First Drive: Classic Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody Challenger

The Challenger SRT8 marked the official return last year of the musclecar to the Dodge lineup, and its retro styling, 425-horsepower V8 and tire-shredding capabilities had Mopar enthusiasts giddy with excitement. What, you say, could be much better? Enter Classic Design Concepts. The Novi, Michigan-based company has been adding its visual touch to cars since 1990, and recently tried its hand at Dodge's new musclecar. The result? The Group 2 Widebody Challenger that made its debut at SEMA in 2008. We were instantly smitten with the car's aggressive appearance on the show floor, and were determined to get a closer look if we ever had the chance. Jumping forward a couple of months, we recently learned that the car would be out in Southern California for a Mopar gathering. A phone call to CDC later and we were fortunate enough to land an afternoon behind the wheel of this 575-horsepower bona fide modern musclecar.

First off, let's get one thing straight: Classic Design Concepts isn't your typical body kit manufacturer. The fit and finish on all of its products is at or above OE quality, which is why companies like Ford, Saleen and Roush have relied on CDC to supply parts for their cars. Remember that cool functional hood scoop on the Mach 1 Mustang built in 2003? It was designed and built by Classic Design Concepts. All products also come with their own three-year warranty on manufacturer defects.



You might wonder – as did we – why they don't build and sell a complete car of their own. We asked, and were told that CDC prefers to simply provide components and let customers create cars for themselves. Even so, the Group 2 Challenger has the look of a production car and we could easily picture it on a showroom floor.

Just like the stock Challenger, the Group 2 Widebody gets inspiration from Mopar models past. The overall theme of the car comes from a variety of 1970's Chrysler road racers, including five Hemi Cuda race cars that were campaigned by Chrysler of France from 1970 to 1973, and more famously, by the Challenger T/A driven by Sam Posey in the 1970 Trans-Am season. Each competed in a Group 2 classification – the Cudas in FIA and the Challenger T/A in SCCA, hence the name. Other visual cues, like the rear quarter panel extensions, have a direct link to the 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda.
So, just what is included in the Group 2 package? For starters, new composite front fenders, left and right spoiler canards (side wings) and rear "billboard" panel and fenderwell extensions. In total, the new body panels add six inches to the width of the Challenger. Not only does it look awesome, but it's functional too. The car can now accommodate 11.5-inch wide wheels at the rear and 10-inch wide wheels up front, enabling better grip for acceleration and cornering. Customers can purchase the package with USW 20-inch three-piece wheels and Pirelli PZero Rosso tires or find their own combination. Other options from Classic Design Concepts include a stainless steel wire mesh grille, sequential taillights and a fully functional shaker hood system, a CDC specialty.



This particular Challenger also has a few additional components not sold directly by Classic Design Concepts. Under the hood is a Vortech supercharger system that works in conjunction with the shaker hood system to boost the Hemi V8 to 575 horsepower, and out back, a Corsa exhaust system ensures a true muscle car sound emits from the tailpipes. Lastly, a KW coilover suspension system helps reduce body roll and improve handling, and a Baer drilled-and-slotted big brake upgrade provides additional stopping power.



While it's hard for a photograph to convey, the width of the CDC Group 2 Challenger is nothing short of impressive in person. The new fenders give the Challenger bold and beautiful curves at nearly every angle, and the difference is especially noticeable when juxtaposed with a stock Dodge Challenger. Although it barely seems possible, the Group 2 actually manages to make the standard production car look wimpy. In fact, we began to notice a growing trend as we spent more time with the car; everything that the stock Dodge Challenger embodies, the CDC Group 2 does so even more. If the Challenger reminds you of the muscle car era, the Group 2 makes you feel like you're actually there. Think driving around in Challenger SRT8 attracts attention? Try it in this bad boy. Parked at a gas station, we had people appear out of nowhere to come inspect the car. The Group 2 seems to be universally loved by car enthusiasts. Everyone from a Ford Mustang GT owner to a 20-something in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo pulled over to have a look at the car.



