ASI Readies Performance Upgrades for the Ferrari F430

Japanese tuner ASI -in case you're wondering, ASI stands for 'Accuracy' Spirit' and 'Imagination', has revealed details on the company's first project outside of the Bentley Continental series in the form of the Ferrari F430 project. The complete package includes lightweight aero parts, engine upgrades and an even sportier suspension setup.

The available aero parts from ASI include a front bumper ($5,000 US), side skirts ($4,000) and rear bumper ($6,000). Alternatively, customers can order the full body kit at a cost of $15,000 US. According to the Japanese tuner, while the body kit offers aerodynamic performance identical to the Ferrari stock parts, the new components weigh 27kg or 59 pounds less than their factory counterparts.

ASI's tuning program for the F430 also includes an ECU upgrade (the firm did not reveal any performance figures) and a Sachs suspension system priced at $7,500 and $13,000 respectively.

[Source: Carscoop]

AC Schnitzer MINI Convertible Performance Package with up to 226HP

The new MINI Convertible has caught the attention of engineers from famed tuner AC Schnizter that have developed a comprehensive sport package for the drop top. The German firm started by tuning the MINI's 1.6-liter turbocharged engine to produce a reported 208HP for the domestic market model and 226HP for the export model, up from the standard unit's 175HP. At the same time, the Cooper S and JCW models get a limited slip differential and a sport exhaust system.

Sans the JCW model, the rest of the MINI Convertible range can be upgraded with a sport spring kit and height-adjustable racing suspension. Customers can also choose from a variety of alloy wheel designs available in sizes 17-inches, 18-inches and 19-inches.

Those not content with the MINI Cabrio's exterior looks can opt for AC Schnitzer's bodykit that includes the usual front and rear aprons and side skirts along with a set of decals available in white, black or chrome-black. For the interior, the German firm offers an array of accessories such as gear knobs, handbrake handle, pedals and foot rests in aluminum and special floor mats.

[Via: Carscoop]

Why the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe didn’t show up in Fast and Furious 4

Yesterday I went to see the new Fast and Furious and the movie features a lot of interesting cars. However, a recent report from Inside Line shows that another new hot car was suppose to make an appearance in the movie, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. It looks like Universal Studios requested a car for the movie but several month later announced Hyundai that the car has been dropped from the list. Of course, Hyundai are not very happy with this situation, first because the car would’ve received a lot of attention and second because the vehicle they reserved for the movie was held from other activities. There was no confirmation from Universal but Hyundai suspects another car manufacturer blocked them.

“We had the car ready to go,” says Miles Johnson, spokesman for the Korean carmaker “and I think at the end of the day, another manufacturer blocked us.” According to Johnson, the Genesis Coupe was suppose to make an appearance in the opening scene, where Vin Diesel’s character hijacks a gasoline tanker (see trailer below).

So, who do you think might have blocked Hyundai? Subaru? Ford? Nissan? Our bet would be Subaru, because if there’s one car from the movie that would be a competitor for the Genesis Coupe, that’s the Impreza WRX driven by Paul Walker’s character.

Source:(rpmgo)

2010 Hyundai Equus: Full Details, High-Res Photos and Official Brochure

Today, Hyundai performed the official market launch of its new flagship sedan, the Equus VI, at an event held in Seoul, Korea that was attended by more than 1,000 VIP guests including South Korea's Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo. Representing a total investment of 500 billion won (approximately US$337 million), the 2010 Equus will serve as a rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and its likes.

Based on a modified version of the Genesis sedan's rear-wheel drive platform, the 5,160mm long Equus comes with a choice of two engines, the 'Lambda' 3.8-liter V6 with 290HP and 36.5kgm of torque and the 'Tau' 4.6-liter V8 delivering 366HP and 44.8kgm of torque. Both engines are matted to a six-speed automatic transmission. According to Hyundai, the Equus V6 has a combined fuel economy rating of 10.8 lt /100km (21.8 mpg US) and the Equus V8, 11.4 lt / 100km (20.6 mpg US).

The Equus rides on a 5-link suspension (front and rear) featuring lightweight aluminum control arms while Hyundai has worked in partnership with ZF-SACHS to develop an air-suspension that is electronically governed to minimize body roll, nose-diving and other undesirable characteristics.

Other notable highlights include the standard Vehicle Stability Management which integrates the Lane Departure Warning System, Pre-Safety System, Third Generation Smart Cruise Control (SCC) and other sub-systems, as well as the addition of a Knee Air Bag for the driver that brings the total airbag count to nine.

