You can have a glimpse of Aston Martin DBRS9 in action in the latest James Bond flick Casino Royale’s trailer. Watch the trailer carefully as you see the Aston Martin DBRS9 for few seconds.
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Except for Daniel Craig everything else is good in this movie. I wish, I could own this master piece of automobile engineering.
From Aston Martin Press Release:
Aston Martin Racing has unveiled the DBRS9, a competition car for club and national racing series, and a bridge for teams and drivers looking towards international GT racing.

The DBRS9 is based on the DB9 road car, but shares many design features from the full GT1 specification DBR9. It uses the road car’s aluminium bonded chassis with a DBR9-based roll cage. Aston Martin Racing’s engineers have tuned the standard 12 cylinder, six litre engine to produce approximately 550bhp (an increase of 20%) and reduced the overall weight by 480kg, to increase the power to weight ratio to nearly 430 bhp/tonne. Much of this is down to the extensive use of carbon composite materials for all the body panels (except the roof) and on the interior trim, as well as polycarbonate side and rear windows.

The DBRS9 has a six-speed H-pattern gearbox with new, shorter ratios for competition use, which can be upgraded to a full sequential racing box. The car’s ride has been lowered and the double wishbone suspension has been rose jointed and fitted with two-way adjustable Koni dampers and stiffened competition springs.

Honda recently released the 2006 Civic in India, and it looks like that Civic in India is doing pretty good. Even my friend Techz recently got himself a 2006 Civic and I believe he is having good time with it. Honda Civic is one of the best cars in its class which puts most other cars in its class to shame.

Well now let us come to point, 2007 Honda Civic Type R has been officially been launched in Europe but according to the press release there is no mention of prices. According to me this one of the good looking cars that I have come across and I long to possess this car. What do you think about this car?
Click on the images to enlarge

Honda Press Release:
Honda Motor Europe Ltd announced the eagerly awaited new Civic Type R, the successor to a model whose unique blend of affordability, exhilarating driving characteristics and everyday usability resulted in sales that exceeded all expectations.

There will be different levels of equipment available, ranging from a fully equipped car to one that even has the rear parcel shelf removed. With these variants, the new Civic Type R therefore looks set to endear itself to a whole new wave of enthusiasts and to repeat the cult success of the first ‘CTR’ which exceeded all sales predictions. The new Civic Type R will receive its international show debut in Paris during September and sales are expected to begin in 2007.

Given the outstanding performance credentials of its predecessor, Honda saw little purpose in increasing engine output. The new Type R therefore continues to be powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0 liter DOHC i-VTEC engine with similar output, but reworked for greater refinement and responsiveness thanks to a new balancer shaft and a drive-by-wire throttle. The 201 PS maximum power output is now reached at 8,000 rpm (previously 200 PS at 7,400 rpm).

While the headline performance figures are expected to be virtually identical to the 6.6 second 0-100 km/h time and 235 km/h top speed of the Type R in its previous incarnation, the engine enhancements mean the new car is more responsive generally, while improved aerodynamics ensures the new car cuts through the air more cleanly. Slightly lower gearing compensates for a small increase in kerb weight.

VTEC variable valve timing and VTC variable inlet camshaft technology continue to underpin the engine architecture. Its exhilarating, high revving nature is retained, but the switch to high lift, long duration valve timing now takes place at a lower 5,200 rpm, and continues all the way to the 8,000 rpm red line. There is a new i-VTEC indicator just to the right of the digital speedometer which is illuminated within this rev range.

Widely praised for its ride and handling balance, the chassis of the Civic 5-door forms the basis for all 3-door models and provides an ideal platform for a high performance derivative. Building on the Civic Type S suspension which is fine-tuned for sharper chassis dynamics to match its sportier profile, the Type R takes those modifications on to the next level. Like the Type S, its rear track is 20 mm wider than that of the 5-door model, but otherwise damper, bush and spring characteristics are all unique to Type R.

225/40 ZR18 tyres provide added grip, while the 15 mm reduction in ride height further reduces body roll. What’s more, the fuel tank’s central location beneath the cabin floor lowers the centre of gravity and the body’s inertia moment. Firmer steering, a quicker ratio and stiffer steering box mountings in combination provide pin-sharp responses to steering wheel input.