And then there is the experience of actually driving the CDC Group 2 Challenger. We can't think of another modern vehicle that makes you feel this much like you're behind the wheel of a true take-no-prisoners muscle car. Mash the throttle and the Group 2 explodes off the line with tires howling and the tail wagging as the car fights for traction in spectacular muscle car fashion. It doesn't feel supercar fast – most likely because of its size – but just a few seconds on the gas and you'll be well past the legal speed limit. The only thing we'd change is the automatic transmission, and fortunately, Chrysler is now offering a six-speed manual for the Challenger. Check that option in the box, and we'd take this car as-is, no changes needed.



So what's the downside? Well, the Group 2 package is a wee bit expensive. All of the body components are $11,995 installed, or $5,895 not including wheels and tires. The shaker system, including the composite flat hood, adds another $2,495. So just to get the full look of this car, you're looking at nearly $14,500. To build this exact car, you'd also have to spend $6,400 (Vortech supercharger), $3,095 (KW adjustable coilovers), $3,525 (Baer Extreme Plus brakes) and $1,870 (Corsa exhaust system). Add that to the $42,745 price of a base Dodge Challenger SRT8 plus $695 for the manual transmission, and you end up with a $72,820 car.

The Classic Design Concepts Group 2 Widebody Challenger is kind of like the Shelby GT500KR of Mopars: based on a $20,000 car and probably not the best bang for your buck, but it's the ultimate version of a really cool car. So if the Dodge Challenger is your dream car, then the CDC Group 2 Widebody Challenger is the biggest, baddest, and, without a doubt, widest one you can get.
Base vehicle specs:
2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8
6.1LHEMI
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Brilliant Black

CDC GROUP 2 Challenger Wide Body Kit – PN. 0832-7005-01

• Package components Include:
• Right and Left Composite Front Fenders
• Right and Left Composite "Billboard" Rear Quarter Panel Extensions
• Front and Rear Inner Wheel Well Extensions
• Aerodynamic Front Spoiler "Canards"
• Unique CDC GROUP 2 Exterior Badging and Numbered Console Plaque

Options on GROUP 2:

• Challenger R/T - SRT8 Functional Shaker System
• Challenger RTM Composite Flat Hood

GROUP 2 Specific Wheel and Tire Package:

• Rims - USW Forged "Crossover" w/Three Piece Construction and unique spacing. Front – 20"X 10", Rear – 20" X 11.5"
• Tires – Pirelli PZero Rosso Front - P275/40ZR 20, Rear – P315/35ZR 20

Other Modifications:

• Vortech Supercharger
• KW Coilover Suspension
• Corsa Cat-Back Exhaust
• Baer Extreme Plus Brake System

[Source: Autoblog]

Lotus releasing Elise Purist Edition for $43,995

Rumors have been circulating for almost a week that Lotus was planning to release a stripped-down, low-cost version of the Elise in the States. Today, we finally received confirmation from Lotus' U.S. PR-man, Kevin Smith, that indeed, the Elise "Purist" edition is on the way, and unlike the dozens of other limited-edition Elises coming out of Hethel, this is one we can actually get behind.

According to Smith, the "Purist" edition is an attempt to get the Elise closer to the MSRP it carried when introduced to the U.S. market in 2005. So Lotus has set the price at a slightly more achievable $43,995, or around $3,500 less than a base Elise.

However, the "Purist" is hardly a stripper model. Only available in Ardent Red, Monaco White and Saffron Yellow, the entry-level Lotus is still packing the 190-hp, Toyota-source 2ZZ 1.8-liter four and six-speed manual transmission, along with Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, AP-developed calipers with ventilated and cross-drilled discs, silver wheels sized 16x5.5 in front and 17x7.5 in the rear, each shod in Yokohama Neova high-performance rubber (175/55 front, 225/45 rear). Black leather seats join a Momo steering wheel, power doors locks, air-conditioning, a four-speaker stereo with in-dash CD player, tire-pressure monitoring system and an alarm with engine immobilizer. The only option available is the Starshield coating for $995. Neither the Sport or Touring pack will be offered and we're okay with that – it's near perfection already.

