Sunday, December 30, 2012

What 2nd bike do people have?


I didn't think anyone with a V-Storm needed a second bike..

You mean a bicycle?

http://www.stromtrooper.com/887220-post139.html

And I'll be happy to find a need home for any old motorbikes you have lying about...

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Toyota Yaris Rally Car

http://pictures.dealer.com/h/hoovertoyota/0012/270364467c0b7d9c87f2897adece9b7dx.jpg

The Toyota Yaris is already a cute, practical urban runabout. Now there is a R1A Rally variant for racing.

Toyota’s Motorsport division has its eye on a return to rally racing and they’re bringing a new ride for the occasion. This new model should come in just in time for the ninth round of the World Rally Championship at the ADAC Rallye Deutschland on August 24th to 26th, 2012.
The car will be the Toyota Yaris, the company’s lovable little hatchback that has been rechristened as the "Yaris R1A." In order to comply with FIA R1A regulations, Toyota gave the Yaris limited performance modifications that include a new racing exhaust, a catalytic converter system, shorter final drive gear, a new motorsport suspension with adapted springs and adjustable ride height, and cursory safety enhancements like the bolt-in roll cage, rally seats, safety harnesses, a power cut-off switch, fire extinguishers, and sump guards.

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201208/toyota-yaris-r1a-ral_600x0w.jpg


http://t.images.boldride.com/toyota/2013/toyota-yaris-hybrid.2000x1333.Jan-10-2012_07.34.36.889902.jpg

In addition, there is even a hybrid for those folks who prefer overly-complicated solutions to simple problems.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Hot Wheels Meets Cold War Russia

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbnb75XOc41qkh6cbo1_500.jpg 


I saw a neat commercial for the new Terrain Twister from Hot Wheels and couldn't help but but think of a great lack of creativity on the part of the toy maker, like being famous for being a cover band, rather than making unique and creative music.




The Terrain Twister recalls a Cold War era Russian design, the ZiL 2906 screw drive vehicle.

http://i.imgur.com/n2bmD.jpg 


The Terrain Twister seems to have been lifted directly from this Russian design.  I am also left thinking that there were some absolutely epic designs brought to fruition in Communist Russia, but I suppose that's what you get when workers have no choice but to work or spend their life in the Gulags. Yea, collectivism...




Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Sportsmobile


If you live in a van down by the river, make it a Sportsmobile.

Sagen Media interviews Alan Feld, president of Sportsmobile West, at the 2009 Overland Expo to learn more about these amazingly capable vans. We get a tour of an RB-50 Sportsmobile camper-van and an up-close look at their Atlas II transfer case.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Machismo Flash

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-toyota-endeavour-628.jpg

I'm not defending machismo flash, but whatthefuckever.


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Volvette V70 Madwagon


Volvo station wagons have always been some of the most understated and widely misunderstood cars in the market, which ultimately makes them the ideal candidates for insane sleeper (or Q) cars.

As clearly hinted by its name, the Volvette featured here is a V70 estate that does away with its factory Volvo engine to adopt an American heart and drivetrain from an early 2000s Corvette C5 Z06.

Read more »

2013 Lexus LS


The Lexus LS, Japan's answer to Germany's luxury limousines, has been given a major overhaul for 2013.

Lexus's flagship model gains significant updates for the first time since the fourth-generation version was launched in 2007 to boost its market chances against the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The company says more than 50 per cent of the 2013 Lexus LS is new, with only the doors and roof carried over for the sheetmetal and with 3000 mechanical and component changes.

Pricing for the model that goes on sale in February has also been sharpened, with the Lexus LS600h hybrid dropping by the biggest margin – about $30,000 – to $217,900.


More

Monday, October 22, 2012

Ben Spies to skip Phillip Island GP

While Yamaha has yet to issue an official statement, it looks like Ben Spies will be forced to miss this weekend's penultimate race of the 2012 season at Phillip Island, following his highside during yesterday's MotoGP race at Sepang.

The unlucky American, who may have just added injury to insult to his nightmare season said, "My shoulder's really sore from the fall but thankfully nothing too serious so I'll be able to ride in Australia," however Spies seems to have sustained a right shoulder injury (that may require surgery) and a fractured left rib, and now is returning to the US according to his Twitter account.

Spies will have to make a fast recovery if he wants to test the Ducati in the post-race, post-season test in three weeks time.