The Civic 5-door already offers one of the stiffest body structures in the C-segment; and the Type R’s body is further enhanced, playing a key role in the particularly responsive chassis dynamics. Extra strengthening has been introduced into the floor cross member just ahead of the central fuel tank, around the upper front suspension mountings, while the lower cross member just ahead of engine bay provides greater rigidity. The overall result is a chassis offering more predictable characteristics than the old model, with levels of responsiveness and stability that are some of the best in class. At the same time, the damper settings deliver enhanced ride comfort in keeping with the increased refinement of the new Type R.

The new Type R’s bold styling is undeniably assertive in its appearance. The aggressive looking body has a series of fully integrated aerodynamic parts that together with a 15 mm reduced ride height – compared to 5-door and Type S models – and standard seven-spoke 18” alloy wheels, are a clear indication of the car’s potent nature. The deep front spoiler incorporates a larger air intake as well as triangular foglamps whose shape mirrors the large exhaust tailpipes at the rear. There’s a distinct body colored tailgate rear spoiler for added downforce that splits the rear tailgate glass rather than the raised glass profile featured on Civic 5-door and Type S models.

Other identifying features are deliberately discrete: Type R logos feature on the front brake callipers and the glass panel grille of the Civic Type S is replaced with a honeycomb mesh and central red ‘H’ logo.

Step over the stainless steel door sill inserts, complete with ‘Type R’ logo, into the cabin, and again there is no mistaking that this is a car developed for driving excitement. Front seat occupants are gripped by bucket seats with large black Alcantara bolsters with red stitching and red fabric seat cushions and backs. Two distinct rear seats repeat the same color coordination. The highly effective and strikingly stylish Dual Link concept fascia common to other Civic models naturally features in the Type R, but with red illuminated dials set off by gun metallic switch panels on either side of the meter display. The driver grips a black, perforated leather covered steering wheel with red stitching and central ‘H’ logo, while the matching gear shift knob with aluminium-finish has a black boot with red stitching.

And, as a finishing touch and for added exclusivity there is a plaque engraved with the car’s unique serial number placed just ahead of the gear lever.

For those customers who want added convenience and an enhanced specification, there will be a fully equipped version available. Additional features include curtain SRS bags, cruise control, fog lights, automatic lights and wipers and dual zone air conditioning. A state-of-the-art Navigation system, with voice control functionality as well as RDS traffic monitoring, is offered as an option.

Taking the Type R philosophy to its logical conclusion, a lighter Civic Type R will be available. The deletion of items such as the audio system, rear load cover, engine under cover and reduced noise insulation material brings weight down by 40 kg. Like its predecessor, the new Type R will also be homologated for racing (FIA Group N and Group A), meeting a large demand from existing customers. A full range of competitive racing parts and racing service will also be made available for them to fully enjoy their passion.

All the range of Type R and Type S, are to be built exclusively alongside the Civic 5-door range at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. (HUM) in Swindon.

The famous Volkswagen Beetle is now available in Barbie variant. I feel this Barbie Beetle is targeted at ladies who would love this car because of the pink paint job. But from price point of view this car is quite costly at USD $24,368 (INR 11,20,928); it looks like that this car is for Mexican market alone and only 13 of them will be built.

Via AutoBlog

Three cheers to Tata Motors…… Look at the gorgeous new Cliffrider concept car from our own tata’s… Tata Motors is India’s largest automaker showcased this vehicle at 76 th Geneva Auto Show. I am very proud that a Indian automaker is behind such a wonderful creation.. I never expected this from the Tata’s and this shows their technical prowess in automobile engineering. The Indicas and Indigos are already rocking the market and giving a run for money to all the other automakers…

What Tata Motors Press Release Says…

Tata Motors, India ‘s largest automobile company, unveiled the Tata Cliffrider, a “Multi-Utility Lifestyle Vehicle” Concept, at the 76 th Geneva Auto Show.