[Source: Lotus, LotusEnthusiast]

Fiat could take majority control of Chrysler as early as 2013

We all know by now that Fiat will take an initial 20% stake in Chrysler in exchange for supplying the bankrupt automaker small-car platforms and fuel efficient drivetrains. Further down the road, Fiat will have the opportunity to purchase a large stake in Chrysler, upping its ownership to 35% and between 2013 and 2016, the Italian automaker can take an additional 16% share of Chrysler, bringing its total to 51% and gaining majority control. However, until Chrysler repays its loans to the U.S. Treasury, Fiat's share must be kept at 49%. For Fiat to take control of Chrysler, the crew from Auburn Hills will need to pay back over $10 billion in loans, and we remain suitable skeptical that Chrysler will be able to return the cash – particularly with new products from Fiat still 18 months away, at least.

[Source: SMH]

The world's fastest BMW coupe? 230 mph G-Power M6 Hurricane CS

The G-Power crew is constantly striving to produce the most insane BMWs on the planet, combining forced induction with thoroughly revised suspensions and aerodynamics to attain completely unreasonable speeds. It's latest creation, the M6 Hurricane CS, takes the standard set by its M5-based Hurricane RS, and straps a duo of superchargers onto the 5.0-liter V10, boosting the coupe's output to 740 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque.

Combined with a remapped ECU and a titanium exhaust, along with carbon fiber seats and a few other tweaks to reduce the curb weight by around 100 pounds, the CS can run to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, to 124 mph in 9.6 seconds, 187 in 26 seconds and on to a claimed top speed of 230 mph – making it the fastest road-going BMW coupe on Earth.

In addition to the twin superchargers and bespoke body-kit, G-Power fitted the CS with carbon ceramic brakes at all four corners, with the front discs measuring in at 380mm and clamped by six-piston calipers. A coil-over suspension with nine adjustable settings joins front and rear anti-roll bars, and for a scant 390,000 euros, it can be yours. All the details can be found in the press release below the fold.

Video: Corvette Grand Sport revealed

After 15 years, Chevrolet has brought the Grand Sport name back into its sports car line-up. It was only fitting for the GS to be unveiled at the the National Corvette Museum.

The Grand Sport is powered by the same 6.2 Liter V8 making 430 HP found in the standard version, and is available as both a coupe and a convertible.

Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc 2009 wallpapers

PT Bajaj Auto Indonesia (Bai) ensure that the product will launch Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc DTSi-Fi (injection) at the end of semester one next year in 2009. Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc 2009

This is a question many peminat the Pulsar 220 was a scene in the virtual world that will slide on gosipnya event Jakarta Motorcycle Show in December this year.

"This clearly is not this year, because we still consider the case marketingnya," said Regional Sales Manager of Bajaj Auto Indonesia (Bai) Hong Lim Sam when contacted detikOto, Thursday (4/12/2008).

Bajaj Pulsar 220 cc one-winning product line up which is a product of Bajaj gres, from India. The launch of this product will complement previous Pulsar Bajaj Pulsar 200 cc, such as, XCD 125 cc and 180 cc Pulsar.

"We hope the end of the semester I-2009 can slide, but rather the beginning of a semester," he said.

Lim had previously said that from the calculation of the temporary Bai, Bajaj Pulsar 220 above the price akan dibandrol Honda Tiger 200 cc, but he said this is not yet complete and not final. "The price will not be under the Honda Tiger (Rp 24 million)," he said.

He also disputed the development if rancana CKD assembly plant next year related to the plan the launch of Pulsar 220 cc.

"With a CKD then we will be more efficient for tax and production costs, including price," he explained.

He also does not explain whether the Pulsar 220 cc akan entry in the line up that will be created in the CKD (component assembly straggling) or other Bajaj products. However, the product will be built in this country will be prioritized on the product that most tune.

Bajaj new pulsar 150 cc wallpaper

Bajaj Pulsar  150 cc as part of 2009 pulsar series, it will launched a new upgraded version of pulsar 150cc. The changes are design cosmetic and it comes with the same 150cc engine. The new pulsar gets New tank scoops borrowed from the pulsar 200cc and in all black theme. Also the headlight now gets power directly from the battery.

