are designed to facilitate ingress and egress, and the rear doors also open nearly 90 degrees for easy access to the third-row seating.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with reduced projection into the interior makes room for comfortable third-row seats and a wide luggage compartment.
• The subframe between the rear suspension and the chassis helps to reduce vehicle noise and absorb vibrations from the road.
• By using the newly designed resin fuel tank and optimizing the body frame structure, the floor has been made flat to provide spacious legroom for passengers in the third row.

4. Design
• The EXIGA exterior design expresses the integration of the utility of a seven-seater and elegant styling.
• Two distinctively different front grille designs are available. The naturally aspirated models possess style that highlights refinement and simplicity with flowing chrome-plated contours. The design for the turbo model stresses a sporty and muscular impression by adopting a powerful wing-shape embellishment in dark plating on a metal mesh background.
• Headlamps are designed to provide depth from the front view. With a blue-tinted lens placed in the middle of the lamp, the design accentuates boldness and presence.
• Each of the four EXIGA model types is equipped with distinctive wheels and individually designed spokes.
• Eight exterior colors are available.

5. Interior design
• Decorative insets with a horizontally flowing pattern from the center panel of the dashboard to the door trim add spaciousness and a quality look to the interior. Rich and refined interior design is further accentuated by the center panel, which combines wood and metal finishes, as well as by the indirect blue LED light installed on the overhead console, center tray and some foot areas.
• Ivory tone that accentuates openness and light, and black tone, which highlights both sportiness and elegance, are available as interior colors.
• The seats are newly designed to firmly support the occupants and reduce fatigue, even during a long drive, and the seat cushions are made thick to effectively absorb vibration and provide comfort.
• The meter module on the instrument panel is distinctively designed with the meter background faces illuminated in blue to make the white dials clearly readable. The Sport Luminescent Meter, outlined with chrome-plated meter rings, is available on the 2.0GT, 2.0i-L, and 2.0i-S.

6. Utility
• By removing the headrests, the front seatbacks can be tilted back flat to provide room for occupants to lie down.
• The left and right seats of the second row independently slide back and forth in a range of 180 mm. The seatbacks fold down easily with one-hand operation of the walk-in mechanism, allowing easy access to the third row seats.
• The third-row seats employ reclining mechanisms for more relaxed travel. The seatbacks fold down flat with easy operation to provide expanded cargo space in the back of the vehicle.
• Hooks for hanging bags, retractable hooks and 12-volt power outlet are provided in the cargo area.
• Thanks to reduced projection into the interior of the wheel housing and rear suspension, the cargo floor has been made flat. The cargo space offers two tiers. There is a layer under the cargo floor board that offers more space for storing small items. Even tall items like baby strollers can be placed vertically in that space without the need to fold them and lay them on the floor.
• Courtesy lamps are mounted inside of all doors for better egress/ingress at night. • Blue lights illuminate the inside of the instrumental panel recesses, the center console, and the foot of the first and second row seats. They are not only useful at night but serve as elegant and premium quality décor.

7. Powertrain
(1) 2.0-liter DOHC Engine (2.0i, 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S)
• The use of a redesigned DOHC cylinder head and the active valve control system (AVCS) promotes excellent environmental performance. Also better fuel economy is realized through adoption of the regular gasoline engine.
• With the optimization of the diameter and length of the intake manifold, and the adoption of the equal length/constant pulsation independent exhaust system, the engine’s intake and exhaust performance has been elevated.
• Two catalytic convertors have been placed in tandem. The layout enables the convertors to quickly heat up, which facilitates catalytic activation during engine startup and improves on emission reduction efficiency.
• By expanding exhaust capacity with the twin mufflers, air flow resistance inside the mufflers is reduced, and excellent engine output characteristics and noise reduction are realized.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy by controlling electric generation according to driving conditions.
(2) 2.0-liter DOHC Turbo Engine (2.0GT)
• A lightweight, resin-based intake manifold is used. The inner walls of the manifold are smooth and less resistant to the intake flow, elevating intake efficiency.
• The turbo charger was exclusively developed for the EXIGA. Optimization of its A/R and compressor, as well as a redesign of its turbine vane, have distinctively improved low-end torque and made powerful and responsive acceleration possible.
• Also adopted is a secondary air system that forces air into the exhaust port to burn out any gasoline remaining in it. The system helps eliminate harmful substances when the powertrain is still cool, and it promotes early activation of a catalytic converter.
• Through optimization of the construction of the intercooler, the pressure loss is kept at a minimum to improve cooling efficiency.
• The electric control sensor system helps reduce engine load and further improve fuel economy.

