New Scooter Designs Provide Flexibility

New Scooters are showing up almost daily, something that speaks of the ever going popularity of the scooter in general. The functionality of the appearing designs highlight the ease at which new technologies such as thermoplastics and high tech aluminum alloys can be adapted to structures not originally considered candidates for their use.

The fast advancements in hi tech polymers and metal alloys has given the humble scooter new life in an ever broadening market today. Not only are these materiasl being used in high end powered scooters, but in the modest push scooter or kick scooter as they are also known.

These small inexpensive scooters tend to be thought of more as a sidewalk toy for young children. But more and more a new style of what is known as a foldable scooter is being utilized by an older generation as they traverse from mass transit portals to office buildings and other places of work or leisure.

Foldable scooters cross several design lines and encompass almost ever design level of the scooter market. Starting with the foldable kick scooter which might not be small enough to fit into a brief case, but it is small enough to be folded and placed under the desk once you get to work. Next would be the foldable electric scooter. Some what more bulky, and weighing in at about 50lbs and able to carry 200 pounds with a range of between 10 and 15 miles or 20 to 25km per charge cycle, its no wonder they have become so popular with dual mode commuters.

No mater for what purpose you want or need a scooter, smile and have some fun, life is short. You can find more information about Pocket bikes, Scooters, Pocket rockets and mobility Scooters at Http://www.newpocketrocket.com in the articles section or in the midst of our many informative pages and links

Convert Your Car To Run On Water - Save Money, Save Gas!

Convert your car to run on water – save gas, save your car, save money and save the planet.

Fox News recently broadcasted an interesting and very important video report.

A savvy automobile owner has come up with a very simple yet incredibly efficient way of boosting his old car’s gas mileage by up to 100% - that means several thousands of dollars economy every year.

The creator claims that his developed invention converts water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). Also called Brown's gas or Hydroxy burns better than regular gas at our fuel pumps and provides more energy. This process is often referred to as Hydrogen Fuel Cell conversion.

Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. More hybrid cars are sold all over the world, concepts of electric cars and Hydrogen fuel cell cars are developed in almost any country and finally there is a way for you to add a little something to fuel efficient revolution.

Car owners seem to forget or maybe ignore the fact that they could get better gas mileage simply by changing the way they drive. You do not need to buy an ugly and slow prototype in order to save on gas. You could increase gas mileage of your V8 truck as well! To get better gas mileage you should follow these simple rules;

• Accelerate gently. This will use less gas.

• Keep your distance - every time you stop you will have to accelerate.

• Take your car to a mechanic; simple air filter change or spark plugs replacement could greatly increase gas mileage

• Drive slower. Going over 120kph will use up much more gas.

• Change gears as soon as possible - low gear uses up to 30% more fuel than needed.

Our cars’ engines are designed in such poor way that they only burn about 20% of the fuel – the other 80% is wasted in heat and unburned gas (pollution). When converted to money at 3$ a gallon – per every gallon your car actually uses only 60 cents, and 2.40$ is completely wasted. When you convert your car to run on water, you create a gas which helps burning the fuel in a better proportion.

Instructions on how to convert car to run on water are also available for sale on the Internet. There have been many skeptical people that do not believe in the efficiency of the system – but there doubts always vanish after finding out that the instructions come with 2 month full satisfaction money back guarantee.

Is it not only the “saving money” part that attracts people - when you convert your car to run on water you also increase your car’s engine longevity and you greatly decrease the pollution. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently – which decreases the noise of the engine and the wear and tear of the motor’s parts.

The system is composed by simple parts that are basically bolted on the engine. It could be done at almost no cost, by anyone and to any car. The system is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine.

Just imagine yourself buying half the gas you are buying now! Wouldn’t it be nice to have an extra couple of thousand of dollars for Christmas presents? For a vacation? For a down payment on a new car?

I hope this article gave you enough of useful information to consider converting your car to run on water.

Suzuki B-King

The Suzuki B-King roadster motorcycle was first presented as a concept bike in Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2001. At that time nobody believed that this monster bike will make its way to the showrooms. Well, they were wrong...

This is the Suzuki B-King 2008 and you can get yourself one at your local Suzuki dealer for USD$12,500.00 or USD$13,500.00 for the ABS version.

This bike is fitted with a slightly modified version of the 2008 Hayabusa's new engine and is also named by Suzuki as “Hayabusa’s rowdy cousin”.

You ought to see this motorcycle live. It's very impressive.

Here are some tech specs according to the catalog:

- Engine: 1340cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC
- Bore Stroke: 81.0 x 65.0mm
- Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
- Fuel System: Fuel Injection
- Lubrication: Wet sump
- Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
- Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
- Final Drive: #530 chain
- Overall Length: 2220mm (87.4 in.)
- Overall Width: 800mm (31.5 in.)
- Overall Height: 1085mm (42.7 in.)
- Seat Height: 805mm (31.7 in.)
- Ground Clearance: 120mm (4.7 in.)
- Wheelbase: 1525mm (60.0 in.)
- Dry Weight: 235 kg (518 lbs.) CA Model: 236 kg (520 lbs.)
- Suspension Front: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable compression damping
- Suspension Rear: Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression & rebound damping
- Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc
- Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
- Tires Front: 120/70-ZR-17
- Tires Rear: 200/50-ZR-17
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 liter (4.2 gal) CA Model: 16.0 liter
- Color: Gray/Silver, Black/Matte Black

Ducati (Italy) 2008

Model 1098
1099 cc; bhp 160
The trademark high tail section and compact fron end meld with the twin under-seat silencers and single-sided swing arm to express aerodynamics and agility. The 1098 is the first to have Brembo Monobloc brakes, a standard data acquisition system, and the direct application of MotoBP technology.

