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  #1  
Old 09-01-2011 | 06:58 AM
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2013 Ferrari 458 Spider - 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview


Ferrari finally lets the sun shine on its outstanding 458.Photos » Videos »

By Andrew Bornhop
August 23, 2011
<!-- auto show is false why is this showing --><!-- use auto show template in this case -->Photos » Videos »


<!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->A couple of weeks in advance of the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, Ferrari has taken the wraps off the new 458 Spider, what the Maranello company says is the “the world’s first mid-rear engine berlinetta equipped with a retractable hard top.”
Ferrari says the hardtop is patented, and made entirely of aluminum. Compared to a traditional folding soft top, the design for this new 2013 458 Spider is said to save some 55 lb. while also being engineered to fit nicely into the well ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or performance. What’s more, the small amount of space needed for the stored top has enabled the designers to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.

For the record, the 458’s top goes down in just 14 seconds, and the there’s a large electrically adjustable wind blocker that diffuses cockpit air enough to allow conversation at speeds in excess of 125 mph. And with further regard to airflow, the back of the new 458 Spider has some attractive shapes and buttresses that designed to optimize flow to the engine intakes as well as the clutch and gearbox oil radiators.
As expected, the superb powertrain of the standard Ferrari 458 remains unchanged, highlighted by the screaming naturally aspirated direct-injected 4.5-liter V-8 that sends 570 bhp to the rear wheels via Ferrari’s dual-clutch 7-speed F1 paddle-shift transmission. Also on duty is the E-Diff, which is integrated with the 458 Spider’s F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS to give the driver a wide range of control over the car’s superb chassis dynamics.

Of note, Ferrari says the throttle mapping and suspension damping have been calibrated for maximum sportiness with the top down. Although a read between the lines here might make give us cause for concern, our experiences with previous Ferrari Spiders (the 360 and the 430) tells us that the new 458 Spider will not even be remotely close to a boulevardier. Top up or down, the new 458 is said to have identical levels of structural rigidity, but one can only assume it’s not quite up to the anvil-like level of the coupe.
On the scales, the new 458 Spider has a dry weight of 3153 lb., some 110 lb. more than the standard 458. While weight gains are expected for structural reasons, the new 458 Spider is nevertheless still a very fast car, able to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a claimed 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 198 mph.
Hang on to your hat!
 

Last edited by Space; 09-03-2011 at 08:24 AM.
  #2  
Old 09-01-2011 | 07:01 AM
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*Below for Member (JrCar`Brent: )
2012 Volkswagen Golf R - First Drive

So, what’s a pirate’s favorite letter?

By John Lamm / Photos by the Author
August 26, 2011

Slideshow >>
Video >>

<!--/photos-video-wrapper-->
<!-- /Main photo wrapper --><!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->We all know it’s “R.” Ditto for lovers of quick Volkswagen Golfs. They’ve had their way with R32s, and for 2012 Volkswagen is back with, well, simply an R. No whining. Okay, it doesn’t have the V-6 engine, but the turbo 2.0-liter ESI inline-4 has a touch more power—256 bhp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque and still cuts sub-6.0-second 0–60s. This still pumps out through all four wheels and the only real complaint of note might be the fact we now get only the 6-speed manual…no DSG gearbox.


Video window may take a few moments to load...<CENTER><!-- Start of Brightcove Player -->
<!--By use of this code snippet, I agree to the Brightcove Publisher T and C found at https://accounts.brightcove.com/en/t...nd-conditions/. --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript src="http://admin.brightcove.com/js/BrightcoveExperiences.js"></SCRIPT><OBJECT id=myExperience1130633395001 class=BrightcoveExperience title="Big Grin" border=0 codeBase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0" alt="" classid="clsid</OBJECT><!-- This script tag will cause the Brightcove Players defined above it to be created as soonas the line is read by the browser. If you wish to have the player instantiated only afterthe rest of the HTML is processed and the page load is complete, remove the line.--><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>brightcove.createExperiences();</SCRIPT><!-- End of Brightcove Player --></CENTER>On the other hand, you can now have the R with two or four doors and, as expected, both versions have their suspension tuned for the added power, with bigger brakes inside 18-in. wheels. Top speed is throttled at 130 mph, while the fuel mileage is a not-bad-for-a-stormer 19 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

Go with the R and you’d want some eye candy, so Volkswagen adds LED daytime lights, a black radiator grille and our favorite bit, the center-mounted twin pipes low out back.

