May
    25
    2010
  • THE PEUGEOT 3008

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Peugeot’s award winning 3008 Crossover is now available with a more powerful HDi diesel engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox.

    The Peugeot 3008 range will expand in June with the introduction of the 3008 HDi 163 FAP Automatic version which will be available in two trim levels, Sport and Exclusive.

    The introduction of this new model will see a more powerful HDi diesel engine join the range. The new engine, which meets the current Euro 5 emission standards, is a major development of the old 2.0 litre 136 bhp “DW10B” HDi diesel engine featured in other Peugeot models. The cylinder head, internal engine components, intake, exhaust and timing have all been extensively redesigned. To obtain the increase in performance, the engine benefits from the use of Peugeot’s latest generation combustion chamber design known as ECCS (Extreme Conventional Combustion System), a low inertia variable geometry turbocharger, a high pressure injection pump with an operating pressure raised to 2000 bars and solenoid injectors with eight individual apertures.

    With a capacity of 1997 cm3, it delivers its maximum power of 163 bhp at 3,750 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 340 Nm from an engine speed of 2,000 rpm. This engine provides the 3008 with particularly low fuel consumption and, therefore, CO2 emissions compared to its competitors.

    The HDi 163 is only available with a six-speed automatic gearbox. This gearbox has been developed to reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption and CO2emissions and also benefits from a very efficient torque converter and significant reductions in internal friction losses. Particular attention has also been paid to the quality and speed of the gear changes in terms of the smoothness of the gear changes, the gear change settings and responsiveness.

    The chosen gearbox gear ratios ensure good responsiveness when pulling away, excellent continuity when accelerating thanks to the smoothness of the gear changes, and an all-round ease of use linked to optimisation of the engine’s torque range, which is particularly generous in this respect. The gearbox management control system of all six gears optimises fuel consumption as the user is able to drive more often at low engine speeds, while the high ratio sixth gear reduces fuel consumption and engine noise levels on motorways.

    Two driving modes are possible: automatic – for quiet, stress-free driving which adapts to the user’s driving style – and a more active mode, thanks to the sequential selection control.

    The 3008 HDi 163 automatic also benefits from the standard fitment of Peugeot’s Dynamic Roll Control. This system, built into the rear suspension, not only enhances driving enjoyment, but also preserves ride comfort on a day-to-day basis, thanks to the excellent damping control of any road irregularities.

    Standard specification consists of: 17” alloy wheels with energy saver tyres, rear parking aid, cruise control with speed limiter, radio / CD player with MP3 playback, lighting pack with boot net, height adjustable driver and passenger seats, full body coloured exterior, dynamic roll control, leather steering wheel, front fog lights, electric front/rear windows, air-conditioning, multi-flex interior (row two flat folding seats, three position boot load area floor and split tailgate), automatic electric parking brake with hill assist, electronic stability programme (ESP), six airbags, ABS with EBFD and emergency brake assist, two isofix seat mountings, remote central locking…

    The Exclusive version adds the following standard specification – Cielo panoramic glass roof, visibility pack (automatic headlights and wipers), head up display, distance alert, rear side window sun blinds, tyre pressure sensors, alarm (Thatcham category 1 approved), exterior pack (chrome front & rear bumpers and side rubbing strips), family pack (additional storage in rear foot lockers), dual zone digital air-conditioning with air quality sensor (AQS) and climate control….

    Press data & images: Peugeot
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  • May
    20
    2010
  • Thanks to its combination of small size and powerful 3.0-litre six cylinder twin turbocharged engine, BMW’s 135i has attracted a loyal following amongst owners and the motoring press.

    Which is why Buckingham based Superchips Ltd, the market leading specialist in performance electronic tuning, is pleased to unveil a performance boosting ECU remap for the 135i.

    The result of extensive investigation into the BMW’s Siemens MSD ECU parameters, Superchip’s highly experienced technicians successfully identified several performance enhancement opportunities with the original factory settings, enabling the company to refine the 135i’s ECU map to meet the needs of the BMW driving enthusiast who demands a sharper, more exciting drive.

    Careful optimisation of ignition, fuelling and turbo boost settings via combination of extensive chassis dyno testing and road validation has produced a Superchips remap that elevates the performance of the 135i onto a different plane.

    As measured on its in house four wheel drive chassis dyno’, the Superchips upgrade boosts the BMW 135i’s peak power from a tested standard output of 315 bhp, to a mighty 360 bhp, with a maximum power gain of 49 bhp at 5989 rpm.

    The Superchips ECU remap also significantly enhances the 135i’s torque output, rising from a measured 394 Nm to an impressive 456 Nm at just 3359 rpm, with maximum gain of 70 Nm at just 3267 rpm.

    Compared to the standard BMW 135i, the Superchips upgraded car produces peak torque over 1000 rpm lower down in the rev range, making it not only ultimately faster, but also significantly easier to drive.

    Although not yet tested against the clock, the Superchips remapped BMW 135i is expected to better the standard car’s 5.3 second 0-60 mph sprint time, although for safety reasons the 155 mph speed limiter is left untouched.