Original Page: http://feeds.blogo.it/~r/twowheelsblog/com/~3/kJ0fwvq8WPo/ben-spies-to-skip-phillip-island-gp

Hirvonen ready to lead Citroen forward


Mikko Hirvonen, Citroen, 2012






Hirvonen's first win in Citroen colours came just weeks after his nine-time champion team-mate Sebastien Loeb's announcement that he would only contest a handful of rallies next year.

That put responsibility for continuing Citroen's run of title success on Hirvonen's shoulders, and he believes Italy proved he can handle that pressure.

[...]


More: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/world-rally-championship-news/wrc/hirvonen-ready-to-lead-citroen-forward

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

2013 BMW M5 6MT, Slower than the Slushbox

When Truth Crushes Our Enthusiast Souls

2013 BMW M5 6MT

American automotive enthusiasts are a crazy bunch. While the rest of the world embraces quick, innovative and efficient dual-clutch automated gearboxes, a good portion of Yankee gearheads still scream for old-school manual transmissions. Despite all of the inadequacies with driver-directed gear changes, car nuts still enjoy rowing their own gears.

BMW tried to force enthusiasts into a single-clutch semi-automatic transmission when it launched the E60 M5 in 2005, but enthusiasts (and the automotive press) wailed so loudly that the Germans reversed course and delivered a six-speed option to the North American market. While performance actually dropped with the manual gearbox, its arrival quelled a rebellion.

Hmmm, it's slower. I think it's the connection and control over the car which drives the manual preference, not entirely the outright performance. 

The all-new fifth-generation 2013 F10 M5 debuted last fall with a standard - and much improved - lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission. But rather than send North American enthusiasts into yet another frenzy, BMW is adopting a conciliatory tone, offering buyers in the States the chance to opt for a manual gearbox at no additional cost.

Continue reading 2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video]

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Adventure Trailers' Jeep JK Habitat



I think I finally found a Jeep I'd happily be seen driving in public (or more likely isolated wilderness). This looks like the ultimate in simplicity and accessibility.

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/images/jkhabitat/jkfront3_4.jpg

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/images/jkhabitat/jkfront3_4open.jpg
The JK Habitat is a replacement hard top for the 4 door Jeep JK that has been co-developed by AT & Ursa Minor Vehicles. It contains a full length tent that deploys as the top is opened over the hood of the vehicle.
• Full length tent made from breathable water resistant fabric • Opens forward over the hood to reduce overall foot print • Sleeping area accessible through side doors • Rear cargo area fully accessible • Factory style hard ceiling • Factory colors, glass, and connections • Full customization of interior and exterior • Sleeps 4
The JK Habitat opens forward over the hood with vertical supports down to bumper. The object of this opening direction is to not increase the footprint of the deployed vehicle & shell, important in close corners and brushy areas (or a parking lot for that matter).
Access to the sleeping platform will be through either of the rear passenger doors. The user will be able to fold the seats forward and then stand up between the 2 roll bars.
A 60/40 split hatch that makes up the interior roof above the rear passenger seats will be removable and provide the access to the sleeping area. The reason we chose access in this manner was to keep the rear cargo intact for its intended purpose.
When entering through this hatch, a platform will remain above the rear cargo area for staging bags etc. The hatch can be replaced from inside the sleeping area if desired to increase the sleeping area for children.
We are using a fully breathable and waterproof tent fabric, light grey in color. This will eliminate the need for a separate storm cover. Tent windows will have a small awning, similar to those in use on RTTs today to allow for the windows to be partially open for ventilation during precipitation, a happy thing in humid environments.The Advanced Technologies fabric, sourced from Australia, is no stranger to rough use and harsh environments.
The interior of the shell when closed will have a hard ceiling giving one the sense that you are under a regular factory hardtop. The advantages of this will be good headroom and improved insulation. Those of you who have JKs know how anemic the A/C can seem on a hot day in the back seat because of the single wall thickness of the factory hardtop.
The exterior finish will be standard black, similar to the factory and will be paintable for those who want match colors. Factory glass and connections will be used for the rear door. Side windows will still be in place with an optional hard side insert that doubles as an external accessible compartment large enough to stow a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.
We expect the overall height of the top to only increase by 6” over the factory height. Weight will be less than 100 lbs more than the factory hardtop. The top will attach using all of the factory hardware and can be easily put on in about 15-20 minutes.
The shell can be customized by adding awnings to the sides.

AT- JK Habitat

EarthCruiser Expedition Camper



Here is another expedition camper from Australian company EarthCruiser, this one built on a Mistubishi Fuso 4x4 chassis. Makes me wish I could spend winters down under...