2008 Kawasaki Concours

Kawasaki have their own idea of touring. The result is the Concours (model year 2008) representing an entirely new genre of high-performance motorcycles: the Transcontinental Supersport.

Starting with breathtaking engine performance, impeccable handling and slim riding position, the new Concours adds touring features that make it the most impressive long-distance, high-speed machine on the market today.

As another flagship-level model, it was essential for the Concours to remain true to the Kawasaki brand. Thanks to first Variable Valve Timing system in its class, the Concours’ engine performance is just as remarkable. Ultra-low-rpm and mid-range torque output is simply breathtaking, as is the effortless acceleration from any speed. Thanks to the drive-line lash reducing Tetra-Lever shaft drive system, power delivery to the rear wheel is so smooth and so direct that it gives the same natural ride quality as a chain.

Like its engine, the Concours’ chassis is based on that of the ZX14. While modifications were made for touring comfort and equipment, and the riding position has been adjusted, sport riding quality from Kawasaki’s unique aluminium monocoque frame remains uncompromised. The Concours offers a bank angle on par with the ZX14, with excellent steering feedback from the rigid chassis, inverted fork and other high-spec running gear. Combined with a high-spec ABS brake package delivering supersport-level braking performance, the world’s only “monocoque tourer” delivers handling unrivalled in this class.

In addition to the sporting performance, the new Concours has the functionality of a Grand Tourismo machine. Features include an electrically adjustable windscreen, standard panniers, tyre pressure sensors, KI-PASS, the first smart key ignition system in its class, and an AC power outlet located under the cockpit.

For those riders who cross countries and continents the way others cross the city, the Kawasaki Concours offers more excitement than anything else in its category.

INTRODUCTION

Early Release 2008 model- arriving in dealerships early 2007

2008 KAWASAKI CONCOURS™ 14 AND CONCOURS 14 ABS: SPORT TOURING WITHOUT COMPROMISE

Supersport performance with long-distance touring comfort

The new Concours™ 14 and Concours 14 ABS combine breathtaking engine performance, impeccable handling and a comfortable riding position with clean, convenient shaft drive, locking hard luggage, an electrically adjustable windscreen and a host of other features to create the most impressive long-distance, high-speed machine on the market today.

An aluminum monocoque chassis, radial-mount brake calipers, inverted fork, and ram air induction are all features riders expect to find on top-of-the-line supersport machines. However, instead of riding a high-strung racetrack missile, they can enjoy these high-performance features on Kawasaki’s new Concours 14 sport touring motorcycles. They are the first representatives of an entirely new genre of high-performance motorcycle: the Transcontinental Supersport.

Because it’s a Kawasaki, the Concours 14 is naturally designed to do much more than just take a rider from point A to point B. Thanks to its sporting heritage, the new Concours 14 is not only an awe-inspiring road burner, it can also carve up mountain roads like a true supersport bike. For those riders who cross state lines the way others cross town, this machine offers more excitement than anything else in its category.

The Concours 14 may be a physically impressive machine, but as soon as riders flip the side stand up, they’ll be astonished at the bike’s lightweight feel. The confidence-enhancing ABS brake system (Concours™ 14 ABS) features radial-mount front calipers operated by a radial-pump master cylinder, for the superb control and powerful, reliable braking performance that continent-crossing sport riders expect. Belying its tourer-like appearance, the Concours 14’s phenomenally responsive handling characteristics make the other bikes in its category seem like transports by comparison. This provides the Concours 14 rider with a feeling of complete control for spirited, confident journeys.

In addition to an incredible level of sporting performance, the new Concours 14 has the functional touches of a Grand Touring machine. Features include KI-PASS (Kawasaki’s Intelligent Proximity Activation Start System), the first “smart” key ignition system in its class, and an accessory power outlet located near the cockpit for powering portable electronics, grip heaters and other accessories. There’s also an electrically adjustable windscreen, shaft drive and detachable, locking side cases, so the Concours 14 is always ready for a high-speed ride to the local hangout or that favorite spot… fifteen hundred miles away.

The Concours 14 is much more than a sportbike with tacked-on touring features; it’s an integrated high-speed touring system. Wind protection for rider and passenger is based on a supersport-style design philosophy, aerodynamically curving wind around the riders to reduce buffeting that occurs when wind curls around screens that simply “block” the wind. Additionally, maintenance chores on long-distance trips are minimized thanks to quiet and reliable shaft drive. Featuring a special four-link design, the Tetra-Lever shaft drive system significantly reduces driveline lash during sport riding and helps ensure smooth acceleration when exploiting the engine’s incredible power output. In fact, power delivery to the rear wheel is so smooth and so direct that it gives the same natural ride quality as a chain.

The Concours 14’s touring prowess doesn’t stop there. The included hard luggage features a slim, integrated design which mounts the cases closer to the machine’s centerline for excellent mass centralization. Sensors in the front and rear wheels monitor tire pressure and display this information on the instrument panel, giving riders peace of mind during two-up high-speed riding or when carving up a mountain road.

With all the equipment needed for safe and exciting long-distance riding mated to a decidedly supersport core, the new Concours 14 amplifies all the best riding features that motorcycling has to offer. Motorcyclists carry a driver’s license, but Concours 14 riders should bring their passports, too.