    Installation of the Superchips ECU remap entails customers visiting one of approximately 100 Superchips dealerships in the UK who will undertake the remap procedure.

    Suitable for both manual and automatic transmission variants of BMW 135i produced from 2007 onwards, the Superchips ECU remap is available now both directly from Superchips and its UK dealer network, priced at £445.00 including VAT @ 17.5%.

    Press data & images: BMW
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  • May
    19
    2010
  • The BMW 1 series upgrade or more commonly known M1 has been in the news for quite some time now. We’ve also heard rumors that there might not be one at all. Although now it does seem like BMW is planning to come up with an upgraded version of their ever-so-successful 1 series.

    Reports suggest that a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that will probably generate up to 326 horsepower and 450 Nm or torque could power the ‘M1’. The engine will be mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

    Here’s a video of the 1-series undergoing testing at the Nurburgring circuit.

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  • May
    10
    2010
  • Porsche offers Classic Sport kits for 911

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Porsche is now introducing the 911 Sport Classic with some popular performance enhancing equipment. Only 250 of the 911 Sport Classic were built and now it can be modded with a choice of various items.

    For starters there is Fuchs wheels with five-spoke design from 1966 to early 1980s and the sizes of these wheels will be 8.5×19 in front and 11.5×19 at rear.

    Porsche owners who have the dual clutch PDK transmission have a choice of a turbo steering wheel retrofitted to their cars. This Turbo wheel hosts very sporty looking metal paddles mounted at the back.

    As for the outside features of the car, there’s a new aerokit for the front and a new replaced rear wing gives the 911a Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup look.

    The parts are already on sale and are available in Europe. Hopefully, the U.S. market will see them soon too.

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  • May
    4
    2010
  • 2011 Ford Mustang V6 DUB Edition

         by Aman Chaudhry

    Ford has collaborated with DUB magazine and Roush Industries to come out with the new DUB Edition 2011 Mustang. This aggressive macho looking Mustang is directed for the young enthusiastic urban drivers.

    The DUB edition of 2011 Mustang is based entirely on the 305 hp V6 and 280 pound feet of torque mated with either an automatic or manual six-speed gear box, and will be available in coupe, convertible or glass-roof variants. Comes with a Roush front fascia and splitter, Roush quarter window louvers and windshield banner, twenty-inch TIS wheels which are standard, Roush lowering springs, 3.31 rear axle ratio is fitted out back to provide more acceleration, DUB-embroidered headrest and DUB stripe package.

    This DUB edition Mustang will be on sale this fall and there’s a choice of four exterior colors – Black, Grabber Blue, Ingot Silver or Race Red, while the interior remains black.

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  • Apr
    22
    2010
  • Ken Block needs no introduction. It’s no news that he has moved on from Subaru Impreza WRX STI to 2011 Ford Fiesta .The Gymkhana Three Fiesta was unveiled at an event in San Francisco and it was for everyone to see the extra wide, sporty, imposing vehicle it is.

    The same team that made his Monster World Rally team hatch has built the Fiesta. The specialists at Swedish Rallycross Olsbergs Motorsport Evolution have specifically developed a 2 litre 4-cylinder Duratec that will offer 850 horsepower, (restricted to 650 hp for more low-end torque) and 650 pound of torque and weighs 2425 pounds.

    The Maktrak six speed sequential transmission all wheel drive, Gymkhana 3 will zoom from 0 to 60 mph in 2 seconds flat.

    Check out some videos of the Gymkhana Three Fiesta here and here.

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  • Apr
    19
    2010
  • CITROËN’S LUXURY NEW METROPOLIS CONCEPT

         by Aman Chaudhry

    This is the latest Citroen Metropolis – a magnificent and impressive concept car that will be on display in the French pavilion at the Shanghai Word fair for 1st of May to 31st of October 2010. The Citroën International design team based in Shanghai since 2008, has designed this concept car limousine.

    The wheelbase of the Citroen Metropolis is longer than the S-Class or the A8L. At 5.3 meters long, it is also as wide as the Maybach, which could mean that this luxury saloon could open new doors for the French carmaker in China. China happens to be the second biggest market for Citroen.

    This prototype Citroen is derived from a hybrid platform with a 2.0 V6 engine with an output of 275 hp and 377 nm of torque is combined with a second electric motor with power varying between 55 and 96 hp. Taking advantage of both engines, the overboost offers a total power of 460 hp and 430 nm of torque with a CO2 emission of just 70gm/kg. This luxury hybrid is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and this four-wheel drive car can be recharged from an electrical outlet.

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  • Apr
    14
    2010
  • Gear Shifting

         by Aman Chaudhry

    All those who agree with me that manual transmission cars are (sometimes) more fun than automatic will probably be the ones who’ll buy this thing.

    It’s called a Gear Shift FM Radio and it’s for those people who can’t get enough of changing gears in their cars (or who miss manual transmissions)

    It works just like any normal radio, can receive short wave broadcasts and can automatically scan FM frequencies.

    The best part is that you can change FM channels just like you change gears and well that is the only fun part.

    This funky looking radio is portable, works on 2 AAA batteries and I believe is available for less than $50 in gadget stores.

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