Australian Wedgetail Tent Campter


A pickup truck slide-on pop-up tent camper from Australia

Friday, September 7, 2012

Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 Diesel S-Line

Kahn Design is adding another snazzy tuning package to its lineup with the inclusion of modified Audi Q7 3.0 Diesel S-Line. The new Wide Body package includes some an extensive amount of exterior and interior updates, and can be yours for £61,875, or about $98,600 at the current exchange rates.

You had me at Audi. And diesel. 

The exterior of the Audi glistens with a Glacier pearl white finish and aerodynamic modifications, including new front bumper arches, front bumper replacement wings with air vents, matte pearl grey front grille and bumper sections, a matte black rear diffuser, a large rear upper wing roof, a rear vented bumper, and stainless steel door entry sill plates. The headlamps feature LED daytime running lights, while the doors are equipped with privacy tinted glass. The SUV can be ordered with a new set of 22" Kahn RS-R wheels combined with brake calipers finished in liquid gold and an electronic lowering module. For the interior, the tuner added a red and white speedo & rev counter fascia and machined aluminum vented foot pedals. As always, additional interior modifications can be made per the customer's request.

The Audi Q7 Quattro 3.0 Diesel S-Line by A. Kahn Design is powered by a 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine that delivers a total of 233 HP and sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 8.4 seconds.



Original Page: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/audi/2012-audi-q7-quattro-30-diesel-s-line-by-a-kahn-design-ar134647.html

Jaguar building five C-X75 prototypes


Jaguar has reportedly begun construction of five C-X75 prototypes that will be used to evaluate the car's performance.

Original Page: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/TQXV_8Xoe6o/jaguar-building-five-c-x75-prototypes---report

Thursday, September 6, 2012

GoPro Cameras


GoPro are portable cameras that shoot in full HD and produce amazing shots. These fun, small cameras come with a variety of clips and mounts which allow you to capture footage not otherwise possible, from attaching it to your helmet while biking or paragliding to mounting it to your car or surfboard...

I've wanted one of these (or a handful) for a while to mount to my motorbike and record back road romps. Maybe someday...


Original Page: http://www.instructables.com/id/GoPro-Cameras/

Friday, August 31, 2012

Aston Martin Virage replaced by DB9



3.         Aston Martin revived the Virage name at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show when they have unveiled the new Virage in both coupe and Volante versions. However, it seems that the model wasn't as successful as the company hoped as they have decided to finally drop the car and replace it by a new DB9.

During its short 18 months life-time, only 1,000 Virage units have been produced. And that mostly because most clients consider the Virage a more expensive alternative of the current DB9 and they don't feel like paying the extra cost. As a result, the Virage will be dropped and will be replaced by a new generation DB9. However, this move will make the new DB9 a little bit more expensive than the current generation: clients should expect paying about £150k ($237,000 at the current exchange rates) - up from the current £128k ($202,000). The model will still be cheaper than the Vanquish - priced at £190k (about $300k).

The next DB9 will get a similar, but more aggressive styling than the Virage and will be powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers 510 HP (more than Virage), but still not enough to threaten the Vanquish (565 HP). The new model is set to be unveiled in 2013.



Original Page: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/aston-martin-virage-dropped-will-be-replaced-by-new-db9-ar134370.html

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

50mpg, Meh...

http://i.qkme.me/36ctod.jpg
The United States has finalized fuel economy rules that would increase the average to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, almost twice as much as the current standards. It’s the first update since the mid-1980s, and it should have a big impact on the annual cost of fueling up cars and trucks as well as the emitting of greenhouse gas emissions.
Without a climate bill, you can say that the fuel economy standards represent the biggest action taken by the Obama Administration on greenhouse gas emissions. “These fuel standards represent the single most important step we’ve ever taken to reduce our dependence on foreign oil… It’ll strengthen our nation’s energy security, it’s good for middle class families and it will help create an economy built to last,” President Obama said. The Administration claims this will reduce oil consumption over time by 12 billion barrels, at a savings for consumers of over $1.7 trillion. In fact, that’s precisely what the President said in a statement.
This builds on standards already finalized by the Department of Transportation and the EPA that increase fuel economy to 35.5 MPG by 2016. The new 54.5 MPG standard was finalized last July, and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said on a conference call today that the final rule is essentially identical to that proposal.
[...]
I had a '56 Hudson that returned 40mpg, so I don't think that there have been as many advances in efficiency in engine design over the past 60 years or so as the auto industry claims...

