Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid

The car combines the high-tech racing features with electric-mobility to offer a fascinating range of qualities. The new car promises to deliver a fuel consumption of just 3 (three) liters/100 kilometers (equal to approximately 78 mpg U.S.), outstanding for a sports car and will deliver just 70 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Don’t think the cars hasn’t good performances, because the 918 Spyder Concept will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, while the top speed is limited electronically to 320 km/h (198 mph).

Porsche promises a lap time on the Nordschleife of N ̧rburgring in less than 7:30 minutes, faster than even the Porsche Carrera GT. The 918 Spyder is one of three Porsche models with hybrid drive making their world. The other cars will be the 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid and the impressive 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car.

Under the hood the concept car carries a V8 engine capable to deliver more than 500 horsepower and a maximum engine speed of 9,200 rpm but also two electric motors, one on the front and one on the rear axle with an overall mechanical output of 218 horsepower (160 kW). The V8 combustion engine is the next step in the evolution of the highly successful 3.4- liter power unit already featured in the RS Spyder racing car and positioned mid-ship, in front of the rear axle, giving the car excellent balance and the right set-up for supreme performance on the race track.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) transmission that feeds the power of the electric drive system to the rear axle. The front-wheel electric drive powers the wheels through a fixed transmission ratio. The energy reservoir is a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery positioned behind the passenger cell.

The car can be driven in different running modes. In the E-Drive, it acts as an electric car and has a range of 25 km or 16 miles. In the Hybrid mode it uses both the electric motors and the combustion engine as a function of driving conditions and requirements, offering a range from particularly fuel-efficient all the way to extra-powerful. In Sport Hybrid mode uses both drive systems, but with the focus on performance. Most of the drive power goes to the rear wheels, with Torque Vectoring serving to additionally improve the car’s driving dynamics. In the Race Hybrid mode the drive systems are focused on pure performance with the highest standard of driving dynamics on the track, running at the limit to their power and dynamic output.

Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster

Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster
Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster
Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster

The all-new Can-Am Spyder RT is powered by a 998cc Rotax v-twin and features Bosch-engineered bits like a vehicle stability system, ABS, traction control and stability control. An optional trailer, which provides 622 litres of storage space, is also available and is compatible with the vehicle’s stability system.

Features and Specifications

Rotax 990 V-Twin Engine

3-spoke aluminum wheels

Multi-Function gauge display

Storage

Mechanical reverse

44-Liter Front Storage - Lockable front storage with 44 liters of space. Can fit two helmets.

3-Spoke Aluminum Wheels - A unique, die-cast aluminum design that echoes the RS roadster's distinctive footprint.

Vehicle Stability System (VSS) - The Y-architecture enables the Spyder to host an innovative and unique stability system. Developed in conjunction with Bosch, the Vehicle Stability System (VSS) reduces the risk of losing control, integrated into Vehicle Stability System (VSS) and Stability Control system (SCS), Traction Control System (TCS) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) functions.

TRANSMISSION OPTIONS
Manual 5-speed gearbox, true mechanical reverse (SM5).
Semi-automatic finger-trigger shifting (SE5).

2010 Can-Am Spyder RS Roadster - North American Specifications North America MSRP: starting at $16,499 USD

Engine
ROTAX Engine
Manufacturer BRP-Rotax
Type 990 V-Twin
Displacement 998cc (60.90 cu. in.)
Bore 97 mm (3.82 in.)
Stroke 68 mm (2.68 in.)
Cylinder 2
Valves per cylinder DOHC 4
Max output 106 hp @ 8500 RPM (79 kW @ 8500 RPM)
Max torque 77 lb.-ft. @ 6250 RPM (104.3 Nm @ 6250 RPM)
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Ignition type Electronic ignition with dual output coil
Lubrication 5W40 semi-synthetic oil
Exhaust system 2-into-1 with catalytic converter
Cooling Liquid-cooled
Injection Multi-point EFI with 57 mm-diameter throttle bodies

