Technology can hurt a driver as much as it can help him. For example, those convenient automated toll systems (i.e. EZ Pass, FasTrak, SunPass, etc.) can also use their time/distance data to figure out if you were speeding. GM may be hitting even closer to home with a new OnStar feature. Right now General Motors will use OnStar to pass on information to their GMAC Insurance arm about your annual driving mileage for possible insurance discounts.
This is purely voluntary program, and GM assures that the data will go no further than annual mileage. But how soon before they want data on speed or acceleration, all disguised under the cloak of lower insurance premiums? The same side of me who wants to build a bomb shelter in my tool shed is also having trouble with this new OnStar service. After all, Ford is developing cars that talk to each other, GM is putting money into cars that drive themselves, and now your car wants to tattle on your driving habits. Big Brother is no longer trying to get in the passenger seat; it’s trying to drive! I think it’s too late for me; I’ve already given in to sat nav and climate control. At least for now GM is doing no evil, and instead letting you save some additional cash on car insurance if you drive less then 15k miles a year. Besides, Big Brother technology is nothing new in cars. For almost a decade GM and other manufactures have been installing a “black box” like device that records driver stats, but your car has kept the secret to itself …so far.
It’s fast, it’s rare, and it can be yours possibly for low six-figures - it’s the SSC Aero. The car is a predecessor of sorts to the record setting SSC Ultimate Aero, and it’s now on eBay. This is an american-made speed machine produced by Shelby Super Cars. Although this company has no association with legendary builder Carroll Shelby, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a look.
The Aero features supercharged V-8 creating 787 hp, and at the time of this post, the car was under $150,000. The owners claim it is one of only two ever created, which may make it worth the price alone.
It’s a one of a kind muscle car, and its built by the factory. Usually these kinds of cars don’t get into enthusiast hands, but Ford built this one to raise money for charity. It’s called the Mustang AV8R, and it is built with an airplane in mind. It will be featured this August at the AirVenture Oshkosh event in Michigan, and then later sold through auction. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Gathering of Eagles fund, which supports aviation education and preservation. The car stated life as a 2009 Mustang GT with options including a glass roof, which is a new option on Mustangs this year; special front and rear fascias; integrated spoiler; and Shelby GT500 wheels. Ford Racing then added a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400 horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine. The one of a kind touches include Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents, "bomber jacket" distressed leather inserts, and an area where notable aviation legends and enthusiasts can sign the car. According to Ford, potential signers may include Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman, Edsel B. Ford II and Jim Lovell. It’s only fitting that the Mustang is associated with an airplane charity. According to Lee Iacocca, who is considered the father of the Mustang, although the name “Mustang” was chosen out of a list of animal names for the original production car, one of the concept cars that was the basis for the production version was named after the P-51 Mustang airplane from World War II.
HSN today officially revealed the W427, a model that was first unveield at the Melbourne Motorshow in ‘showcar’ format. The car began production at the company’s Clayton based facility this week and sales of the seven litre 375kW ‘Supercar’ have begun in dealerships around Australia. The car is limited to only 427 units, and the entire 80 units for 2008 have been pre-sold and will retail for $155,500, plus on road costs. The W427 is powered by a 7.0 litre LS7 V8 engine with specific HSV calibration that delivers 502 hp. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual TR6060 high strength transmission. It features: Front Driving lamps, Projector headlamps, 3 piece rear spoiler in carbon fibre, Unique W427 front fascia, Quad exhaust outlet with active bi-modal rear mufflers and Metallic Paint.
Last week we told you about the new TECHART GTstreet RS, based on the Porsche 911 GT2 (997), the latest masterpiece from the German tuning house powered by a 700 hp engine. Today the tuner revealed officially all the data about its new car. The vehicle features a new body kit consisting in a front apron GT RS with carbon splitter, new side carbon-flics, aero bonnet, headlight shades, mirror shades, new side sills, a carbon roof spoiler, a rear spoiler GT with winglets and carbon gurney and a rear apron GT RS with carbon diffuser and air outlet as well as carbon air wings.
In order to obtain the astonishing power the tuner added new carbon sports pipes, a high performance intercooler, high-performance header, a new turbocharger, new engine electronics and a sports exhaust system. Press release after the jump! >> read TECHART GTstreet RS Picture Gallery
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Saleen’s SpeedLab unveiled today the SuperShaker, a new technology for air induction systems. The SuperShaker will fit all 2005-current model Mustang GT’s. The SuperShaker kit will increase your total power from 500 – 700HP. The SuperShaker induction path is much shorter and less restrictive compared to existing designs, and is a true “cold air” intake that is sealed off from the engine compartment, thus enhancing vehicle performance. The SuperShaker induction system sits above the hood and is isolated from the hot air in the engine compartment. This is especially beneficial in static situations such as at stop lights or take off during drag racing. Once up to speed, the shaker hood scoop rams fresh cold air into the air box where it is pressurized, allowing greater boost at higher speeds. By angling the custom air filter forward, water and debris will be deflected down to the bottom of the air box where it can be evacuated and not affect the performance of the filter. There are two molded pieces that make up and include the air box, providing a skirt that mounts to the rear of the box which protects the compartment from water, debris and environmental hazards. This unique design does not require any extraordinary mounting or securing devices, allowing the air box to utilize the maximum space available within the tight constraints. >> read
Two days ago we reported that Porsche will add a new special edition to its Cayman line-up: the Cayman S Sport. And today we bring you the first official image. The sports car will be priced at £49,890 and will feature Porsche Active Stability Management, 303bhp and that tasty two-tone body/wheel combo. It’s been lowered by 10mm too. Stay tuned for the official details.
The Nurburgring race showed some surprises in terms of performance such as the result of the V8 Chevrolet Camaro SS of GM which finished the run in 8m20s. Even though it remained behind by almost 1 minute compared with the Corvette ZR1 ( 7m26s) and the Nissan GT-R(7m29s) is still managed to surpass supercars like E36BMW M3 and Porsche 911 GT3. Anyway, this runs helped Camaro’s engineers to identify the best tires, steering and suspensions for the car. Programmed for the mass market in 2010, all the Camaro models, V6 and V8, will receive the latest stability control system, StabiliTrack. The SS will have instead the same computer controlled active handling system as the Corvette. Camaro SS will also feature a special track mode which can disable, when wanted, the car’s electronic stability and traction control . The manual models will get a special launch control mode.
Iraq needs rebuilding, and Mercedes will be there. No matter your political view, it’s obvious the country could use more infrastructure. Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes, announced today that it is making an investment in Iraq, with special emphasis on trucks and busses. The company is working with the government to find out what Iraq needs, and what they can afford. Daimler has already been in Iraq since February laying the groundwork for this by setting up a training center to provide service for the influx of Daimler products. Mercedes has a history in playing a dual role in serving the Middle East. While small-engined versions of the diesel E-class serve as workhorse taxis, the S-Class chauffeurs the more affluent members.
It’s now halftime for the 2008 game of automotive sales. In figures released today, Toyota has sold about 4.8 million car worldwide this year, and GM is trailing by 300,000 cars. GM says that sales in the U.S. have brought down its total numbers, but it has gained sales in Latin America, Asia and Europe. General Motors trailed Toyota’s sales for most of 2007, but it finished strong. In the end, GM only beat Toyota by a few thousand vehicles last year to retain the title as the world’s largest automaker. With the U.S. market not showing any signs of immediate recovery, is this the year we crown a new king?
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