8. Drivetrain and Chassis
• Lightweight and compact 4-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on all 2.0 liter naturally aspirated models. By optimizing the final gear ratio, as well as through reducing friction among part assemblies, driving performance has been enhanced and fuel economy improved.
• 5-speed AT with the SPORTSHIFT gear selection is standard on 2.0 liter turbo models. The down-shift blipping control is added to enhance smooth gear change response when shifting down in manual mode.
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• The SI-Dive (Subaru Intelligent Drive) system on the 2.0GT model offers three different modes of driving for the driver to enjoy: Intelligent; Sport; and Sport Sharp.
• The Active Torque Split AWD system is mounted on all naturally aspirated engine models. The turbo model comes with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) system. Both systems distribute optimal torque to the wheels with the firm grip and traction, providing unrivalled vehicle stability.
• Integrating robust body structure with finely tuned chassis elements, all models feature Subaru DC3, which ensures outstanding handling and vehicle stability as well as superb riding comfort.
• The vehicle is equipped with a strut-type front suspension, which is made lightweight and resilient. Newly designed cross-members and stabilizers yield excellent steering response.
• A double-wishbone rear suspension with optimized suspension geometry settings provides exceptional traction and vehicle stability, as well as riding comfort, even at full occupancy.
• All models employ four-wheel ABS disc brakes with EBD (Electric Brake-force Distribution) for superb braking performance. The Brake Assist system and a brake booster with unique tierod design appropriately maximize braking control.
• Two types of tires, 205/60R16 and 215/50R17, are available. Both are capable of balancing various vehicle elements, including stability, braking, comfort, and mileage. (SPORTSHIFT is the trademark of Prodrive Ltd.)

6. Body Construction and Safety
• The EXIGA uses an advanced form of Subaru’s proprietary Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame Body Structure. Through streamlined body construction and the extensive use of high-tensile steel, the new model has achieved high body rigidity and light weight.
• A cowl stay enhancement is used to connect the front side frame and A pillar, and supportive cross-members have been adopted to further improve steering response and increase vehicle stability.
• The EXIGA, with its advanced frame construction, has realized high levels of safety and crash- worthiness through effectively absorbing and dispersing crash impact in frontal, side-, or rear- impact crashes.
• By enhancing impact absorption in the front bumper and incorporating structural changes to the hood, the new model addresses safety features for pedestrians and other vehicles in collisions.
• The front wiper system features a new uniform-pressure, fin-shaped design that creates downforce to prevent blade lift-off during high-speed driving.
• Dual SRS (supplemental restraint system) air bags are standard on all models. SRS side air bags and curtain air bags that protect the third-row occupants are manufacturer’s options.
• All pillar trim adopts impact-absorbing structures. To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear collision, the seatbacks employ new impact-absorbing designs.
• A collapsible brake pedal is available on all models to reduce the risk of foot injuries in frontal collisions

10. Others
• Ventilation for the rear seats is placed on top of the dashboard, effectively circulating air to the third row of seats. Standard on all models, the ventilation system is extremely quiet with greatly reduced operating and airflow noise, yet it efficiently cools the entire cabin.
• The air conditioning system on the 2.0i-L, 2.0i-S and 2.0GT models offers a function to allow temperature adjustments independently on the left and right sides of the seats.
• The combined audio system of CD player and AM/FM tuner, compatible with MP3 and WMA* formats, and an HDD navigation system with audio capability and a rearview camera
(compatible with Subaru G-Book Alpha telematics service) are optional on all models. WMA is the registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
• A keyless entry system with a push-start button is a manufacturer’s option.