You truly appreciate the all-wheel drive when you start to prod that 256 bhp and try to imagine doing it through the front wheels only. You’d be sawing at the wheel like you were on ice and making whoo-whoo-whoo noises like Curly Howard (Google Three Stooges). We drove the R on dry-then-damp-then-dry roads west of Washington, D.C. and found it nicely balanced, even on uneven, off-camber surfaces. No surprises, no drama, no sweat. Bet the R would be a charmer on California canyon roads.
And bet on a price around $33,000 for the 2-door when the Rs start landing in January 2012. For more info, see our full driving impression.


<!-- right column --><!-- at a glance --><!-- /at a glance --><!-- car make:Volkswagen Car Buying Guide- RoadandTrack.com has Volkswagen Car Buying Tools \nmake state: published \ncar model:Volkswagen Golf Car Buying Guide- Get a Quote on the Volkswagen Golf at RoadandTrack.com- Car Buying \nmodel state: published \nshowlink model: \nrelated_items count: 0-->Volkswagen Golf »

» Overview<!-- » User Ratings -->» Photos & 360° View» Specs» Prices w/Options<!-- » Get Quote -->

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Volkswagen Golf »

» Overview<!-- » User Ratings -->» Photos & 360° View» Specs» Prices w/Options
 
  #3  
Old 09-01-2011 | 07:05 AM
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Ford Evos Concept - 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview

This hybrid sedan boasts Ford’s next-gen design cues.

By Nick Kurczewski
August 31, 2011
<!-- auto show is false why is this showing --><!-- use auto show template in this case -->Photos » Videos »


<!-- test output end: --><!-- the article, at a glance, downloads, top competitors, from buying guide --><!-- left column -->Ford has released technical details and images of the Evos Concept—a fastback sedan with gullwing-style doors and hybrid powertrain—ahead of the car’s official debut next month during the Frankfurt Auto Show. The Evos is intended to offer hints regarding Ford’s design direction, along with new engineering solutions aimed at improving fuel efficiency. The car also includes upcoming developments of Ford’s Sync in-vehicle communications technology, along with other features intended to take the stress out of driving.
“The Ford Evos Concept unites three key elements which are at the core of our One Ford global product strategy: outstanding design, smart technologies and fuel economy leadership,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “While you will never see this car on the road, the next generation of Ford products around the world will display many of the distinctive design ideas and advanced technologies it showcases.”

Hybrid Powertrain
One key element of the Evos that is set to have a role in a future Ford product is the concept car’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is the same one you’ll find in the upcoming C-Max Energi, a petite minivan shown during the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. Using an Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine coupled to an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, the C-Max Energi will have a driving range in excess of 500 miles, says Ford. There will be an electric-only drive mode, though no details about range have been released. Ford is likely targeting the Chevrolet Volt plug-in, which has an EV driving range of approximately 35 miles before its gas engine kicks in.
Ford is also showcasing in-car technology that monitors the driver and adapts the cabin accordingly. For example, when tackling a serious set of corners at high speed, the instrument panel knows to display a minimum of gauges to avoid distractions. The driver’s connected smartphone will also go into a “Do Not Disturb” mode. The Evos could also potentially ‘learn’ your driving habits and routine routes, and tailor engine power to maximize performance and fuel efficiency.

Ford Design of the Future
The gullwing doors aren’t likely to make production, sorry. While clever in design and execution—when raised the rear doors take the rear fenders with them—don’t bet on this showing up in a Ford showroom. Yet features such as the razor-thin headlights and fastback sedan body style could figure into Ford’s product portfolio sooner rather than later. The front of the Evos already bears a striking resemblance to the face-lifted 2013 Ford Taurus, shown during this year’s New York Auto Show. Ford says the rounded windshield and A-pillars set farther back give the Evos Concept the feel of a “classic GT car.” Could the Evos also hint at the design direction of the next Mustang?
The rear of the Ford Evos Concept includes sleek LED taillights, a large central exhaust, and steeply raked rear screen. “We wanted the Ford Evos Concept to give a clear message about where Ford design is heading—shaping vehicles that are fun to drive, have a strong premium visual appeal, and above all, are stunningly beautiful,” said J Mays, Ford’s Design boss.