The Tata Cliffrider is derived from the Tata “Crossover” C oncept, which was originally unveiled at the last Geneva Auto Show. Sporting a silhouette like a high-slung sedan, the Tata Cliffrider is a dynamic package that combines lifestyle and sporty usage with the practical functionality of a pick-up truck. The Concept showcases Tata Motors’ idea of how a utility product could evolve in future for the discerning customer through a truly multi-purpose, multi-terrain usage of a car.

The exterior styling cues carry forward the visual theme of the Tata Crossover. The door trims show a continuity of form due to the disguised central pillar, with the front door hinged at its leading edge and the rear door at its trailing edge, allowing better access to the rear seats. The interior emphasises space and elegance with an innovative ventilation system and driver-oriented instrumentation stylishly packaged in the steering column. Long beam lights mounted on the roll bar and a load-body suited to carry mountain bikes, skis or snowboards reinforce the “fun and adventure” image. It can also carry goods in the load tray which can be hidden from view as well as protected from weather conditions by a sliding cover.

Configured to be fitted with a range of Euro IV engines, including a V6 Petrol and next generation Common Rail diesel power trains, it would offer multiple airbags, ABS, Traction Control, Navigation Control and a host of other contemporary features. The Tata Cliffrider would be available in 4×2 as well as 4×4 versions.

Also on display is the Tata Crossover, further updated from the Concept that Tata Motors unveiled last year. The Indica Hatchback, Indigo Sedan, Indigo Station Wagon and the Safari DiCOR Sports Utility Vehicle are also being showcased at the ongoing exposition.

Mr. Ravi Kant, Managing Director, Tata Motors, said, “ The Tata Cliffrider Concept vehicle further demonstrates Tata Motors’ commitment to innovate and address new product categories.”

Source: Tata Motors

Wanna Know more about Lincoln MKX?????

It’s a five-seat vehicle that, as a crossover, should deliver better interior space, ride and handling, refinement, and just about every other attribute when compared to a truck-based vehicle — except for towing capacity. Like the Ford Edge, the MKX is based on the same platform, originated in the Mazda Mazda6, that now underpins several new midsize cars from brands under the Ford Motor Co. umbrella. Expect to see even more models based on this winning architecture.

Exterior
It’s more a point of fact than a criticism to say the MKX looks a lot like all the other vehicles in its class. The chrome cheese-grater grille is distinctive and a deviation from the Lincoln norm. Around back, an LED taillight strip that spans the rear is another distinguishing element. The show vehicle had 18-inch chrome wheels. Chrome isn’t broadly distributed, but it’s bold and dominant where it appears, as on the side mirrors.

Interior
The interior is done up in the standard Lincoln style, with clean, simple shapes and a silvery center control panel that’s more agreeable than some of the fake metal that appears on virtually all new cars. Heated and cooled front seats are optional, as are heated rear seats. The backseat is split 60/40 and has adjustable backrests. Cargo capacity is a claimed 32 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Lincoln joins BMW in offering a glass-panel roof, here called Vista Roof. The option comprises a large front moonroof and a decent-sized rear one. The show vehicle’s in-dash LCD screen, which measures 6.5 inches, incorporates the optional navigation system and brand-exclusive THX premium stereo that includes two subwoofers rated at 600 watts. There’s also an auxiliary audio input for jacking-in anything from a laptop to an MP3 player. An 8-inch DVD video screen is another option.

Under the Hood
Ford finally has a modern V-6 engine larger than 3.0 liters. The MKX shares with the Ford Edge a new 250-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that drives the front or all four wheels through a six-speed-automatic transmission developed jointly with General Motors

Safety
Lincoln packs the MKX with safety features, including standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes, side-impact front-seat airbags and side curtain-type airbags that cover the door windows in a side impact. They also deploy if the vehicle rolls over. Options include traction control, the AdvanceTrac electronic stability system and Roll Stability Control, the latter being the only feature (shared with other Ford Motor vehicles) that senses when a rollover has begun and attempts to stop it. Adaptive headlights, which swing left and right with the steering wheel position, are arguably another safety feature.

Here are some of the photographs of this vehicle.

Source: CARS