US Finalizes 2025 Fuel Efficiency Standard of 54.5 MPG | FDL News Desk

Monday, August 27, 2012

Woman's Kia Sorento Gas Pedal gets Stuck Sending her on a 120mph Horror Ride


Given the sticky situation she was in, Lauri Ulvestad of Ames, Iowa, should consider herself extremely lucky for making it out alive when the accelerator pedal of her 2011 Kia Sorento crossover got jammed as she was driving up Interstate 35 in Missouri last week.

Why do none of these stories ever end with "so I put it in neutral and pulled over?" Living in Missouri at one time, it's understandable that some drivers are simply too ignorant...

The 47-year old woman told KCCI-TV in Des Moines that she tried everything from turning off the key, to shifting out of drive and slamming on the brakes, but nothing worked.

I have never driven a single vehicle which I was unable to put in neutral at speed. 

"I knew I was going to die," said Ulvestad. "I didn't have any doubt about. I really thought I was going to die ... and no matter what I did, I couldn't slow it down."

Original Page: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Carscoop/~3/-_8eGLcOGvc/woman-kia-sorento-gas-pedal-gets-stuck.html

2013 BMW Alpina B7: The Jalopnik Review


Legendary wine critic Robert Parker was so enthused when he first tasted the 1985 Sassicaia, that he awarded the vintage a maximum 100-points on his internationally acclaimed ratings system, such was the "surreal" quality of this fabled wine. More »


Original Page: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/DuS4bUO-gXs/2013-bmw-alpina-b7-the-jalopnik-review

Friday, August 24, 2012

Aston Martin Rapide Facelift


The 2013 Aston Martin Rapide facelift has been spied virtually undisguised. It features new bumpers and a larger rear spoiler.


Original Page: http://feeds.worldcarfans.com/~r/worldcarfans/Jxfz/~3/HixPB_cyf9Y/aston-martin-rapide-facelift-spied-virtually-undisguised

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Body Shop Surprises Gay Student With Upgraded Version Of Vandalized Car

Body Shop Surprises Gay Student With Upgraded Version Of Vandalized CarJordan Addison is a college student at Virginia's Radford University, and seems pretty much like any college student: he goes to class, probably drinks, probably has goofy in-jokes with friends, has sexual preferences, and all that good college-era crap. Unlike most college students, though, he has had his 2000 Passat vandalized four times, once with the word "die" keyed into the side, and another time with homophobic slurs scraped into the paint.

All because some idiots don't like some part of Addison's life that's none of their business, anyway. Addison is gay, and the people that vandalized his car are, presumably, brain-damaged pants-fillers.

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/jalopnik/full/~3/PNjqczxujKE/body-shop-surprises-gay-student-with-restored-car-after-it-was-vandalized

Toyota Motorsport Builds Scion FR-S Customer Race Car


Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG), the German motorsports company formerly responsible for Toyota's Formula 1 program and now contracted to developing racing versions of its production cars, has rolled out a new racing version of the Scion FR-S' cousin sold overseas, the Toyota GT 86 sports car.

And then I realize that many of these cars will likely be drifted; a poor substitute for racing. 

Labeled the TMG GT86 CS-V3, the new car is aimed at privateer racers, particular those looking to compete in the V3 class of the Nürburgring-based VLN racing series, the highlight of which is the annual Nürburgring 24 Hours race. Currently, the car has only received homologation from the Deutsche Motor Sport Bund in Germany, though more category opportunities are expected to open up in the near future.

Like its road-going siblings, the TMG GT86 CS-V3 race car is ideal for performance fans on a budget. Its pricetag is a very reasonable €38,500 (approximately $47,760), excluding taxes, and it has been developed with easy maintenance and low running costs in mind.

Key changes to the car include a stiffened chassis and optimized weight distribution, as well as a racing exhaust system, uprated suspension and brakes, a full roll cage and a stripped-out interior. The  basic powertrain has been left unchanged, however, which means peak output from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder boxer engine is just 200 horsepower.

In a statement, TMG president Yoshiaki Kinoshita explained that a pre-production version has already proven itself bywinning the V3 class in the grueling Nürburgring 24 Hours race earlier this year.

Anyone interested can order one today, with delivery times depending on demand. Note, development of racing cars based on the GT 86 continues at TMG, with a GT 86 Cup car currently under consideration.