Test Ride Bajaj Pulsar New 2009 Bajaj Pulsar 180 UG IV

Kalau Mobil kita Test Drive , sedangkan motor  maka kita test ride,we received news from India that bajaj auto  has managed to file a road test report of the much talked about 2009 Pulsar 180 UG IV .

"It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Pulsar twins were responsible for changing the face of motorcycling in India. And I am not just talking from the performance point of view, but also the affordable ‘real’ biking that the Pulsar 150 took charge of. Its elder sibling, the good old classic 180, took care of enthusiasts who wanted raw power and macho looks at an affordable price. The 150, in the meantime, served the masses with performance that stood out in its segment and yet delivered exceptional fuel economy that is ever so important in the Indian motorcycling industry."

The author, Bunny Punia, also states the following
1. 0 to 60km/h acceleration : is under 5 seconds
2. Top speed is around 114-115km/h (speedometer showing more than 120km/h)

Will the new 2009 Bajaj Pulsar 180 beat the yet to be announced TVS Apache 180 Menace ?  

original post  http://bhp-india.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-2009-bajaj-pulsar-180-ug-iv-road.html

Bajaj Pulsar teams up with Fast & Furious 4 for a pulsating co-branded campaign to announce the 2009 edition of Bajaj Pulsar

A first time initiative by a two wheeler company co-branding with a Hollywood film to showcase its brands and announce its new 2009 edition.
• Bajaj Pulsar breaks the clutter by associating with this hi octane film post its release unlike other brands that associate themselves with films a week before its release & continues it over the release weekend.
• When it’s about speed Bajaj Pulsar rules the game

Bajaj Auto has partnered with the adrenaline-fueled franchise and the smacking Hollywood hit movie ‘Fast & Furious 4’ for Co-Promotion. This association will be seen in a form of a special co-branded TVC campaign which features adrenaline packed visuals of Bajaj Pulsar and the action packed ‘Fast & Furious 4’ together. P9 Integrated (A Division of Percept Ltd), a leading 360 degree entertainment marketing company has conceptualized, planned & executed this entire association in a cleverly integrated format. The ‘speed & race quotient’ present in the film is interwoven in this campaign which brings a seamless connect between the brand persona & the film.

A 30 sec co-branded TVC has been created using relevant footage from the film ‘Fast & Furious 4’. The TVC has shots of racing from the movie interspersed with shots of Bajaj Pulsar from their ad. The way both are seamlessly interspersed, it looks like Bajaj Pulsar was always a part of the film from the very beginning. The key message of the campaign is to reiterate the fact that when it’s about speed Bajaj Pulsar rules the game and also to announce the 2009 edition of Bajaj Pulsar.

The commercial is currently on air on various sports and male centric channels like Espn, Neo Cricket, Zoom, Network 18 Channels, UTV, UTVi etc. This co-branded TVC campaign will be on air for 2 weeks.
Considering the popularity of the franchise and the box-office success of ‘Fast & Furious 4’ in India and worldwide, Bajaj Pulsar wanted to celebrate the movie’s success along with the brand. There are huge brand synergies showcased in the campaign as both of them embody speed, racing, high adrenaline and living on the edge characteristics. Unlike other brands, Bajaj Pulsar tied-up with Fast & Furious 4 for a post release co-branded campaign and elevated the brand values and its messaging to a different level.

Mr. Milind Bade, General Manager (Marketing), Bajaj Auto states, “Bajaj Pulsar has always stood for Performance. The complete synergy in Pulsar brand values and Fast and Furious the movie is what makes this co-branded campaign highly effective.”

Talking about the association Pritie Jadhav, Head – Branding, P9 Integrated, a division of Percept Ltd, says, “Seeing the similarities between the brand, Bajaj Pulsar and the movie Fast & Furious 4 we identified a seamless connect between the both, as they both symbolize speed and racing. This triggered the conceptualization of the association. The objective of the co-branded campaign was to harp on the popularity of the franchise and target the audience that the movie attracts. This association will help the brand talk directly to their TG i.e. people who love sports, racing and adventure.”