In Korea, the Equus will be available in four trim levels, with prices starting from 63.7 million won (approximately US$44,850) for the entry level, V6-powered VS380 model and topping out at 105 million won (approximately US$73,900) for the V8-powered VS460 Prestige. Towards the end of 2009, Hyundai will extend the range with a long wheelbase edition that will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8 'Tau' engine.

Hyundai officials said that the company plans to sell around 13,000 units of the new Equus in the Korean market this year, increasing that number to 19,000 units in 2010. The new Korean flagship sedan will also make its way to selected overseas markets like China and the Middle East starting in the second half of 2009

Via: Carscoop

2010 Hyundai Equus Spotted with U.S. License Plates in Los Angeles

Hyundai may not have any official plans to import the new 2010 Equus luxury sedan in the States -at least for the time being, but an example of the Korean firm's Lexus LS-sized flagship model with California distributor licenses plates was spotted by a member of the 'Genesis Owner' community in the city of Diamond Bar, located 30 miles east of Los Angeles.

However, before you start the speculative rumors, the forum member claims that Diamond Bar " is home to many South Koreans on US corporate assignments," and that Korean domestic market cars are a common sight in the area.

The big, rear-wheel drive four-door saloon shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Genesis and it is aimed at high-end luxury saloons such as the BMW 7-Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Currently offered only in Korea, the Equus is available with a 290HP 3.8-liter V6 and a 4.6-liter V8 delivering 366HP.

During it official unveiling at an event in Seoul in March, Hyundai said there are currently no plans to export the Equus to the North American or European markets. However, the Korean automaker brought the saloon over for show in New York in early April.

Thanks for the tip Alex! Photo Via: Genesis Owners

Ford Escape

2010 Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford recently unveiled its new 2010 Ford Escape and the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid. Ford has added five new safety features in its 2010 Ford Escape models. The new safety features are MyKey, Rear View Camera System, Integrated Spotter Mirrors and Active Park Assist.

Ford will be trying to add these safety features on all its future models which are due for a redesign or also on vehicles which are going to have even minor updates.

Ford Escape is going to be the 1st SUV to be fitted with automated parking system. Lexus and Toyota do have similar features but this system will have more advantages for Ford Escape models due to the fact that SUV have less visibility.

Will it affect the pricing of the 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid models is not known. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is priced at $30,370 which includes $725 destination charges

Other then the safety features, 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid will not have much change. 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid will use 153hp 2.5L Atkinson Cycle I-4 and is going come in four-wheel-drive.

Source: http://www.newcarpark.com

Ford Focus

The range of the 2008 Ford Focus is available with the same body types that the previous model (three, four, five-door, convertible and family) and 9 different engines, from 80 hp up to 225 hp

2008 Ford Focus 5d


Ford Focus

In 2009 there will be a version "RS" and will have the most powerful engine of the range, above the 225-hp ST. There was no previous Ford Focus RS version; there was a version of the first Ford Focus RS 200, launched in 1999.


Ford Focus

Ford called the three-door version of 'Coupe', the five 'limousine', the four 'Sedan', the familiar "Sportbreak" and "Coupe-Cabriolet" at the cabriolet.


Ford Focus

The version with 136 hp diesel engine and can carry a gearbox double clutch (called "Powershift", which is similar to "DSG" which uses Volkswagen). This version of the Ford Focus has a price exceeding € 1500 option with respect to the six-speed manual shift.


Ford Focus

The Ford Focus 2.0 TDCi Powershift has two drawbacks. First, it gives benefits slightly slower than the equivalent version with manual shift and its consumption is somewhat higher (although the difference is not final). Second, is missing that, without intervention by the driver, had more power to give retention in certain circumstances.


Ford Focus

With the changes that Ford has done in this new model, the Ford Focus will be maintained as a very pleasant car to drive for their agility; good feel of driving and the possibilities of equipment. It is not above the average for the materials or coating for its setting (although there is an improvement in this aspect with regard to the model was launched in late 2004).

2008 Ford Focus 3d


Ford Focus

Where there is an improvement over the previous model is by the amount of noise coming from inside the engines. This is particularly note in version 2.0 TDCi and to a lesser extent in the 1.6 TDCi 109 hp.