<!-- right column --><!-- best of -->BEST OF THE 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show Preview2011 Frankfurt

<TABLE class=default border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=2 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top><A href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/auto-shows/frankfurt/2011-frankfurt-auto-show" target=_self></TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top>More 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show Coverage >></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


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  #4  
Old 09-01-2011 | 07:45 AM
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Cool cars, Space. My order of preference for a test drive: the Ferrari, the Ford, the VW. The VW sounds like it has a fairly peppy engine. I bet it would be fun to drive. And of course it's the only one I could afford...
 
  #5  
Old 09-01-2011 | 07:57 AM
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Hi `Dave,
I like them all, but they all are 2 expensive for me The VW is the closest in price, but it's starts @ $33K , but it is a great package with a little 2.L Turbo engine & six speed manual + AWD 0-60 in under 6 sec's
I'd love to test drive them `all...
Thanks for your post & contributions to the MCF 4-Sure
 
  #6  
Old 09-01-2011 | 08:15 AM
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I hate Ferarris lol, that vw seems like it could be fun
 
  #7  
Old 09-02-2011 | 07:52 AM
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Question Would You Want One ? ? ? ?

Hi Member's, what do you think of the below concept ?
Get in & go 4 a ride

Cadillac Ciel Concept - Car News

This is not Cadillac’s upcoming flagship. But something similar could be.

BY JARED GALL
August 2011
Pages: 1 Photos


News & Reviews
<!-- /buyers-guide -->
Cadillac tells us that this is not a direct preview of its rumored flagship, but we think it should be. The Ciel—pronounced “CL,” it’s the French word for “sky” and not, according to Cadillac, stolen from some German luxury brand—concept unveiled on the eve of this year’s Pebble Beach weekend has all the presence of any great halo car. The long, low, all-wheel-drive droptop has four doors (rear-hinged in the back), and the open-air cockpit just makes it easier to see the jaw-dropping interior.
The sheetmetal is a striking interpretation of current Germanic styling trends—the sharp fender crease flowing down into the front fascia, headlights stretching back into the fenders—executed within the accepted boundaries of Cadillac’s “Art & Science” design language. It does not adhere too strictly to either of these concepts, though, adding a bit of organic curvature where you might expect planes and angles. The huge, 22-inch wheels hide carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and the wheelbase is a long 125 inches.
Inside, there’s the usual concept-car pizzazz, with holographic instrumentation, touch-sensitive pads on each door handle for each individual passenger’s climate controls, and Snuggies (okay, maybe they’re just blankets) that deploys from the side of each passenger-seat headrest to offer chilled companions a warming swaddle when the driver refuses to raise the roof. Perhaps the coolest touch, though, is the wood trim in the recessed portions of the front seatbacks. Full sheets stretch from waist level to shoulder height, and look magnificent. They also look tremendously improbable for a production car.
The whole concept, in fact, seems improbable, but that’s because it is. Never mind the Ciel’s twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V-6, hybrid system, and lithium-ion batteries. (Estimated output: 425 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.) Cadillac spokespeople told us outright that this car is not a precursor to the yet-to-be-decided-upon flagship. However, a Ciel with a fixed roof—and, sadly, probably without the suicide rear doors—would make for a far-more-feasible and only slightly less entrancing ambassador for the brand than this version. That the critical dimensions very closely mirror those of the Mercedes-Benz S-class shows where the company is looking. And once the standard version of such a vehicle was launched, maybe Cadillac could then start thinking about a convertible.
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  #8  
Old 09-02-2011 | 07:56 AM
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sweet cars!
 
  #9  
Old 09-02-2011 | 07:56 AM
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Originally Posted by 03JGMonte
I hate Ferarris lol, that vw seems like it could be fun

Hi `Mike, don't feel bad that you don't like Ferrari's...That's what's great in our country ~> there's so many others to choose from `if you have the $'s 2 buy : ) or you're a theif
I'd be happy with your GTO & Monte : )
 
  #10  
Old 09-02-2011 | 08:23 AM
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I have always like suicde doors the caddie looks sweet....the ford grille design is wierd for ford looks like a 300 grille
 


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