FEATURES

Key Features:
- Most powerful production sport tourer
- Next generation monocoque aluminum frame
- Comfortable long distance riding position
- Low-maintenance shaft drive

1,352cc Four-Cylinder, DOHC Engine with Variable Valve Timing (VVT)
- Tuned to provide smooth power across a wide rev range
- Variable valve timing improves the engine’s flexibility and efficiency by altering the camshaft profiles to suit different rpm ranges
- Carefully planned engine design keeps it compact and narrow
- Chrome composite plated aluminum cylinder bores are lightweight, durable, and quickly carry heat away from the combustion chamber and piston for supreme durability under high loads

Gear-Driven Dual Engine Balancers
- Already in perfect primary balance, dual secondary balancers virtually eliminate unwanted vibrations for extremely smooth engine operation and enhanced rider comfort

Ram Air Induction
- Ram Air ducts produce a straighter path to the airbox for maximum intake efficiency
- This system takes cooler, high-pressure air, guides it through the air filter and into the engine for maximum power output

Digital Fuel Injection
- Throttle bodies are fitted with sub-throttle valves that are controlled by the ECU to provide smooth, precise response similar to constant velocity carburetors
- 32-bit electronic control unit works with dual throttle valve system to further enhance throttle response and control
- A digital computer feeds the engine exactly the amount of fuel it needs for cleaner emissions and maximum fuel economy

Digital Ignition
- Digital Timing Advance enhances low-and mid-range power
- Four individual spark plug-mounted ignition coils fire each spark plug independently to achieve the optimum timing for that cylinder at that instant
- ECU includes an idle speed control system for easier starting and warm-up

Radial Pump Clutch Master Cylinder
- Hydraulic clutch features a radial-pump clutch master cylinder for smooth and precise clutch engagement

Monocoque Aluminum Frame
- The frame is a hollow aluminum box that arches over the engine from the steering head to the swing arm pivot; it is narrow, strong, rigid and very light
- Engine is rigidly mounted to increase the monocoque’s torsional rigidity. Plus using the engine as a stressed frame member decreases the frame’s weight by approximately four pounds
- Engine positioned forward in the frame, wheelbase and front/rear weight balance were carefully designed to achieve high-speed stability and responsive handling
- Massive steering head casting contributes to frame rigidity

Radial-mount Petal-type Front Disc Brakes
- Radial mounted four-piston front brake calipers. Instead of mounting the calipers with threaded tabs cast near the top of the caliper, the radial design utilizes integrated mounting points at both the top and bottom of the caliper, with the mounting bolts inserted through the rear of the caliper instead of the side/front. This makes the caliper more rigid, which improves brake feel over a wider range of operation
- A separate brake pad is used for each piston. One large pad can deform with the heat generated by hard braking, resulting in a loss of brake feel at the lever. Individual pads provide increased cooling efficiency and can absorb more heat without deforming so they maintain consistent brake feel under extreme conditions
- Petal design front and rear brake rotors provide enhanced cooling and better warp resistance
- Radial-pump front brake master cylinder improves brake performance and lever feel

Tetra-Lever Shaft Drive
- Unique four-link design significantly reduces driveline lash during sport riding and provides smooth acceleration when exploiting the engine’s incredible power output
- Virtually maintenance free, the Tetra Lever system dramatically reduces routine maintenance requirements

Antilock Brake System (Concours™ 14 ABS)
- ABS brakes boost safety and rider confidence in low-traction conditions and may enhance evasive maneuvering in an emergency

Bodywork Optimized for Sport Touring
- Fairing design promotes smooth airflow around the rider and passenger with minimal buffeting
- Integrated, locking hard luggage offers plenty of storage, without disrupting the Concours 14’s style or performance
- Electrically adjustable vented windscreen
- Large, comfortable seat offers long-distance comfort for both rider and passenger
- Glove box mounted on the fuel tank cover

Full Instrumentation
- Easy to read speedometer and tachometer
- Multi-function LCD digital display includes an odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge, gear position indicator and a clock
- A CAN (Controller Area Network) interface between the gauges uses fewer wires while allowing a greater volume of information, such as estimated fuel mileage, to be exchanged
- Kawasaki Smart key system (KI-PASS)
- Tire pressure sensors

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine
Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valve per cylinder, inline-four with VVT
Displacement: 1,352cc
Bore x stroke: 84.0 x 61.0mm
Maximum torque: TBD
Compression ratio: TBD
Fuel Injection: DFI
Ignition: TCBI with Digital Advance

Transmission
Type: Six speed
Final drive: Tetra-Lever shaft drive

Chassis

Front Tire: TBA
Rear Tire: TBA
Front suspension / wheel travel: Inverted, telescopic fork / TBA
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Tetra-Lever / TBA
Brakes, front: Dual floating petal discs with four-piston calipers
Brakes, rear: Single petal disc

Measures/Weight
Fuel capacity: TBA
Seat height: TBA
Wheelbase: TBA
Overall length: TBA
Overall height: TBA
Overall width: TBA
Rake / trail: TBA
Dry weight: TBA

Color:
Concours 14 ABS: Neutron Silver
Metallic Diablo Black
Concours 14: Neutron Silver

Lamborghini A Living Legend

The whole mystique of Automobili Lamborghini is related to the man who had the inspiration, the skill and the determination to turn a dream into a reality.

Ferruccio Lamborghini was born in Renazzo, a little village near Bologna, on the 28th of April 1916. His parents were farmers but Ferruccio did not inherit from them the love of the land and, from the very early days of his life, he showed an interest in technology and mechanics. He completed his technical studies in Bologna and soon after was able to put his know-how to the test when during the Second World War he was put in charge of vehicle maintenance in Rhodes, Greece.

