Automotive | All About Automotive

Until recently, the German tuning company IMSA was not more than just an insider tip. But by now, it has achieved the ultimate breakthrough thanks to its first product, the Gallardo GTV. After all, the company from Brüggen treated the Gallardo’s power unit like nobody dared before. After this special treatment, the V10 power unit develops maximum output of 610 hp at 7900 rpm. In the near future, it will also be possible to experience this pleasure in an open car – since all GTV parts are now available for the Spyder as well.

Special emphasis was made on road capability.

In spite of the increased engine power and the high torque of 655 Nm at 5300 rpm, IMSA wanted the Gallardo to be suitable for everyday use; it had to offer the best possible driving fun even under bad weather conditions. Therefore, the four-wheel drive – amongst other things – was adjusted to the new
performance. Even during extreme driving manoeuvres, the Gallardo’s ne-tuned sport chassis offers great stability and driving control.

The necessary grip is provided by broad 245/30 ZR 20 front and 325/25 ZR20 rear tyres. IMSA’s focus was on muscular design and, thus, the Gallardo Spyder is equipped with new front and rear aprons and flared wheelarches as well as distinctive spoke wheels with central locking and a discreet rear spoiler. The interior is designed to meet any customer’s individual wishes: leather, alcantara, aluminium and CFRP are on offer to refine the Gallardo’s cockpit.

CAR MAKE & MODEL
Lamborghini Murcielago LP670 SV 2010 Pictures

CAR REF NUMBER
31291

CAR COLOUR
Black

VIEWS: 1,205

TOTAL VIEWS: 1,205

The Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo set the new World’s Fastest Production Car record with an average top speed of 255.83 mph.

On a temporarily-closed 2 lane public highway in Washington State, the SSC Ultimate Aero posted a top speed of 257.11 mph (413.83 kph) on its first pass and 254.55 mph (409.71 kph) on its return pass, achieving a new top speed record: a staggering 255.83 mph (411.76 kph).

The first electric car manufactured by Tesla Motors, the high-performance, zero-emissions Tesla Roadster sports car, was unveiled before a crowd of car buffs and potential customers.

power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor
. The motor is controlled by the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which also controls the inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, charging and braking systems.

Tesla Motors's engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure that not only is the Tesla Roadster safe to drive, but also is safe when charging, at home or on the road.

The electric motor's efficiency rating is likely to be as high as 95 percent, while the internal combustion engine's efficiency is 20 percent or less. With this efficiency, the Tesla Roadster achieves the equivalent of 135 mpg.

That efficiency doesn't slow this sleek sports car down, either. Estimated 0-60 mph time is around four seconds, and with an electric motor, the torque is instantaneous, throw-you-back-in-the-seat responsive.

All in all, this is remarkable sports car!

the Hummer HX concept is interested in taking it off-road. The concept vehicle sports the unmistakable Hummer front grille, but it boasts several features that you won't find on another SUV in the company's lineup.For example, all of the roof panels are completely removable. This includes both the front and rear roof panels, providing passengers with a truly open-air feel. What's more, the doors can be torn off as well, though I imagine that there may be some restrictions over this configuration while in the city.Certain profile pictures of the Hummer HX remind me of the Toyota FJ Cruiser in some ways, but we'll have to check back in at the Detroit Auto Show next year for a better look at this vehicle. After all, this is "just" a concept sketch.

Ever since General Motors announced that it was considering selling the iconic Hummer brand, speculation has surrounded who might buy it. The latest name to emerge on the list of prospective suitors is Russian Machines, the engineering firm which makes trains, planes and some automobile parts.

Owned by one of Russia's richest men, Oleg Deripaska, Russian Machines was reported to be in talks with GM about buying Hummer. But it issued a swift denial, saying it was "not strategically interested in such a deal".

Previously, reports had suggested Indian carmaker Mahindra & Mahindra was involved in "exploratory talks" with GM about buying Hummer. Observers suggested this would have been a good fit, as Mahindra already makes trucks and sports utility vehicles and is the main rival to Tata Motors, which recently bought Land Rover from Ford.

But GM would only say it was discussing the sale of the brand with "a number of potential buyers", without naming any names. 'Bad timing' With little let-up in the rising price of fuel over the last few months, analysts suggest General Motors has not picked a great time to sell a brand not renowned for its fuel efficiency.

"You couldn't think of a worst time to be selling a brand like Hummer," said analyst Jay Nagley from Spyder Automotive. "It is typical of large corporations to jump on the bandwagon when SUVs were fashionable, then try to sell it when the wheels have well and truly come off."

GM bought the Hummer brand in 1998, a number of years before its heyday when celebrities like footballer David Beckham and former film star Arnold Schwarzenegger were photographed driving theirs. The now Governor of California still has his, but in a sign of the more environmentally conscious times, has had the vehicle converted to run on biofuel. 'Tastes change'

Like most big motor companies, GM has suffered from falling sales as cash-strapped consumers have cut back on big purchases. It made a net loss of $15.5bn (£7.8bn) in just three months between April and June this year. In June, Hummer sales were slightly over 2,000, well below their peak.

But General Motors defended its brand, saying it was still relevant and needed in some parts of the world. "Not everyone in the world has perfect roads to drive on and there is no brand that conquers that like Hummer," said GM spokesperson Joanne Krell.

"For some, who bought it less for utility than desire, we are seeing a backing-off because tastes change. "But we shouldn't get carried away and say that takes away the need for an off-road vehicle like Hummer."

GM thinks there will be someone who can "maximise the potential of the brand" better than it currently can. Whoever that is, according to analysts, will have to have deep pockets and is most likely to come from Russia, China or India.

HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.

* Exclusive standard full-time four-wheel drive with 32-inch tires and skid plates
* Crew cab body style with seating for five
* Five-foot (1.5 meters) bed capable of carrying two dirt bikes, a snowmobile or ATV and full sheets of plywood
* Extensive portfolio of officially licensed accessories
* Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone operation (standard)
* Optional rearview camera system
* Front locker included in the Off-Road Adventure package
* Hill start assist

The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable. The H3T is offered in five trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition.

“With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. "It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess that delivers customers to the trail in style.”

In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires.

New for ’09-In addition to the H3T, the entire H3 lineup is updated for the 2009 model year with the following new features and revisions:

* Standard Bluetooth wireless capability for hands-free phone operation
* Front locking differential included with the Off-Road Adventure package
* Standard hill start assist
* Rearview camera system display on the inside rearview mirror revised to “display on demand” system, replacing the previous mirror slide-out display

H3 lineup at a glance-The H3 lineup includes the H3 and new H3T, with the V-8-powered Alpha series offered on both body styles (see the Alpha series section below). All models pack HUMMER’s trademark capability into a midsize package.

The H3 lineup also delivers exceptional rock crawling and climbing performance; it was engineered for off-road leadership among midsize SUVs. The heart of this capability is its electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system and suspension tuning tailored for off-road performance. In addition, the H3 features standard underbody shielding, brake traction control, and an optional 4.03:1 transfer case with front- and rear-locking differentials. The H3 and H3T are the first vehicles with independent front suspensions to be offered with a front-locking differential from the factory.

Among its off-road credentials, the H3 can ford 24-inch (610 mm) streams at a 5-mph pace, climb 16-inch (407 mm) vertical steps and rocks, make its way through deep sand and race easily over sandy surfaces.

H3’s more maneuverable size provides advantages, such as a 37-foot turning circle (SUV models) that is about the same as a typical compact car, making easy work of parking lot maneuvers during everyday use and tight turns when off-roading. High ground clearance and great breakover angles make it possible to clear large obstacles in off-road driving. Serious off-road performance is also aided by exceptional approach and departure angles that permit the H3 and H3T to drive into a hole and back out again, without getting hung up in the front or rear.

The H3 lineup – including the new H3T – is offered with two suspension packages:

* Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering – This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.
* Off-Road Adventure – Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, cast iron front differential case, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of 69:1 with the 3.7L engine and manual transmission or 50.6:1 with the 5.3L engine.

H3X-A special appearance package that gives the H3 added distinction, the H3X features chrome accents and unique details, including:

* Bright roof crossbows
* Chrome fuel filler door, tubular assist steps and brush guard
* Body-color grille and spare tire cover with HUMMER logo
* Eighteen-inch chrome aluminum wheels with P265/65R18 all-terrain tires
* “H3”-embroidered seat headrests

The H3X package is partnered with the Z85 suspension and is available on the V-8 Alpha model.

H3T details-Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design. The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM’s recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and a standard cargo management accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.

The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp, or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry’s largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T’s bed, offering different cargo management options to suit all of those lifestyle interests.

The H3T’s crew cab interior offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin’s layout is essentially identical to the H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.

The H3T’s frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV’s chassis and suspension – the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) – 22.3 inches (566 mm) longer than the H3 SUV.

A ladder-type frame is the truck’s foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multi-leaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. Like the H3 SUV, the H3T is offered with the Z85 suspension or the Off-Road suspension in the Adventure package.

H3T accessories-One of the industry’s broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.

In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories – a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.

Alpha series-Offering the towing capability that only a V-8 can, the H3 and H3T Alpha models broaden HUMMER’s range of versatile, do-anything and go-anywhere vehicles. They represent the pinnacle of performance, both off the road and on it. The power behind the performance is derived from a 5.3L V-8 engine that delivers 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm)*. It is partnered with a four-speed automatic transmission and enables a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg) with the H3 and 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg) with the H3T. A 4.10 axle is standard.

The Alpha series can be had with cloth (H3T only) or leather (H3 and H3T) interior trim, including a horn pad badge and embroidered seat headrests. Bluetooth connectivity is included on Alpha models. Leather-trimmed models also include uplevel carpeted floor mats; heated/power-adjustable seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel; lighted vanity mirror; home remote and polished 16-inch wheels. The polished wheels, power-adjustable seat, home remote and lighted vanity mirror are available on cloth-equipped models.

For customers who want a more accessorized appearance straight from the factory, the H3 Alpha model can be combined with the H3X content, which includes bright roof crossbars, chrome fuel door, a body-color grille and unique spare tire cover, tires, wheels and center cap, and a brush guard. Additionally, HUMMER Accessories offers an exclusive line of GM-designed, manufactured and validated accessories that are engineered and tested for no-compromises fit, finish and performance.

H3 and H3T powertrains-Standard in the H3 and H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 239 horsepower (178 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 241 lb.-ft. of torque ( 327 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.

The Alpha series’ 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm).* An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving.A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

The H3 and H3T are sold around the globe, with production of the H3 and H3T in the United States and the H3 in South Africa.

Safety features-Standard safety features include head curtain side-impact air bags, as well as the following:

* StabiliTrak electronic stability control system
* Four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control
* Dual-stage frontal air bags with passenger sensing system
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* LATCH rear child seat anchors

HUMMER’s rearview camera system and a navigation system are available. The rearview camera system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. A new “picture-in-picture” display provides a more integrated viewing screen for the system.Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, and its Turn-By-Turn Navigation feature is available.