Ford Focus

Of the petrol engines, the most interesting may be the 1.6 Ti-VCT 114 hp, which has a good performance. Of the Diesel, the 2.0 TDCi 136 bhp is more than 1.6 TDCI 109 hp if we take into account both the supply and consumption, and is the only one who can bring change gears' Powershift '. Curiously, the 1.6 liter diesel not has given us such a good impression on the Ford Focus and other cars you can have (in particular in the Mazda3).


Ford Focus

In general, all versions of the Ford Focus notable for its breadth, except for the headroom to the roof in places Backdoors that there is little adult height of more than 1.80 meters.


Ford Focus

The Ford Focus familiar with the bodywork ("Sportbreak") has more headroom to the roof in the rear seats, plus a trunk very practical and comfortable to carry, but with one flaw: there are no bindings planned to place a network behind the front seats and rings for securing the load on the floor are inaccessible.

The Ford Focus is available from € 12,635. With regard to the bodywork of three doors, five more it costs 325 € and four 975; the family version has the same price as that of four. Drawing on the Coupe version 1.6 TDCi 109 bhp, the Ford Focus has a price similar to that of their more direct alternatives, with some exceptions (a Fiat Bravo is somewhat less expensive).

via top-cars-models

New Ford Fiesta Sport Edition with Chassis Upgrades Launched in Europe

Ford is spicing up the new Fiesta's European range with the introduction of a new Sport trim level that will be available on the three-door models equipped with the 96HP 1.4-liter and 120HP 1.6-liter gasoline engines as well as with the 90HP 1.6-liter TDCi turbo diesel. Unlike most proposals of the sort where changes are limited to cosmetics and enhanced equipment levels, the Sport model actually benefits from a series of chassis upgrades that promise to further improve handling.

These include a nine millimeter lowered sports suspension with stiffer springs and new shocks, a modified steering wheel system and the addition of an electronic stability programme (ESP) that can be switched off completely.

Visually, the three-door Fiesta Sport is distinguished by a different lower grille treatment, dark headlamps, front apron, chunky side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and new 16-inch alloys wrapped in beefier sport tires.

Inside, buyers can opt between two different trim colors (anthracite or blue) with special features including the front sport seats, leather sport steering wheel and gearshift knob and the enhanced equipment that includes a height-adjustable driver's seat, an on-board computer, electric windows and locks, and air conditioning.

Source: Carscoop

Revised Dodge Challenger SE V6 gets 5-Speed Auto and new Rallye Edition

Stop the press; believe it or not, Dodge finally decided to bring the entry-level Challenger SE V6 into (some) terms with the 21st century by replacing the four(!)-speed manual automatic transmission with the same five-speed auto used in the V8 models. The updated Challenger SE with its 3.5-liter V6 was revealed along with a new SE Rallye edition at the Spring Festival of LXs in Irvine California this weekend.

Edmund's Insideline that broke the story claims that while Chrysler did not announce performance figures, it did reveal that the 5-speed auto helps the SE deliver 25mpg on the highway. However, this could be a typo as that's the exact fuel economy rating that the company gives for the current SE with the 4-speed auto.

As for the Challenger SE Rallye, it will be available from April with a base price of $26,490 including destination. The Rallye package adds dual hood and deck lid stripes, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with black accents, a body colored boot-lid spoiler, a chrome fuel cap and "Micro Carbon" interior accents.

Via: Insideline

FEV to Show Dodge Caliber Hybrid with 1.0-Liter Engine at SAE Congress

The proposals for extended-range electric vehicles just keep coming in. The latest company to announce new developments in the field of hybrid cars is FEV, a powertrain and vehicle engineering firm headquarted in Aachen, Germany. The firm announced that it will show a range-extended electric vehicle (ReEV) with plug-in capability based on the Dodge Caliber platform at the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit (April 20-23, 2009).

The Caliber ReEV's propulsion system employs a 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder, 4 valve engine mated to a UQM PP75 generator that provides 41kW of continuous power in extended-range mode, with a peak power of 75kW.

The energy generated is stored in a 20 kW-h liquid-cooled Lithium Ion battery pack that operates at 346V, with a Delphi DC/DC converter. FEV said that the batteries provide enough power for the car to cover a distance of 40 miles or 64 kilometers which seems to be the magic number for most vehicles of the sort... The Caliber ReEV can accelerate from zero to 60mph (96km/h) in 8.3 seconds and has a top speed of 84mph or 135 km/h.

For the record, the Caliber pictured above is a standard model as FEV has not releases any photos of the ReEV prototype.