It was probably due to his experience gained during the War that once he returned home, he started buying old military vehicles converting them into tractors, something that Italy desperately needed after the War. The success of this enterprise prompted him to buy a workshop in Cento where, from 1948 onward, Lamborghini tractors were produced. In 1959 the Lamborghini production was extended to burners and air conditioning units.

Having thus obtained a solid financial background Ferruccio Lamborghini launched himself into yet another new enterprise: the production of helicopters, one of his life-long passions, but he was stopped by the Government’s refusal to grant him a license. He then decided to turn his attention to cars and in doing so his life took a decisive turn and the car world was never the same again.

He opened a car factory in Sant'Agata in 1963, which started delivering cars in 1964: in doing so, the legend was started. Year after year this factory has produced cars that have been the ideal of beauty and perfection expressing better then anything else Ferruccio Lamborghini’s desire for nothing but the very best.

From 1963 to 1972 the Company grew at a steady rate, the only limiting factor was the launch of new cars which slowed down production capacity.

The year 1972 however, was marked by the worst crisis ever known by Lamborghini, coupled with the oil embargo and the general world recession which resulted in a dramatic reduction in sales, Ferruccio was forced to sell 51% of the company to a Swiss businessman, Georges-Henri Rossetti. Then in 1974 he sold the remaining 49% shares to a friend of Rossetti, René Leimer. The new Shareholders did not have day to day involvement in the company and were reluctant to invest, and for this reason the company found itself in difficulty with suppliers who were concerned over late payment of invoices.

1977 was probably the worst year for Lamborghini due to strategic mistakes on the part of the owners, which brought Lamborghini to over invest in an off-road vehicle without the prospect of sales and the underevaluation of a signed agreement with BMW for the production of a small series of sporting cars, an agreement which was annulled by the German company in 1978.

The situation was so serious that the Bologna courts were forced to bring the Company to the sad stage of receivership. Fortunately the company was entrusted to Alessandro Artese, a Bolognese expert in Commercial Law who was also a car enthusiast. Together with Sgarzi, sales manager, and the help of Giulio Alfieri, technical director, they managed to pull the company through a very difficult time, whilst searching for new shareholders.

The Company never closed down, thanks to the determination of its employees, the passion and loyalty of its clients and the support of its distributors. This situation lasted until July 1980 when the Bologna Court decided to sell the Company to the Mimran Brothers, well known tycoons in the food industry. The new owners, whose passion for cars was well known, started rebuilding the company investing in the plant, in new products and the search for a skilled workforce.

Decisive improvements were achieved from 1984 to 1986: the Company took off again and new foundations were set for a decisive growth, whilst the symbol of the Company, a charging bull, became well established and known on the market.

The growth rate was so fast and so demanding upon capital expenditure that it made it almost impossible for private individuals to support it properly. The need for a professional and strong partner became obvious and Chrysler seemed to be an ideal choice.
Chrysler, fortunately, found Lamborghini extremely attractive, thanks to its motivated management, its new products, the quality of manpower and the fascination of the marque: Chrysler asked the Mimran family for total share capital and an agreement was reached between them and signed in Sant'Agata on the 23rd of April 1987 by Mr. Greenwald and Mr. Mimram in the presence of all the Lamborghini workforce.

The reshaping of the Company started with the nomination of Mr. Emile Novaro as President of Lamborghini. Funds were injected in the Company's workshop to increase
production. On 7th of May 1990 after 19 years of work and 1997 cars produced, the Countach model went out of production giving way to the new Diablo model.

The production and sale of the Diablo reached its peak in 1991 and the Balance Sheet for that year showed a profit.

But the crisis of the world market was approaching. The ensuing years were very hard for automobile manufacturers and were a disaster for the world economy. The recession became dramatic and the dreamcar market in 1992 registered a significant drop in sales.
One would have to wait until 1993 to see a difficult and slow recovery of the world economy. 1994 seems to be the year of the economic shakedown although the experts say that 1990/1991 sales peaks will never again be achieved.

The crisis motivated the company's reorganisation and promoted the production diversification through new experimental projects, such as an electric vehicle for urban transportation, third-party mechanical machining, marine engine development and production.

In March 1993 the Diablo VT was introduced to the press and the public. This VT version is a Diablo fitted with a viscous coupling that turns the traction of the vehicle into a four-wheel drive mode when required.

In September of the same year Automobili Lamborghini presented the Diablo Special Edition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the company's foundation.

In January 1994 Chysler Corporation agreed to sell Automobili Lamborghini to MegaTech, a company which is part of the Indonesian Group Sedtco.

In 1994 Lamborghini won, for the first time, the Class 1 World Off-shore championship, setting a leadership that continues on today.

In 1995 the shareholders became V’Power (60%), Indonesian company controlled by Tommy Suharto, and MyCom (40%), Malaysian company controlled by Jeff Yap.

In November 1996 Vittorio Di Capua, a well known manager with wide experience in the car business gained over 40 years of work within the FIAT group, become president and chief executive officer of Automobili Lamborghini s.p.a. with the difficult task to recover the company from a very difficult situation of heavy losses. Under his leadership strong action in cost cutting and restructuring has brought Lamborghini’s balance sheet black figures, in 1997, for the first time after many years, thus attracting institutional investors interested in the acquisition of such a prestigious brand.

On the 24 of July 1998 an agreement between the shareholders of Lamborghini and Audi was signed in London for the complete take-over of the Company. Finally the House of the Bull has a strong owner, widely respected in the automotive world for its technical competence and commercial success, that will open new perspective of success to the supercars built in Sant'Agata.