Drive Train
Gear box 5-Speed manual (SM5) with transmission-based reverse
Optional gear box 5-Speed semi-automatic (SE5) with transmission-based reverse
Final drive 28/79 ratio final drive with
Kevlar-reinforced drive belt
Clutch Wet, multi-plate, manual operation through a hydraulic piston
Electric Equipment
Magneto 500 Watts
Starter Electric
Battery Sealed maintenance-free, 12V, 21 Amp

Geometry
Front suspension Double A-Arm with anti-roll bar
Front suspension travel 5.67 in. (145 mm) shocks
Rear suspension Swing-arm with monoshock
Rear suspension travel 5.67 in. (145 mm) with adjustable cam
Chassis type SST Spyder (Surrounding Spar Technology)
Steering DPS (Dynamic Power Steering)

Tires & Wheels
Front tire KR21 165/65R14
Front nominal pressure 13-17 psi (90-117 kPa)
Rear tire KR21 225/50R15
Rear nominal pressure 26-30 psi (179-207 kPa)
Wheel size, front Aluminum 14x5 (355x127)
Wheel size, rear Aluminum 15x7 (381x178)

Brakes
Type Foot-actuated, fully integrated hydraulic 3-wheel braking system
Front braking system 4 piston calipers with 10.2 in. x 0.25 in. (260 mm x 6 mm) discs
Rear braking system Single-piston caliper with 10.2 in. x 0.25 in. (260 mm x 6 mm) disc
EBD Electronic Brake Distribution
ABS Anti-lock Braking System
Parking brake Mechanical, foot actuated to the rear caliper

Safety & Security
VSS Vehicle Stability System
ABS Anti-lock Braking System
TCS Traction Control System
SCS Stability Control System with roll-over mitigation
DPS Dynamic Power Steering
DESS Digitally Encoded Security System
Vehicle Dimensions & Weights
Dry vehicle weight 699 lb. (317 kg)
Front storage capacity 11.62 US gal. (44 l)
Front max load capacity 30 lb. (15.9 kg)
Total vehicle load allowed 440 lb. (200 kg)
Fuel capacity 7.13 US gal. (25 l)
Oil capacity 1.19 US gal. (4.5 l)
Coolant capacity 0.85 US gal. (3.2 l)
GVWR 1,188 lb. (540 kg)
Ground clearance 4.5 in. (115 mm)
Vehicle overall height 45.1 in. (1,145 mm)
Vehicle overall length 105 in. (2,667 mm)
Vehicle overall width 59.3 in. (1,506 mm)
Seat (top) height 29 in. (737 mm)
Wheel base 68 in. (1,727 mm)
Wheel track, front 51.5 in. (1,308 mm)
Type of gas Unleaded, 87 octane minimum

Suzuki GS500F 2010

The Suzuki GS500F is one of the most versatile beginner motorcycles on the planet. This standard rocks out with a full fairing and sleek bodywork for a sporty profile. Riders who don’t want to be scrunched over the tank of a sport bike in order to reach the clip-ons will love the upright seating position of the GS500F. For power, the Suzuki GS500F’s 487cc parallel twin cranks out just over 51 horsepower, yet is frugal with its gas mileage. This bike can reach 115 mph, but that’s pushing it to the max in sixth gear. The Suzuki GS500F heads the welcoming committee of the Standard world.
The Suzuki GS500F features styling that is inspired on the GSX-R championship-winning machines as, starting with 2004 it presents a full fairing with the purpose of increasing rider comfort by providing an aerodynamic sport appearance.
Its four-stroke, twin cylinder, 487cc, air cooled DOHC engine provides it with all the needed power while it is still economical, but most importantly, dependable. Those 34mm Mikuni carburetors should receive all the credit for that as they are the needed element from a chain of pieces that form a reliable engine with smooth power delivery.

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 487cc
Type: twin-cylinder, 4-stroke, air-cooled DOHC
Bore Stroke: 74.0 mm (2.913 in) x 56.6 mm (2.228 in)
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Fuel System: BSR34, twin
Lubrication: Wet Sump
Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive: D.I.D. 520VM, 110 links

Chassis and Dimensions

Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Link type, coil spring, oil damped
Brakes Front: Disc brake
Brakes Rear: Disc brake
Tires Front: 110/70-17M/C (54H), tubeless
Tires Rear: 130/70-17M/C (62H), tubeless
Overall Length: 2080 mm (81.9 in)
Overall Width: 800 mm (31.5 in)
Overall Height: 1150 mm (45.3 in)
Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in)
Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in)
Wheelbase: 1405 mm (55.3 in)
Curb Weight: 199 kg (439 lbs)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 20.0 L (5.3/4.4 US/Imp gal)


Key Features

==>Full fairing for increased rider comfort and an aggressive sport look in an entry-level package.