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1078623_toyota-motorsport-builds-scion-fr-s-customer-race-car

Track-Only, 320-HP Mazda MX-5 GT4 Miata

image

2011 Mazda MX-5 GT race car

Ever since the first Mazda MX-5 Miata hit the streets in 1989, some people have wanted a little more power.

With each new generation Mazda has duly obliged to the point where the current model has a 2.0-liter engine with 167-horsepower—over 50 horses more than the original car.

Even then, this isn't enough for some. That's where the Mazda MX-5 GT4 comes in.

With 320 horsepower from its turbocharged version of the 2.0-liter MZR engine found in the regular car, there's plenty to keep speed freaks happy. As should the low 2,204-pound curb weight, courtesy of liberal splashings of carbon fiber and a stripped-out interior.

It gets better—there's an FIA-spec roll cage, a carbon fiber diffuser, a racing bucket seat and even a six-speed sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.

If you're thinking that this sounds like the spec of a race car, you're unfortunately right. This is no road car, and Mazda is selling it to rival Aston Martins and Lotus racers in GT and GT4-spec championships.

The car is built by UK-based Jota Sport, and is fully homologated for GT4 racing. An earlier development of the car has been competing successfully in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, hence the decision to offer it to racing customers.

And though a powerful, race-spec MX-5 is a dream drive for many gearheads, the $197,000 purchase price—pre tax—will rule it out for all but seasoned racers.

That also makes it less of a value choice than the $48,000 TMG Toyota GT 86 race car we featured yesterday—though the MX-5 is a little bit quicker…

So if you're after that faster Miata for the road, your best bet is still your local tuning shop…

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotorAuthority2/~3/p-b8uUKeGvA/1078654_track-only-320-hp-mazda-mx-5-gt4-unveiled

Report: Ford Fiesta ST gets U.S. go ahead?



Ford certainly teased us last year by bringing a five-door Fiesta ST concept to the Los Angeles Auto Show. Shortly thereafter, the production Euro-spec three-door ST was revealed in Geneva, but Ford's lips were still sealed about whether or not the pint-sized hot hatch would make its way to the United States.

Speaking to AutoGuide recently at an event in California, Ford Marketing Manager Steve Ling stated that "the Fiesta is the next to get the [ST] treatment." That said, when Motor Trend reached out to Ford for comment, a representative from the automaker simply stated that a decision had not yet been made for other markets, including North America.

In Europe, the Fiesta ST is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, good for 177 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. Assuming the car is green-lit for U.S. consumption, we don't expect those numbers to change. All we can say for now is, cross your fingers.

Linky

C&D Pits Nissan Juke-R Against Porsche 911 GT2 RS



When it comes to extreme production cars, the limited run Nissan Juke-R takes the cake, and rightfully so since the Japanese automaker essentially dropped the body of its small crossover over the (shortened) chassis and powertrain of the supercar-slaying GT-R sports car.

In prototype form, the Juke-R uses the MY10 GT-R's 485hp V6, but the actual production model, which will carry a base price of $590,000 (about €473,000), will get the even more powerful 545hp turbocharged engine from the improved MY12 (2013MY in North America) GT-R.

Read more »

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

New Truck



I finally broke down and bought a proper truck to pull a big travel trailer. It's a 2010 Ford F-250 in Lariat trim with the 6.4L diesel engine, auto transmission, and FX4 off-road package. Looks to be a good replacement for the old 4Runner.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Reality TV

Only the network formerly known as Speedvision could create a show that car guys wouldn't want to watch. Reality TV is a poor excuse for entertainment.

http://peel.tv/ABEGd

Friday, August 17, 2012

Fiat adding midlevel 500 turbo model for 2013


Fiat is adding a midlevel model, the 500 Turbo, to its U.S. lineup for 2013.

Tim Kuniskis, head of of the Fiat brand in North America, said the model was developed to address consumer demand for more power and performance in the 500 line.

The car will get a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine rated at 135 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. It will have larger brake rotors, sport-tuned springs and shocks and a rear spoiler.


What? No turbo diesel? Even the 80s Toyota 4WD wagon I had on high school got nearly 40mpg. All the complaints about fuel economy, but nothing of significance done about it...

Pricing will start at $20,200 when it goes on sale in the United States this fall.

It's paired with a five-speed manual gearbox and gets 34 mpg on the highway.


The 500 Turbo will be equipped with a turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir engine rated at 135 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque.
 

The car also has a Beats by Dr. Dre audio system.