In September 1998 Rodolfo Rocchio, an Italian engineer with many years experience within the Audi group, was appointed co-CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

In January 1999 the company was restructured.
Today Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A. with its President Franz-Josef Paefgen, has full control of three separate companies :

- Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. - cars
- Motori Marini Lamborghini S.p.A. - marine engines
- Lamborghini Artimarca S.p.A. - licensing and merchandising

This strategy was implemented in order to guarantee the dedicated focus of each company in their respective fields.

In June 1999 Vittorio Di Capua resigned as President and co-CEO of Automobili Lamborghini SPA.
Giuseppe Greco, a manager with a wide experience in the automotive field with Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, has been appointed President of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and co-CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Holding S.p.A..

In 1999 sales rose to 265 units, with an increase of about 25% compared to the previous year.

In January 2000 a radical restructuring in the headquarters is going to be carried out.
The new buildings will be ready by Spring 2001.

2008 Jaguar X-Type

At-A-Glance Highlights for 2008 Two model line-up – X-TYPE 3.0 and Sportwagon – continues to provide entry into the Jaguar brand Powerful 3.0-liter AJ-V6 produces 227bhp* and 206 lb.-ft. of torque and is certified to ULEV standard 10-way driver and passenger front seats, with memory functions for the driver’s seat, become standard across range Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is now standard on both 3.0 sedan and Sportwagon Rain-sensing windshield wipers standard across range Electrochromic interior rearview mirror now standard Message center/trip computer becomes standard Automatic on/off headlamps now standard Revised Luxury Package Bluetooth® wireless technology for mobile phone available across the range (option or accessory) SIRIUS® satellite radio available (accessory) * Note – all power and torque ratings are in SAE 2008 X-TYPE 3.0 SEDAN IN DETAIL Attractively priced with an MSRP starting at $35,725, the X-TYPE 3.0 combines athletic performance with agile handling, a refined ride and all the luxury appointments expected of a Jaguar. And it continues to be the only compact sedan in its class to offer standard traction-enhancing all-wheel drive. While the new MSRP is a slight an increase on 2007 base pricing, the 2008 version now includes, as standard, such high cost items such as Jaguar’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, memory driver’s seat and a message center/trip computer. “The X-TYPE still has tremendous appeal to customers aspiring to a compact Jaguar with all the Jaguar luxury cues, and the benefit of standard all-wheel drive,” explains Marti Eulberg, executive vice president of Marketing and Sales, Jaguar North America. DESIGN – A TRUE JAGUAR Introduced in August 2001, the X-TYPE was the first compact-sized Jaguar since the classic Mark II of the early 1960s. It followed closely behind the original S-TYPE – launched in 1999 – and made Jaguar accessible to a whole new segment of buyers, including many who had never previously considered a Jaguar. The X-TYPE’s distinctive, wedge-shaped exterior – seven inches shorter than the S-TYPE – combines strongly sculpted forms – such as the powerful rear haunches and crisp detailing. This gives the car a sporty and purposeful stance, as well as the unmistakable presence of a Jaguar. The styling incorporates familiar design cues from the last-generation XJ, like the sleek profile, quad elliptical headlamps and low-profile chrome mesh grille. And, of course, the famous Jaguar ‘leaper’ hood ornament. INTERIOR – CLASSIC STYLE Like the exterior, the X-TYPE uses classic Jaguar themes with a contemporary twist to provide an intimate, comfortable and thoroughly functional cabin. Traditional wood veneers in Bronze Sapele are combined with rich, leather seating surfaces. Attention to detail throughout the car reflects Jaguar’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, including the refined feel of control, as well as the overall high quality of fit and finish. And for 2008, the X-TYPE 3.0 is better equipped than ever, with 10-way power driver and passenger front seats, a tire pressure monitoring system and trip computer/message center added to the car’s standard interior feature list. For the best in audio, a six-speaker, 120-watt AM/FM stereo with CD player also comes standard. Power door locks and power windows with one touch up/down are part of the long list of standard features. AGILE HANDLING, REFINED RIDE Jaguar developed the X-TYPE 3.0’s driving dynamics to reward the driving enthusiast, providing nimble responses while delivering a traditional smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. An exceptionally stiff body structure serves as the foundation of the X-TYPE’s agile handling and compliant ride. The four-wheel independent suspension, employing a MacPherson strut layout at the front and a multi-link torsion control link system at the rear, delivers a high degree of inherent stability. The front struts are mounted at the top via a unique, twin-bearing system to reduce friction and enhance steering feel. AJ-V6 POWER FOR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE The X-TYPE’s 24-valve, four-cam 3.0-liter AJ-V6 engine is derived from the S-TYPE’s proven AJ-V6 powertrain, and uses a lightweight alloy cylinder block, alloy cylinder heads and a steel crankshaft. With advanced features, such as continuously variable cam phasing and advanced, 32-bit engine management system, the engine delivers spirited and athletic performance coupled with competitive fuel economy and low emissions. The 3.0-liter engine is highly efficient, delivering 227bhp and 206 lb.-ft. of torque. Mid-range torque is particularly impressive, with more than 90 percent of peak torque available between 2,500 and 6,000 rpm, and more than 80 percent available from below 1,500 rpm through the maximum engine speed of 6,800 rpm. Against the stopwatch, the X-TYPE is an athletic performer. In benchmark 0-60mph acceleration, the X-TYPE 3.0 automatic covers the distance in just 7.1 seconds. RING OF SAFETY Safety is key with the X-TYPE 3.0 sedan, as it is with every Jaguar. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), three-point safety belts throughout and pre-tensioning front safety belts with load limiters. The X-TYPE’s advanced airbag system features dual-stage deployment of the front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and state-of-the-art side-impact head protection curtain airbags for the front and rear outboard occupants. Helping protect the lower legs of the driver, the X-TYPE features an inflatable knee bolster airbag located within the driver-side footwell. Side airbags that deploy from the outer side bolsters of each front seat and the curtain airbags complete what is known as the ‘ring of safety’. This ‘ring’ helps protect the driver and passengers on three sides of the cabin. TRACTION-4 DELIVERS ALL-WEATHER CONTROL The X-TYPE 3.0 derives its great-driving character from the Jaguar Traction-4™ advanced all-wheel-drive system – the first in Jaguar’s history. It’s an innovation that sets the X-TYPE apart from its competition as it continues to be the only car in its class to come with standard traction-enhancing all-wheel drive.