==>Oil cooler – Air-cooled oil cooler for more consistent engine operating temperature and increased engine durability.

==>Rear suspension – Easily accessible 7-way preload adjuster of rear suspension allows quick tailoring to rider’s preference

==>Proven four-stroke, twin cylinder, 487cc, air-cooled DOHC engine for dependable and economical operation.

==>Sport-styled 2-into-1 exhaust system tuned for strong low-to-mid rpm engine performance.

==>Strong braking performance – single disc front brake with large 310mm rotor and four-piston caliper, plus single disc rear brake with two-piston caliper.

==>Telescopic front fork and link-type rear suspension with adjustable preload provide a comfortable ride for commuting or pleasure riding.

==>Twin 34mm Mikuni carburetors for smooth power delivery, strong acceleration and fuel efficiency.

==>Front: 110/70-17M/C (54H), tubeless Tires Rear: 130/70-17M/C (62H), tubeless Overall Length: 2080 mm (81.9 in) Overall Width: 800 mm (31.5 in) Overall Height: 1150 mm (45.3 in) Seat Height: 790 mm (31.1 in) Ground Clearance: 120 mm (4.7 in)

BMW F800GS

New BMW F800GS. All about it is imparable. Its current location engine of twin-cylinder of 85 powers in horses provides the impressive cross-country power. A weight of edge of Juste 207 kilogrammes makes it incredibly nimble.

And its capacity to carry out on the macadam smoothes and the difficult ground makes it only flexible in the same way. New BMW F800GS. Built to go beyond the ordinary one.

With the completely new model of enduro, the F 800 GS, BMW Motorrad increases not only its line of goods available, but also introduces a worthy successor to F completely successful 650 GS with its engine of simple-cylinder. Even when him 's parked, ventures-tourer it surprisingly all ground-able of F 800 GS, with its vigorous aspect and long voyage of spring, states that it can do cross-country. The signals which it releases are however clear varied: recreation leading on all the highway types, and strength on voyages even when the destination can only be reached by gravel ways.
And its capacity to carry out on the macadam smoothes and the difficult ground makes it only flexible in the same way. New BMW F800GS. Built to go beyond the ordinary one.

With the completely new model of enduro, the F 800 GS, BMW Motorrad increases not only its line of goods available, but also introduces a worthy successor to F completely successful 650 GS with its engine of simple-cylinder. Even when him 's parked, ventures-tourer it surprisingly all ground-able of F 800 GS, with its vigorous aspect and long voyage of spring, states that it can do cross-country. The signals which it releases are however clear varied: recreation leading on all the highway types, and strength on voyages even when the destination can only be reached by gravel ways.

With elevated level of the stability combined with mischievous handling of new F 800 GS are devices, just as the execution of high-quality, a strong frame and the impressive execution of engine for the maximum pleasure of horsemanship.

The engine two-cylinder integrated comes from the model series of F 800 well-known, but beyond this, the model of enduro was completely reorganized. A completely new reinforcement and a new suspension of wheel with new arise-shock the shock absorber that elements are employed, for example, which will exceed the hopes even most demanding riders of enduro. The belt drive and the simple-strut balance the arm, which is ideal for the pure use of on-road, were replaced by a light order with chains, which, in combination with a very stable and attractive aluminium arm of oscillation of double-strut of profile, particular advantages of offers in cross-country horsemanship in particular. The new GS is thus not only in its element on roads - it will also always find a way by cross-country too.