2008 Mitsubishi and Citroen Partner on EV’s Review

PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi have announced that both companies agreed to start a feasibility study on an extended technical collaboration in the field of electric powertrains. This project, which will run over several months, relates to the development, the manufacture and the use of an electric powertrain for small urban vehicles.

To step up the viability of electric vehicle projects and accelerate market introduction, the companies agreed that cooperation on electric vehicle development and production would be mutually beneficial.

This new agreement reinforces the bonds between the two manufacturers who, a week ago, laid the first stone of their joint Russian factory, in Kaluga (180 km south west of Moscow).

For PSA Peugeot Citroën, this agreement lies within the scope of its Strategy and Ambition plan covering 2010-2015, which should maintain the PSA Group’s leadership in environmentally friendly cars.

With an extensive knowledge of electric vehicles, PSA Peugeot Citroën is the largest global manufacturer of electric vehicles to date with more than 10 000 units sold. PSA Peugeot Citroën will bring to this project its expertise in the field of electric powertrains.

For MMC this agreement is consistent with its electric vehicle strategy.

MMC, aiming to become one of the leading car manufacturers of electric vehicles, has prioritised development of the i MiEV* new-generation electric vehicle for introduction to the market. MMC will launch the electric vehicle in the Japanese domestic market in 2009 and is considering a possible future introduction to Europe and the U.S.

In addition, MMC has set up Lithium Energy Japan, a Joint Venture founded in partnership with GS Yuasa and Mitsubishi Corporation, which is to supply large capacity and high performance lithium ion batteries for the i MiEV. Preparation for mass-production of the batteries is going smoothly.

Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, based on the “i” minicar

2008 Mazda MX-5 and Mazda2 Wow Brits Review

Mazda has confirmed its plans to return to the British International Motor Show, with the thrilling ‘Mazda Zoom-Zoom Challenge’ attraction, from 23 July to 3 August at ExCel, London Docklands. A major success at the 2006 Show, the Zoom-Zoom Challenge will allow over 5,000 members of the public to get behind the wheel of Mazda’s cars, at no charge, to experience their spirited handling and entertaining drive.

Competitors will compete against the clock in a technically demanding driving challenge around a specially-constructed test track as they strive to achieve the fastest lap time and demonstrate the most accomplished car control. Professional racing drivers will take each participant around the track for a familiarisation lap followed by a warm-up circuit behind the wheel and a timed circuit in both the iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car and all-new Mazda2 3dr supermini.

The top prize will be the use for a year of the £11,000 plus 1.5‑litre Sport version of the all‑new Mazda2 3dr for the competitor posting the highest score throughout the two weeks of the Motor Show (23 July – 3 August).

At the show, Mazda will display its Furai Concept, the raciest interpretation of the Nagare design language to-date and the latest car in Mazda’s award-winning and highly acclaimed series of concept cars. Based on an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) sports racing car, the Furai has a 450hp three-rotor rotary engine initially tuned to operate on 100 per cent ethanol fuel, the first time a racing three-rotor rotary engine has been fuelled in this way.

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The Nagare design language hints at Mazda’s future design intentions and reflects the Mazda design ideals of ‘flow’ and the ‘embodiment of motion’. Outside the show halls, the Mazda2 and Mazda MX-5 will convey the current generations’ ‘emotion of motion’ to the expected 550,000 visitors to the Docklands-based Show.

Earlier this year, the new five-door Mazda2 was named 2008 World Car of the Year and was awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP crash test rating. The stylish Mazda2 reversed the trend of new cars gaining weight as it shed 100kg compared with its predecessor, allowing the car to challenge the best in its class for fuel economy, low CO2 emissions and agility.

Thanks to its lightweight body, the impressive handling of the new Mazda2 will be a key element of the experience for visitors driving on the tight Zoom-Zoom Challenge track at the Motor Show. The demanding circuit will also allow visitors to fully experience the rewarding handling of the iconic Mazda MX-5 sports car in a safe but fun environment.