The Soul of KIA

Kia has Soul and is trying to sell it to the American car buyers. But this probably comes as no surprise to the American public The Soul we are talking about was announced earlier this year in 2007 at the International Auto Show. It is believed that this car was named “Soul” to represent the cars Korean origin and the combined efforts of both Korea and their North American counter parts in California. The 2008 Kia Soul combines tastes and design in an effort to bring new life to a concept car that truly does have a soul of its own.

Kia’s new Soul concept car has a design that hopes to attract a younger, more active group of buyers. The modern stylish package offered standard along with new exterior features puts it all together for those looking for taste and style all in one.

The interior of the Soul is cram packed with one awesome and fully customizable multimedia communications system. In addition, mood lighting, a wide cargo area and a remote powered lift gate rounds out an interior that meets everyone’s expectations and then some.

When we look closer at the exterior of this wonderful pint sized new vehicle, we find a roof that houses not just one but two sun roofs, one in the front that is moveable and a rear window that is hinged. This design creates a panoramic sun/moon roof that adorns the Kia Soul’s sloped roofline. This allows Kia Soul occupants to enjoy open-air driving while also taking advantage of panoramic views. In addition, the Soul’s roof features adjustable roof racks integrated into the design. This design is intended to create an open, uninterrupted passenger cabin.

To add additional style to the interior, the audio systems speakers were made part of the overall design by making them a different color than the dash board which allows them to stand out. The small thin framed seats are a slight shade off the color of the speakers, and provide seating for four with a long center console that divides the first and second rows.

With its efforts to appeal to a younger more active generation, and realizing that today’s vehicles are becoming more of a mobile office, the Soul comes equipped with a video game monitor and a laptop computer that swings out of the glove box. The design allows it to be operated from either the driver or passenger side seats.

The hip, urban feel of the Kia Soul is enhanced by unique interior lighting. Rather than utilizing a standard dome light, lighting shines from around the moon roof, as well as from the trim of the door panels.

Kia wants to inspire passion in young car buyers, and to accomplish this, the Kia Soul will provide a unique and dynamic vehicle in the increasingly crowded compact SUV market allowing the Soul Concept crossover SUV to be its roadmap to success.

Kia Motors is stepping outside of the shadow of its competitors and making a significant place for itself in the key SUV sector.

Yamaha Motorcycle

Yamaha Motor Company Limited (Yamaha Hatsudo-ki Kabushiki-gaisha) (TYO: 7272 ), a Japanese motorized vehicle-producing company (whose HQ is at 2500 Shingai, Iwata, Shizuoka), is part of the Yamaha Corporation. After expanding Yamaha Corporation into the world's biggest piano maker, then Yamaha CEO Genichi Kawakami took Yamaha into the field of motorized vehicles on July 1, 1955. The company's intensive research into metal alloys for use in acoustic pianos had given Yamaha wide knowledge of the making of lightweight, yet sturdy and reliable metal constructions. This knowledge was easily applied to the making of metal frames and motor parts for motorcycles. Yamaha Motor is the world's second largest producer of motorcycles. It also produces many other motorized vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, outboard motors, and personal watercraft.

Yamaha Motor Co. is now a separate corporation, no longer a direct subsidiary of the Yamaha Corporation. They still share the same name and the trademark tuning fork logo, however with a small difference in the logotype of their name. The "M" in YaMaha is different - while the Motor Co's M extends all the way down to the baseline, the M of Yamaha Corp. is cropped in the lower middle part. Still, a close tie is kept between the two sister organizations. An example is a Yamaha manufacture plant in Indonesia, which both produce vital engine parts for motorcycles, and all hardware for Yamaha Drums and several of their entry-line drum kits.

In 2000, Toyota and Yamaha Corporation made a capital alliance where Toyota paid Yamaha Corporation 10.5 billion yen for a 5 per cent share in Yamaha Motor Company while Yamaha and Yamaha Motor each bought 500,000 shares of Toyota stock in return.
Yamaha has a long racing heritage where it has had its machines and team win many different competitions in many different areas, for example the dakar rally and Moto GP.

In 2005, Yamaha announced the creation of "Star Motorcycles", a new standalone brand name for its cruiser series of motorcycles in the American market. Although a separate brand, Star motorcycles continue to be sold at Yamaha dealerships. In other markets the same bikes will be still sold as Yamahas.