Unlike past, brands have now been increasingly associating with films post its release. Like Bajaj Pulsar and Fast & Furious 4, in past Hansaplast and Lifebuoy had launched multimedia campaign along with the movie Krrish one month after its release. This only proves that films whose theme exemplifies and emanates the theme and personality of the brand makes it an effective tool in communicating with the target audience.

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker reteamed for the ultimate chapter of the adrenaline-fueled franchise—Fast & Furious 4. Heading back to the streets of L.A., they rejoined Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster to blast muscle, tuner and exotic cars along the crowded streets of the city and across international lines in a high-octane action-thriller from director Justin Lin. ‘Fast & Furious 4’ was released by Paramount Films of India in English, Hindi, Tamil & Telegu.

Bajaj Pulsar 300cc wallpaper

Bajaj Pulsar 300cc wallpaper Bike.  . Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Bike wallpaper looks cool. When you see & think about Bajaj Pulsar it always good. Bajaj Pulsar is top selling bike for Bajaj Auto India.

Is Bajaj Auto going to Launch bajaj pulsar 300 cc?

i received news from autos blog that Bajaj Auto going to modifikasi Launch bajaj pulsar 300 cc. i think it is really good bike if it is launched . I guess that Bajaj Pulsar 300cc will be the best selling among all bajaj bikes. But the fact is there is no official announcement from bajaj auto untill today. Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Price matters a lot for buyers. Is Bajaj Pulsar 300cc going to launch? Still this question is in the mind of the readers. Bajaj Pulsar 300cc Bike Photos looks cool.

First Drive: Chevrolet Volt powertrain mule

It's been 28 months since we watched Bob Lutz drive onto the stage at Cobo Hall in Detroit and step out of the Chevrolet Volt concept. In the intervening period, a corporate drama of epic proportions has transpired as Lutz has gone into semi-retirement, Rick Wagoner has been ousted as CEO and the U.S. government and the UAW are about to take a 90% ownership stake in General Motors.

In the midst of this corporate chaos, a dedicated group of hundreds of engineers, scientists, designers, technicians and drivers have tried to keep their heads down and out of the line of fire as they worked to make the Volt a production reality. From the time we first saw the original concept, GM has selected a battery supplier (LG Chem), defined the final powertrain configuration and released the production design, among countless other tasks. After more than a year of pestering GM, the call finally came to get behind the wheel of a Volt prototype.
We arrived at the design building on GM's tech center campus in the middle of a torrential downpour where we were escorted to the executive garage. There we found two of the 30+ second-generation Volt mules that are running around in Warren, Milford and other locations undergoing testing and development. Like their four-legged namesakes, mules are a cross-breed of different vehicles, and because of the lead times and testing required to bring a mass production vehicle to market, development is done in parallel on multiple paths. Automakers build these prototypes by taking an existing vehicle and adapting new components to road test the systems before the complete vehicle is ready for production.



For the Volt program, the first-generation powertrain mules were built using previous-generation Malibu body shells with the Voltec (E-Flex) powertrain -- the so-called Mali-Volts we first saw about a year ago. Those vehicles originally ran in late 2007, with the engine-generator and electric motor as well as a small hybrid battery to start development of the powertrain control system. Later, the full Volt T-shaped battery pack was installed and in 2008, the second-generation mules were built using the body of the new Chevy Cruze. Unlike the larger mid-size Malibu, the Cruze is based on the same Delta global compact platform as GM's plug-in savior, which is closer in size and weight to the Volt and was used throughout winter testing in 2008-2009.

Volt Vehicle Line Executive Tony Posawatz rode with us in the Cruze-Volt and discussed the current state of development. The prototype we drove had a powertrain that was about 80% representative of the final specification, and while the full powertrain was in place, including the 1.4-liter four-cylinder range extender, our time was spent in EV mode only.