2008 Hofele Volkswagen Touareg Emotion(al) Review

The new styling kit for the VW Touareg consists of a complete front bumper with four distinctive additional lights, new LED day driving light and a double light with cornering light and fog light. Big air intakes provide the intercooler of the big engines with more air. Trapezoidal tailpipes made of stainless steel are integrated into the new rear apron. The under ride protection is removable to give access to the trailer coupling.

Side skirts, a rear roof spoiler and a rear door panel are also part of the styling kit. Additionally available is the hood scoop “Power Dome” which gives the ordinary hood more dynamic.

A Duplex stainless steel muffler provides an adequate sound for this luxury car.
Pirelli tires in the size 295/30 R22, mounted on the mighty 22 inch “Reverso 22” designer wheels take care about the right traction. The car can be lowered 40mm either with sport springs or an ETS module which lowers the air suspension.

Used materials: the front- and rear conversion is made of HPC High Performance Compound material, a TÜV approved, heat resistant Composite-Compound material with Kevlar/Carbon-inlays. All the other parts are made of PU-RIM.

The clou with the Hofele-Touareg-Kit is that the kit is available for the Touareg facelift model from 2007 as well as for the pre-facelift model. Therefore the kit transfers the pre-facelift model into the new look of the facelift model.

More information is available under www.hofele.com and phone +49-7162-9123920.

About the company: Hofele-Design GmbH is a medium-sized company from Germany and has its 25th anniversary this year. Hofele-Design exports in 29 countries all over the world.

In China Hofele-Design is present with Hofele-China (www.hofelechina.com) and has 12 agencies which sell Hofele-Design car versions & components all over the giant country.

Since 2007 is there the Hofele-agency to serve the North American market. The markets in Russia and the GUS states are being served through a agency in this area.

The tuning program of Hofele-Design is focused on the premium section, mainly the high-class cars of Volkswagen (Touareg, Phaeton, GTI) and the complete Audi line with a huge program especially for Q7, A8, A5, A4 Convertible and R8.

The section HOFELE-Industries develops and produces car accessories exclusively for many car producers and car importers.

2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 @ $103K Review

The Corvette ZR1 also has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h), making it the fastest Corvette ever produced and ranking it among the global super cars of commensurate performance. None of those other super cars, however, equals the ZR1’s performance-per-dollar ratio. “The ZR1 is an incredible machine by any measure,” said Ed Peper, North American Vice President, Chevrolet. “There’s simply no other vehicle in the world that does a better job of balancing performance, price and fuel economy.”

Performance perspective
The Corvette ZR1’s 0-60 performance is 0.3-second quicker than the already-quick Corvette Z06 and the 0-100-mph performance is nearly a full second quicker – 7 seconds vs. the Z06’s 7.9 seconds. It is performance that is equal to or better than many super cars costing substantially more.

“A favorable power-to-weight ratio gives the ZR1 an advantage over the competition and performance that has to be experienced to fully appreciate,” said Tom Wallace, Corvette chief engineer. “Of course, on a racetrack, drivers of competitors’ cars may appreciate the ZR1 in a whole different manner.”

And the racetrack isn’t the only place where the ZR1 trumps its super-car competitors – it beats them at the gas pump, too. According to fueleconomy.gov, the ZR1’s EPA-rated 14 city and 20 highway mileage ratings beat 2008 competitors such as the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (11 city / 15 highway); the Lamborghini Murcielago (8 city / 13 highway) and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (12 city / 19 highway). They’re competitive with the Dodge Viper (13 city / 22 highway) and the Porsche 911 GT3 (15 city / 22 highway).

Under the carbon-fiber hood
A new LS9 6.2L supercharged small-block engine powers the ZR1’s performance capability. Heavy-duty and lightweight reciprocating components support high-rpm performance, while a new, sixth-generation supercharger (and complementing charge-cooling system) helps the LS9 make big power and torque across the rpm range. The engine is hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center, in Wixom, Mich.

In addition to the LS9 engine, the ZR1 is a technology powerhouse, designed with lightweight and unique components that reinforce its performance with a confidant feel on either a highway or road course.