Yamaha has recently gone to a 100% four-stroke snowmobile line-up, making them the only snowmobile manufacturer to do so. Yamaha had introduced four-strokes to their line-up in 2003 and the line-up became four-stroke based for model year 2005. Many say that Yamaha has proven snowmobiles can be clean, efficient, and reliable all while maintaining strong performance. The RX-1 released in 2003 was the first performance-oriented four-stroke snowmobile to ever hit the market. It was not, however, the first modern four-stroke snowmobile produced. That honor belongs to Arctic Cat for their Yellowstone Special, released in 2000, which was designed as a rental sled that could meet Yellowstone National Park's stringent emission requirement. However, the Yamaha received much criticism for its weight disadvantage when compared to similar two-strokes, despite its excellent fuel economy and low-range torque. Yamaha is now on the cutting edge of four-stroke technology with the introducing of their 80FI engine which is equipped on the Phazer and Venture Lite models. This engine has one of the highest specific output of any four-stroke in production, with 160 HP/L, Yamaha achieves this even without the use of a forced induction system. Yamaha is also a key player in the "four-stroke wars", which are a series of advertisements from opponent Ski-Doo who claim their 2-tec and power-tek equipped two-strokes are still cleaner and more efficient than four-strokes, while Yamaha still claims the four-strokes are cleaner. Yamaha also broke a multi-year absence from sno-cross in the winter of 2006-07 with their introduction of a factory race team headed by former Arctic Cat racer Robbie Malinoski.

Yamaha has also built engines for other manufacturers' vehicles, most notably the V-6 and V-8 engine for the Ford Taurus SHO. The Volvo XC90 uses a larger version of the same Yamaha V-8 engine. They also built Formula One racing engines from the late 1980s to the mid 1990s, with little on track success. In 1991, Yamaha developed its F1 engined supercar called the OX99-11 where two drivers sit in tandem in front of the engine, but the project was canned due to the world recession and lack of interest.

Yamaha also tunes engines for other manufacturers, Toyota being one of them. Yamaha logos are, for instance, found on the Toyota S engines.

Yamaha developed a prototype for a two-seater sports car with help of Albrecht Goertz. While the Yamaha/Nissan partnership never progressed beyond the prototype stage, Toyota took up the design and released the Toyota 2000GT.

Yamaha is also one of the big 4 companies in the Personal water craft market.

Honda Motorcycle

Started in 1946 by Soichiro Honda who wanted to produce cheap transportation for the people after the second world war. Today Honda has become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world.

Honda started by using old army engines but later developed their own 50cc engine. The first real Honda bike was produced in 1949 called the Model D (Dream) which was followed due to the success of the ‘D’ by model J Benly.
Honda started to make an international name for itself with the introduction of the CB models. Started by a CB72 (250cc) and the CB77 (305cc). However the first series used the old press steel frames and the better road handling came with the introduction of the steel tubular frames in the CB92. The CB77 (super hawk) was excellent reliable motorcycle which out preformed many similar English models.

Honda introduced in 1958 the C100 Super Club motorcycle as a sports, leisure, easy going, convenient and reliable bike with a great marketing campaign (you meet nice people on a Honda) that blasted the C100 to a best selling bike of all times. And it was only a humble scooter styled motorcycle.

Honda started building bigger engine bikes with the first model CB450 in 1965. The black bomber / black hawk was an attack to the dominating English bikes in this area. Although the CB450 didn’t match the British motorcycles (yet) the competition had begun.

One step up from the 450 was the introduction of the CB750 in 1969. Which was beyond it’s class at the time. A smooth operating mass produced 4 cylinder bike with excellent handling. It dominated the market at the time and sold very well world wide. Honda didn’t upgrade the CB750 over the years so despite is success it started to loose popularity towards the end 70’s.

Honda did change the model line of the CB750 to include smaller models like the CB500 (1971) and the CB400 (1975). Both bikes were very successful mainly due to the fact of weight reduction of the big brother CB750 which gave them huge maneuverability advantage.

As the modern day cruiser the Honda Gold Wing (Interstate – usa, de luxe – Europe) was introduced in 1980 and has stayed in production ever since. You actually like or hate the Wing but fact of the matter is that world wide no other model has such a high fan base. The full fairing Gold Wing was developed on the GL1000 Gold Wing of 1975.

Two years later in 1982 the new model Gold Wing was released called the Aspencade. Also a big hit with improved luxury features including backrest, music system, adjustment computer and much more). In 1988 the GL1500 Gold Wing was launched and was the biggest most complex bike of its time. Only to be surpassed by the GL1800 Gold Wing.

Honda developed a really cool looking street bike called the CBX1000 in 1978. It was a pure big bike with a streetlook and chrome pipes. The looks, power and even effortless drive didn’t make this model to be a success. Honda adjusted it to a modest sports tour bike called the CBX-B.

Honda produced a series of specialized bikes for racing and engineering goals. A few examples being the CB1100R making a most powerful four cylinder unit yet. And the turbo charged CX500 – CX650 turbo. Or the NR500 a super expensive, beautiful designed superbike.

Started in the 1980’s Honda developed a series of V-four engines which setup the model line of Honda VF’s ranging between 400cc and 1000cc. But due to mechanical problems the VF line never really got going.

Much to the contrary of the following VFR line, VFR 750R (RC30) in 1988 which was an enormous hit right from the start. A sporty tour motorcycle, well balanced, reliable and well powered. The design of the VFR change in 1990 with the VFR750L and again with the introduction of the VFR800FI. In 2002 the super popular VFR underwent a new radical design change making it even sporty but still keeping it’s tour character.

Launched in 1987 the middle ranged CBR600F is a long established success story in the middle range motorcycle sports class. The handling of the 600cc engine power and regular updates have been an ongoing success for Honda. The CBR600RR 2003 model has had a redesign which puts it closer to the racetrack roots than ever before.

The Fireblade (also a CBR model) was a new chapter for Honda and motorcycle fans worldwide. The introduction of the CBR900RR (893cc) in 1992 was a huge improvement with what was then out on the market. This came largely because of the engine capacity in a smaller light frame. The bike was redesign a few times but only regained it’s original success with the 2000 model fireblade CBR929RR (929cc). Two years later the power was increased once again to 954cc.