The road of trusts of F 800 GS and possibilities of tourism with higher cross-country characteristics. It thus combines the two worlds in a way in which before was never realized in this class and offers maximum possible freedom in terms of its fields of application. BMW Motorrad placed ventures-tourer it dynamic at a reasonable price, of this fact adding a tangible asset to the market.

specifications of the 2010 BMW F800GS

Manufacturer: BMW
Year: 2010
Model: F 800 GS
Vehicle Type: Off-Road
Engine: 2-cylinder, 4-stroke, 4-valves per cylinder, 2 overhead camshafts, BMS-K management, closed 3-loop 3-way catalytic converter, EU-3
Horsepower: 85 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Displacement: 798 cc (800cc)
Bore x Stroke: 82 x 75.6 mm
Torque: 62 ft. lbs. @ 5,750 rpm
Compression Ratio: 12:1
Clutch: Multiple-disc in oil bath, mechanically operated
Cooling: Water
Lubrication: Dry sump
Length: 91 in.
Width: 34.2 in.
Height: 53.1
Weight: 392 lbs.
Road Ready: 455 lbs.
Max Permissible: 975 lbs.
Payload: 520 lbs.
Wheelbase: 62.1 in.
Fuel Capacity: 4.2 gal.
Reserve: 1 gal.
Seat Height: 34.6 in.
Transmission: 6-speed
Final Drive: Endless O-ring chain
Suspension: Front: Upside-down fork, 45 mm; 9 in. travel
Rear: Cast aluminum dual swingarm; 8.5 in. travel
Frame: Tubular steel space, loaded-bearing engine
Maximum Speed: Over 125 mph
Brakes: Front: Twin-disc, floating disc, 300 mm, double-piston floating calipers
Rear: Single-disc, 265 mm, single-piston floating caliper
Wheels: Front: 2.15 x 21 in. wire spoke
Rear: 4.25 x 17 in. wire spoke
Tires: Front: 90/90-21
Rear: 150/70-17
Color: Lava Orange Metallic / Black Satin and Alpine White

2010 Lamborghini MurciƩlago LP650-4 Roadster

Lamborghini of late has been milking every dollar it can from the aging Murcielago with one special edition after another, counting on the supersports coupe and roadster to continue to sell to its clientele until the eventual introduction of an all-new top bull.

The latest in the line, in a limited run of 50 units that are sure to sell immediately, is the quickest and most dramatic modern-day factory Lambo to date, the 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster.



The new 650-4 features the most powerful engine in a drop top Lamborghini to date, a version of the company's ubiquitous V12 massaged out to 6.5 liters and 650 horsepower. As the "-4" extension indicates, the Murcielago LP560-4 Roadster carries permanent all wheel drive which should help to keep it on the road in the hands of drivers whose wallets outweigh their skill.
AWD helps the heavier roadster version of the Murcielago make it to 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.4 seconds, all the way up to a top speed of 205 mph. For comparison purposes, the 2WD standard-trim Murcielago Roadster takes 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

All 2010 Murcielago LP 650-4 cars get identical exterior paint and trim, with flat gray main body color with orange and carbon accents. The V12 is housed amidships under a transparent cover so pedestrians and truck drivers can know what the driver is packing.

Contact Lamborghini for availability, but don't cross your fingers if you don't have serious clout in the car world. Once the limited run of 50 are gone, you'll just have to wait for the next special edition a couple months down the line.


2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster SpecificationsDrivetrain
Layout Mid-Engine, AWD
Transmission Paddle-shifted DSG Manual
Differential Electronically controlled LSD
Engine
Type: Lamborghini V12
Induction Naturally aspirated
Displacement 6.5 liters
Horsepower 650 bhp
Torque 487 lb-ft.
Exterior
Body Type 2 door, 2 seat removable roof roadster
Performance
Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 3.4 seconds
Top Speed 205 mph