By comparison, the base 500 is rated at 101 hp and 98 lb-ft from a naturally aspirated 1.4-liter four-cylinder, which costs $16,200. The Abarth pushes out 160 hp and 170 lb-ft from a turbo I4 and starts at $22,700.

Fiat sold 3,710 units of the 500 in July and 24,416 units this year.

http://www.autonews.com/article/20120817/OEM04/120819874/1306

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Conquest Vehicles Introduces Unarmored Evade SUV

Despite the departure of the likes of the Hummer H1 and Ford Excursion, there remains a market for big, imposing, and lavishly-appointed SUVs, as is evidenced by the continued existence of Dartz. The field is about to get another entry following the launch of Conquest Vehicles' Evade, which will be the company's first unarmored vehicle.

Conquest Evade SUV
Based on a Ford F-550 Super Duty Chassis, the 235-inch long Evade is about eight inches longer than the Excursion and its 96-inch width and 100-inch height dwarf even Ford's factory Super-Duty based SUV. Engine options consist of Ford's 6.8-liter V-10 and 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V-8. Prior to the Evade, Conquest Vehicles produced only the Knight XV, a 13,000-lb armored behemoth of a vehicle that uses the same Ford hardware for its powertrain and chassis.

Conquest Evade SUV
Despite the use of Blue Oval bits for its underpinnings and motivation, the rest of the Evade is hand-crafted. Particularly, the company points out that the Evade's steering wheel, door hinges, running boards and key are all milled out of solid stainless steel.

Such exclusivity comes at a price: The Evade starts at a no-nonsense $579,000. We didn't ask if financing was available, but if you have to ask that question in the first place, you've answered your own question as to whether the Evade is in your budget.


Read more: http://www.fordsuperduty.net/conquest-vehicles-introduces-unarmored-evade-suv/

Ford Upgrades Super Duty 6.7-liter Power Stroke Diesel to 400 hp and 800 lb-ft, Offers Reflash for Early Adopters

We were already impressed that the optional 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbo-diesel V-8 engine in 2011 Ford Super Duty trucks churned out 390 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque, and now Ford has extracted even more grunt from the engine. Reprogrammed engine-management software means the engine now produces 400 hp and an incredible 800 lb-ft of torque.

I like nice, round numbers. And that is a nice number indeed. 

Happily for Blue Oval marketers, the Power Stroke engine now trumps the output of the 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine in the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, which produces 397 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque. We don't think this is a coincidence.

Ford says the additional output will also boost fuel economy by about two percent. Our test of a 2011 F-250 crew cab 4×4 returned 15 mpg, so if there is an increase, it would likely be imperceptible. Starting August 31, customers who have already bought a 2011 Power Stroke–equipped truck can take advantage of a free upgrade to the new power outputs at any Ford dealership. The software update is said to take as little as half an hour.

When we tested a 2011 Ford F-250 with the Power Stroke engine—back then making a pathetic 390 hp and 735 lb-ft—we found it had no trouble towing a Spec Miata, tires, and tools. It also reached 60 mph in 8.0 seconds and finished the quarter-mile dash in 16.2 seconds at 86 mph, despite weighing 7960 pounds. We'll have to get a new, more powerful Super Duty on our test track to see how much difference the extra 10 hp and 65 lb-ft of twist make.


Original Page: http://blog.caranddriver.com/ford-upgrades-super-duty-6-7-liter-power-stroke-diesel-to-400-hp-and-800-lb-ft-offers-reflash-for-early-adopters/

George Broughs Personal Motorcycle Headed to Auction

The personal motorcycle of George Brough, founder of the famous Brough Superior motorcycle company, is headed to the auction block on October 4, 2012.

H and H Auctions is anticipating the 1922 Brough Superior will bring between (£) 250,000 – 270,000, which at today's exchange rate is approximately $392,500 to $424,000.

George Brough was not only the company founder, but an enthusiastic racer in his day, riding the very bike up for auction in numerous races. The motorcycle was given the nickname "Old Bill," and has a storied history according to AuctionCentralNews.com.

The George Brough Superior, as well as a number of other Brough Superiors will go on auction October 4 at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, England.

GeorgeBroughPersonalMotorcycle05 GeorgeBroughPersonalMotorcycle04 GeorgeBroughPersonalMotorcycle03 GeorgeBroughPersonalMotorcycle02 GeorgeBroughPersonalMotorcycle01

Source: AuctionCentralNews.com