Since the Cruze is close to the Volt, packaging the powertrain was less of a challenger than it would have been on a completely different platform. These cars were built up from early Korean-market Cruzes (hence the different grille) and are remarkably well finished. Setting aside the Volt powertrain for a moment, the Cruze seems like it will be an excellent competitor in the compact sedan segment. The interior is attractive and well laid out, and it's exceptionaly quiet inside.

In the garage, the cars were already running, sitting silently with the gear selector in park -- one of the wonderful things about electric drive -- and even though the Volt, like most other EVs, uses a single-speed reduction gear transmission, the shifter is still there to enable park, reverse, neutral and drive. The mules use the stock Cruze instrument cluster, but since the wiring harness was modified, some of the warning lights remained lit throughout our drive. Once we adjusted the seats and mirrors, and verified the warning lights weren't a problem, we moved the shifter into drive and "motored" off.

Out in the rain, we had to crank up the window defogger which, like all other accessory systems in the car, was electrical. Even though electric cars are considered to be quiet, older examples tended to produce whine from the drive motors (see: Dodge Circuit). GM and others have addressed this issue, and to our surprise there was no audible squeal inside the prototype.



The electrically-assisted steering has a nice heft that should make the production version an entertaining steer, although we couldn't judge it extensively on our wet "route" which consisted of two-mile laps on the tech center campus. The braking hardware, based on the system found in GM's two-mode hybrid SUVs, has a similarly firm and communicative pedal feel with no noticeable transitions between regenerative and friction braking. There were a few of minor glitches when we hit a major bump in the pavement while braking, but these will undoubtedly get sorted out as the final calibrations are completed over the course of the next year.

Power delivery is seamless and when the time comes to slow, lifting your foot off the accelerator yields a small amount of regen braking to simulate the coast-down on a conventional vehicle. The transmission shift lever also has a low gear position that induces more aggressive lift-off regen, about 0.25-0.30 g of deceleration -- equivalent to the braking most drivers regularly perform. When driving in stop-and-go traffic drivers could select L and just drive with one pedal much of the time, maximizing regenerative braking and range. According to Posawatz, future generations of electrically-driven vehicles could offer drivers different braking options, allowing them to select the amount of regen they want, but this won't be available on the first run of Volts.



Overall, the electric drive system in the mules performed as advertised and GM appears to be well on its way to meeting a November 2010 Job 1 date. We drove about ten miles in the rain on electrical energy only with plenty of accessories running and no significant problems. However, it's obvious there's a great deal of work to be done between now and the latter half of 2010. Right around May 27, GM will start final assembly of the Integration Vehicle Engineering Release (IVER) prototypes of the Volt; the final prototype stage where the production body work will be joined with nearly all the production-tooled compenents. These vehicles are used for final calibration and validation of all systems.

The bodies-in-white for the 75 IVER prototypes have largely been completed and once these vehicles are built, the engineers will start the final push toward finishing the first-generation Volt. Posawatz promised to have us back for another drive to sample the range-extender in action. Let's just hope that the Volt doesn't become a victim of the financial apocalypse currently afflicting General Motors.



[Source: Autoblog]

MINI to launch Special Edition F1 Cooper at MINI United

According to MotoringFile, internet keepers of all things MINI, BMW's cutest brand plans to launch a new Special Edition Cooper to coincide with the first Formula 1 racing car ever created by legendary British racer and company namesake John Cooper. To stand out from the rest of the already crowded MINI pack, the Special Edition F1 Cooper will be painted up in a new non-metallic British Racing Green, which will be offset by black hood stripes plus a contrasting white roof and mirror caps. The factory JCW aerokit will also be fitted along with a slew of F1 badges.

Underneath the car's pretty exterior will be the stock powertrain from the MINI Cooper S JCW, including the 1.6-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine with 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Expect the new edition to make an appearance at the MINI United event on May 22nd in Silverstone, England.

[Source: MotoringFile]

Obama planning to announce Chrysler bankruptcy tomorrow

According to a report by Bloomberg citing the usual unnamed sources, President Obama will announce tomorrow that Chrysler will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while continuing to work on its alliance with Fiat.