FORD TAURUS SHO

Ford gets its radar from a fighter plane


The top of this year’s Ford Taurus range is the powerful and jazzy Taurus SHO (for “super high output”), a sport sedan. Chief among the technical bragging points is an optional safety feature known as electronically scanning radar. This guardian angel scans the highway far enough ahead to save you from rear-ending a fog-shrouded forerunner while going wide enough to catch any would-be lane changer that may be lurking in your blind spot. Because its microwaves penetrate fog, it beats the older, laser-based systems.
Ford crows that the device, supplied by Delphi, is derived from a radar used in the F-22 Raptor fighter jet. Of course this sort of thing can also be done by mechanical scanning—like a dish antenna sweeping the sky—but by steering the beam electronically you get not only better performance but also a far more compact package that’s a mere 5 by 8 by 18 centimeters long. That makes it easy to fit the radar’s forward-looking part into the car’s sleek front end. Other car companies o er such radars, but Ford gets our plaudit because it charges just US $1195, far less than any competitor.
In practice, the radar functions as part of a larger system of adaptive cruise control—a baby step along the road to automated driving. When the radar senses the hint of a threat of an impending collision, it alerts the driver and precharges the brakes, so they’ll react that much faster to the driver’s foot.

ENGINE: 3.5 -L turbo V-6, with
272 kW (365 hp) and 474 Nm
(350 f t -lb) of torque

VOLKSWAGEN CC 3.6 4MOTION

Are Volkswagen’s moves upmarket in complete contradiction to the brand’s populist roots? The now-defunct, expensive VW Phaeton sedan is often viewed as a radical move aimed away from the masses. But if the Phaeton had worn a more prestigious brand name, it conceivably could have been deemed a value. In fact, the Phaeton forms the basis for the Bentley Continental lineup, which starts at $180,395, a sum that is rarely questioned. If we regard the Phaeton as a Bentley for the masses, then the car makes sense as a Volkswagen.


Like the Phaeton before it, the CC 3.6 4MOTION drew its share of raised eyebrows when our test car’s $42,630 price was revealed. But the CC’s superfi cial similarity to another German car had us wondering if Volkswagen had created a Mercedes-Benz CLS for the people. After all, the CLS550 starts at an eye-watering $72,875.

Volkswagen has followed the CLS’s fi vestep formula to the letter. Step one: Start with a conventional sedan. Just as the Eclass begot the CLS, the CC is based on the conservative Passat. Step two: Dress up the exterior and interior. This step requires a low-slung roofl ine, a slippery body, frameless door glass, a dolled-up interior, and a reduction in the seating capacity from five to four. Step three: Insist that despite its four doors, the creation is somehow a coupe. Repeat as necessary until the public is convinced. Step four: To save money, leave the running gear alone. Step fi ve: Try to keep a straight face while charging considerably more money for your new “coupe.”

The formula worked for Mercedes. But we must conclude that despite its similarity to the far pricier CLS, the $42,630 CC is too expensive to be considered a value—even against a Benz.

We can’t complain about the 280-hp, direct-injection 3.6-liter VR6 that propels the all-wheel-drive CC to 60 mph in a dramafree 6.2 seconds. A 231-pound-lighter frontdrive Passat 3.6 we tested took 5.9 seconds [December 2005]. We also can’t take issue with the refi ned controls, the solid structure, and the fi rm ride of the CC, which stuck to the skidpad with 0.88 g of grip. Aside from some wind noise around those frameless windows, the CC driving experience is nearly indistinguishable from that of the Passat with the 3.6-liter engine, a confi guration that is gone for 2009.

Our big problem with the CC 3.6 4MOTION is the existence of the $27,480 CC 2.0T with a six-speed manual. Despite an 80-hp defi cit, the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder version retains the look of the 3.6-liter version and, of course, keeps its inescapable resemblance to the CLS. The four-cylinder model removes the CC from the stratosphere of BMW and Audi, back to the place where the Accord, the Camry, and the Malibu play. Set against a family-sedan backdrop, the CC’s beautiful bod makes it a standout in a segment stacked with forgettable styling. And in pricing the four-cylinder CC, VW seems to have ignored the step that requires charging more for style, as the CC 2.0T actually costs $410 less than a comparably equipped Passat. So unless you need that fi fth seat, you can now take the Passat off your shopping list. And in regard to the CC 3.6-liter’s disturbingly high price, we predict low sales. On the other hand, the CC 2.0T may well strike a chord with buyers as it is the base model that is truly the people’s CLS.

BY TONY QUIROGA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.G. RUSSELL
SOURCE CAR AND DRIVER MAGAZINE