Not built for super handling but a more as a straight lined rocket the CBR1100XX Super Blackbird (1137cc) which became the fastest production bike in 1996. The Blackbird was only popular as a long range high speed tour.

2008 BMW X6 Active Hybrid Concept - North American Debut

This concept was shown first at the 2007 Frankfurt show and will make its North American debut in Detroit.

BMW's Concept X6 Active Hybrid is visually little different from the Concept X6 that it shares a bodyshell with, but its interesting bits lie under the hood. The X6 Active Hybrid boasts a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain co-developed with General Motors, Chrysler, and Daimler-Benz; as such, it's also the first non-marque-specific hybrid powertrain to reach the market.

The Concept X6's hybrid technology - a flexible, modular powertrain system that will eventually see production in Chrysler, BMW, and GM vehicles - incorporates, like all hybrids, a set of nickel-metal hydride batteries, an electric drive system, and a supplementary gasoline-engine drive system. An active, electronically controlled CVT incorporating three planetary gearsets transmits drive torque, and its two automatic operation modes (one for low speeds, one for high) allow for a crisp transfer of power with comparatively high efficiency.

BMW claims the system offers a twenty-percent improvement in both fuel economy and emissions over a typical gasoline-engined powertrain. The hybrid system's components are lighter and more compact than those of other currently available systems; BMW also claims that the modular componentry also makes it particularly well-suited to large-truck and SUV applications.

As on the Concept X6, twenty-one-inch wheels are fitted. The underfloor skid plates are made of aluminum, and when the X6 Active Hybrid is running solely on electric power, the rear plate moves out and covers the exhaust outlets.

2009 Jaguar XF

Jaguar fans have always been vocal and opinionated about what sort of cars Coventry should be building. Their opinions usually boil down to "make it breathtakingly beautiful, with loads of performance."

With Ian Callum - the design genius behind such great cars as the Aston Martin DB7 and DB9 - now at the Jaguar styling helm, the "breathtaking" part should have been a walk in the park. But there's a contingent within Jaguar that insisted that the XF, which replaces the S-type and needs to sell in big numbers, should also be class-competitive with the likes of the Audi A6 and the BMW 5-series. That means the XF had to have a big trunk and space for five adults, but it also meant a little less freedom to create a truly stunning visual form.

The XF looks a lot like a Lexus GS in profile. That's no bad thing, but the XF hardly provides the drama that you'd expect from the brand that created the original XJ in the 1960s. The overall visual impression you get from the XF is that it's nice but not stunning. It has some really good detailing, such as the chrome strip at the back that sweeps under the taillight cluster and its complex headlamps. But Jaguar has attached a large chrome "leaper" on the trunk lid because, as insiders admit, most onlookers won't know that it's a Jag otherwise.

On a more positive note, the XF's interior really scores - there's plenty of room to seat four large adults in comfort. The cabin overflows with neat details, such as the gear shifter, covered HVAC vents that rotate to open, a start button that pulses red when you enter the car, and blue lighting around the instruments and dials. And the quality of materials and assembly on the XF we recently saw at Jaguar's design studio was as good as anything in the class. The XF's long list of electronic driver aids also is competitive and includes voice control for audio and telephone, a blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, a tire-pressure monitor, and an electronic parking brake.

At launch, the XF will be available with Jaguar's familiar 4.2-liter V-8 in either normally aspirated or supercharged guise, developing 300 and 420 hp, respectively. A six-speed automatic with shift paddles will be standard. Jaguar isn't yet using the R badge-denoting the highest-performance model in the range-for the 420-hp supercharged XF. That will come later, when the XFR launches with 500-plus hp.

In the meantime, we'd really like to see Jaguar succeed with this new sedan. And while it's good that the brand is abandoning retro pastiche design, we wonder whether the XF has pushed Jaguar's new look far enough.

Be sure to see our photo gallery (below) for three pages of wallpaper-quality images of the new XF!

Chevrolet Volt Concept Aerodynamic Evolution

Chevy first showed its Volt Concept at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show. Then, at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, it showed a diesel variant in a different body called the Opel Flextreme. Now, GM is showing its progress on original Volt's body with a teaser shot of the revised front end.

The image shows a nose that is much less blunt than the original, with rounded corners. These changes weren't made for purely aesthetic reasons though; GM has been developing the Volt's shape with the help of wind tunnel testing and computational fluid dynamics work. The changes have been made to reduce aerodynamic forces on the vehicle, thereby improving the vehicle's range.

According to Frank Weber, global chief engineer for the Volt's E-Flex propulsion system, good aerodynamics are the most important aspect of a hybrid electric vehicle's design. The car's weight has much less of an impact on total energy use, since any extra battery mass translates to more kinetic energy that can be recovered with the regenerative braking system. How's that for counter-intuitive?

After the original concept was shown, GM endeavored to improve the aerodynamics of the Volt's body. A one-third-scale model was made of the show car to provide a baseline, and the team went from there to improve the shape. Using GM's wind tunnel, the largest automotive wind tunnel in existence, the team has been able to reduce the Volt's aerodynamic drag by thirty percent.

Since the electric vehicle requires less cooling than a conventional vehicle, the designers were able to close off much of the front grille to improve air flow, leaving what is essentially decorative trim in place of the conventional opening.

Styling won't take a back seat to aerodynamics with this new approach, however. VP of global design Ed Welburn made it clear that designers will seek a balance between visual appeal and aero-friendliness.