Bloomberg's source made it clear that the there are still several loose ends and the plan "is not finished yet," but it will likely involve Chrysler's strongest assets being bundled and sold to a new entity. In that scenario, Fiat would become a 20% owner of the Auburn Hills-based automaker, the UAW retiree health-care trust would take a 55% percent stake and the government would gobble up the rest. Essentially, it's the same out-of-court deal initially proposed, but now, with all the benefits (and hurdles) of bankruptcy protection.

No surprise then that Fiat's CEO, Sergio Marchionne, was right in his assessment (see below), nor is it a shocker to anyone that's been following Chrysler's trials and tribulations over the last week and beyond.

[Source: Bloomberg]

Ford Fusion Hybrid pedals its way to 1,445 miles on a single tank

The Ford Fusion Hybrid we talked about yesterday, the one that had as of our last report cleared 1,000 miles on its hypermiling publicity stunt, has finally reached the end of the road its fuel supply. The final number: 1,445 miles on a single tank of gas.

For the high-mileage odyssey, the Fusion hybrid was pushed to an average of 81.5 mpg. Even considering that hypermiling techniques were employed to reach these numbers, we're quite impressed, as the event took place on city streets and public freeways, not on a closed course. Better still, the entire 69-hour event raised $8,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. You can read the details of how the driving teams managed the 80 mpg in the official press release after the jump – and no, they didn't find a thousand-mile downhill road.


[Source: Ford]

crm software info

hello all now i want to share with you about insurance crm software .for your info that software is not only used in marketing, but in other fields like: Mortgage, Insurance, Addiction Treatment, Finance, Home improvement, etc.

In marketing, the most important information system is Customer Relationship Management (CRM). This type of IS is useful in marketing because it is able to track customers' buying behaviour and target specific markets. CRM can manage anything from sales and campaigns to analytics and reports.




There are hundreds of types of  insurance lead management  software available, but the most popular one that is a learder in the industry is AIMcrm.the code software was founded in 2001 in the United States and now has over 750 businesses using its software. It is compatible with Linux/Unix, Mac, Open Source, Web Based, and Windows.just try it to know


AIMcrm can be used for small and large businesses at a lower cost than many other CRM software. Although it is a software with many capabilities and fuctions, it is not suited for every business, because each business has its own needs. crm and lead management software  is very simple to use and does not require employees to have alot of training.happy trying the software

Honda gives Acura its own financial arm

The late eighties is when it all happened for Japanese luxury vehicles in North America. But by the time Lexus and Infiniti launched in 1989, Acura was already on the market for three years. Since then, Acura customers in the U.S. looking to finance new cars went through the same American Honda Finance Corporation that bankrolls the purchases of new Honda cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles, lawnmowers, outboard marine engines and everything else the Japanese industrial giant builds (to the possible exception of corporate jets and robots), not to mention the establishment of new dealerships and all that entails.

That's all about the change with American Honda Motor Co.'s announcement of the launch of Acura Financial Services, a new financing arm for the company's luxury division that will handle the purchases of new Acuras. The move is part of an effort to distance Acura from the more commonplace offerings of its parent company, and to give the division its own look and feel. A strange time to launch a new financial company,

Video: Aston Martin One-77 exhaust note

Aston Martin One-77 made its first appearance as a completed car last weekend. So now that the car is moving under its own power, the question is what does £1 million (currently about $1.47 million) sound like?

Swiss-tuned McLaren SLR Red Gold Dream

We know to expect the unexpected when it comes to aftermarket work in certain Middle Eastern enclaves. But this... this is, well, this is something that even Tim Burton would have to dismiss as just too outrageous. Part of what makes this car even more interesting is that it was the product of Swiss tuning firm Ueli Anliker Design, and as such, it is called the Anliker McLaren SLR 999 Red Gold Dream.

What was once a standard SLR (may God have mercy on its soul) now has a cow catcher up front, a Mustang wing out back, and 24 karat gold and rubies plastered throughout.

[Source: Supercars Dubai]

Toyota recalling nearly 40k Highlanders fitted with... optional stainless exhaust tip?!

Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are announcing an equipment safety recall on the Japanese automaker's 2008 Highlanders and Highlander Hybrid models.

