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Archive for December, 2009
Car Articles Car Of The Year 2009
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Ferrari 458 Italia
I’m not really sure it could have been anything else. Whilst it is not a car that’s available for everyone due to the cost, that doesn’t in any way detract from the power, performance, style and ability of the Ferrari 458 Italia – this is why it is the Car Articles Car of the Year 2009.
The Ferrari F430 was for a long time the pinnacle of sports car performance – until, that is, it was beefed up into the Scuderia version. Then, we found out that a replacement was on the way and some initial images showed something that everyone took to be a concept. How shocked we all were when it became a reality.
Ferrari has a history of making cars that push the boundaries and the Ferrari 458 Italia is no different. There’s active aerodynamics (two fins at the front that deform to reduce drag), an engine shooting out 562bhp that’s naturally aspirated, a seven speed dual clutch gearbox, an electronic differential, the Manettino switch and so on.
Perhaps the biggest change over the F430 is the refinement levels in the cabin. The Italia is beautiful inside and everything is oriented to the driver. So much so, that many of the ancillary controls are on the steering wheel. Everything is bespoke and every time you’re in the car it’ll be an occasion (one where you’ll be fighting no doubt to keep your license).
The Ferrari 458 Italia is available from around £160,000 – but don’t be surprised if it’s sold out already.
I hope that you’re happy with the choice – if not let me know what you would have picked!
Is the EPA just shy of useless?
Author: admin
But what about in the real world?When the EPA revised its methodology for determining fuel economy a few years ago, it was realized that the EPA was off by as much as 50 percent. While revisions made the EPA’s methodology a little more accurate, many driving conditions still make the EPA’s numbers mostly useless.
Even worse, automakers can essentially manipulate the EPA’s methodology to make some of their vehicles appear more fuel efficient – at least in the lab – than in reality.
The EPA’s ‘City’ estimates are so ridiculous that Mazda decided against using start-stop technology in many of its vehicles because there was no value – at least no perceived value. Even though science can prove that such technology can pay for itself and increase vehicle fuel economy, EPA testing doesn’t calculate any benefit for start-stop technology.
When the government makes real world fuel economy a joke with inaccurate stickers and methodologies, how can automakers be expected to take fuel economy seriously?
Audi A1, Audi A7, Audi Q5 Hybrid: All confirmed!
Author: adminVolkswagen: No further expansion planned
Author: adminLamborghini LP570-4 SV: Coming to Geneva Motor Show?
Author: adminDeadliest Crash: The 1955 Le Mans Disaster
Author: admin
Deadliest Crash
Deadliest Crash is a three years in the making documentary looking at the tragic events of the 1955 Le Mans Disaster – the worst crash in motor racing history. The disaster is looked at using a variety of techniques including eye witness testimony and interview, images, cinefilm from the day and a computer generated re-enactment of the final moments leading up to – and just after – the fateful crash of Pierre Levegh.
The DVD begins by looking at how the 1955 Le Mans race was building up – the post war boom, the rise of Mercedes following the bombing of the factory and of course the ever present Jaguar with their D type racer. It also provides some in depth insight by some of the drivers involved, such as the former race car driver John Fitch (who has gone on to save many lives with his Fitch Barrier).
The film goes on to tell the tale of the competing drivers, Mike Hawthorn and Juan Manuel Fangio. Both excellent race car drivers in their time neither would willingly accept defeat to the other, despite Hawthorn the disadvantage of a less experienced co-driver (Le Mans back then was a 1 car, 2 driver setup for the full 24 hours of the race).
Perhaps the most striking part of the entire film is the eye witness accounts of what actually happened in, and during the moments of the crash. I will warn you that some of you may find it upsetting to hear of how the 80-120 people lost their lives (there isn’t an official death toll reported apparently) – Pierre Levegh’s car that was launched into the air landed directly into the crowd and grandstand. More than 200 more were injured.
The range of techniques used to tell the story of the 1955 Le Mans disaster in the film are all excellent – the home footage in particular and cinefilm really gave a flavour of the day. The excitement of the crowd prior to the incident is almost palpable and harks back to simpler days where 300,000 strong spectators would gather in the festival like atmosphere to enjoy themselves.
Ultimately, the story is revealed with great care in the film – it really demonstrates what happened on June 11th, 1955 at 6.26pm. The tale is a tragic one, but it changed motorsport forever, improving it by making it safer for both drivers and spectators alike. As noted in the film, there is no official memorial or remembrance for those lost in the disaster (though I personally feel strongly that there should be).
I’d more than recommend this DVD as it shows a piece of motorsport history from the perspective of those most deeply affected. Whilst some parts are difficult to watch, it is an extremely intelligent re-telling of a moment in history that forever changed the world of motorsport and had a massive impact on those who were there.
Car Articles Small Car Of The Year 2009
Author: admin
Ford Fiesta
There’s a reason why Ford has sold more than 100,000 Fiestas in 2009. Simply put, the Ford Fiesta has been a staple on British roads for as long as I can remember (actually going back to 1976 would you believe) but the new sixth generation car is great. It has it all – a range of engines depending on what you’re after, excellent dynamics, class leading space… I could go on!
Perhaps one of the most striking aspects of the new Ford Fiesta is the wonderful exterior design – it is purposeful, approachable and brilliantly proportioned. It shows buyers that whether you’re a man or a woman, you can own this car secure in the knowledge that it’s a very sound investment indeed.
Would I have one? Oh of course, it would be quite nice to have a new Fiesta on my drive – it’s just a shame that there isn’t a hot version available yet. Still, there’s always the Mountune version…
Filed under: Crossover, Toyota, Reviews
2009 Toyota Venza – Click above for high-res image gallery
Earlier this spring, our own Alex Nunez reviewed Toyota’s latest crossover type thingy, the Venza, and came away rather impressed. I do a fair bit of traveling for my day job, which usually entails schlepping a sizable amount of video equipment around. Typically we pack up our A/V gear and FedEx it to a location since airlines charge so much for extra baggage and won’t guarantee arrival times. For one of our recent trips, however, we decided to hit the road and venture from our Ann Arbor offices down to western South Carolina. As it happened, a Venza was available for duty and appeared to be well-suited to the task at hand.
We loaded up cameras, tripods, microphones and other miscellanea before heading due south on US-23 for Ohio and parts beyond. Our Venza was finished in a unique Sunset Bronze Mica color with the same ivory leather interior that we sampled previously. Under the hood was also the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that we’ve enjoyed in numerous Lexus and Toyota vehicles with torque going to all four wheels via Toyota’s all-wheel-drive system.
As Nunez described, the Venza doesn’t really fit in the typical crossover category because it’s taller than a typical wagon yet shorter than vehicles like the Ford Edge or Chevrolet Equinox. It’s more like a tall Camry wagon than anything else – which, at least in theory – is just ducky by us. Find out how the Venza fared on our road trip odyssey after the jump.
Continue reading Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza a few refinements short of a great ride
Road Trip: 2009 Toyota Venza a few refinements short of a great ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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