On the 2008 model year crossover, the optional stainless steel exhaust tip retention clamp apparently has a manufacturing defect that can cause it to develop microscopic cracks, and in the worst case, fall off. We're not entirely clear on why this warrants a full-blown safety recall (perhaps to avoid the possibility of road debris), but in any case, NHTSA reports that ten incidents have been filed and the recall is moving forward. Overall, only 39,100 clamps are suspected to be flawed, but Toyota is notifying all 121,000 Highlander owners in case they bought the add-on exhaust finisher at their local dealer's parts counter.

You can read the full press release after the jump, and contact your dealer for an inspection and fix if necessary.

[Source: Toyota]

First completed Aston Martin One-77 wins Concorso d'Eleganza Design Award

Aston Martin finally took the wraps off the first completed One-77 this past weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza on the shores of Lake Como and came away with the top design prize at the event. Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez was on hand to show off the car that we saw in skeletal form at the Geneva Motor Show in March. While the aesthetics of this new Aston have drawn decidedly mixed reviews, there is no doubt that it is a striking machine. The huge grille flanked by large air scoops is a departure from the classically beautiful Astons of the last 15 years and even goes well beyond the DBS. However, when considered in the context of its functionality, the appearance makes much more sense.

[Source: Aston Martin]

Bugatti unleashes four-door Veyron

It's the Veyron for all the family! This is our best look yet at the stunning Bugatti Royale – a four-door four-seater that’s set to take the famous firm into a new market.

With the £900,000, 253mph Veyron 16.4 already crowned the world’s most expensive and fastest supercar, Bugatti is seeking to go a step further: it will celebrate its 100th anniversary by unveiling this hyper-saloon at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Inspired by the legendary 1927 Type 41 Royale, the new model would be as expensive as its brother and be available in a very limited production run for the company’s most loyal customers. As you can see, the exterior echoes the Veyron’s, while inside the cabin will offer unparalleled luxury, with the finest leather, suede and metal trim in addition to seating for four people and a luggage compartment at the rear.

Bugatti won’t be embarking on the project alone, though. It’s rumoured that the firm will team up with fellow VW Group luxury manufacturer Bentley in developing a new front-engined limousine platform. As well as underpinning the Royale, the chassis would be used on the next Arnage. However, the new Bugatti will keep much of the technology seen on the Veyron, such as its four-wheel-drive set-up and 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine, although this will be mounted at the front.

With the same 987bhp and 1,250Nm of torque, the Royale should cover 0-60mph in three seconds and hit a 250mph top speed, making it the fastest four-seater in the world. It will also feature the same seven-speed twin-clutch transmission – developed by UK firm Ricardo – along with that Haldex clutch-equipped all-wheel drive. There will be active aerodynamics, a Veyron-style hydraulic rear wing that rises at speed, huge carbon composite brake discs and adaptive dampers, too.

The current economic downturn means the Royale is still some way off. But with McLaren Automotive boss Ron Dennis predicting a return to growth in 2011, just in time for the launch of his company’s P11 supercar (see Issue 1,060), expect the four-door to go on sale in three years’ time.

In further celebration of its 100th birthday, Bugattiis also planning to launch a 1,350bhp ‘super’ Veyron later this year, along with additional special editions.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Ferrari releases more pics, details on experimental 599XX

Road cars have laws to contend with, and racing cars have regulations to uphold. But for track cars, the sky is the limit. Unfortunately for track enthusiasts, purpose-built track cars built from the ground up with a blank sheet of paper and a limitless sky are few and far between. One example comes from Ferrari with its XX-rated development program that creates a series of cars that bridge the gap between road and track. First up was the FXX, an Enzo with some extra kit. That was followed by the even more extreme FXX Evoluzione. But at the Geneva show last month, Ferrari took the wraps off the 599XX, a rolling laboratory based on the 599 GTB Fiorano only unbound by the rules of governing bodies. And while the 599XX's debut was accompanied by only limited details and even fewer photos, Maranello's finally released more of each to salivate over.

Over the course of its ongoing development – that is, after all, the point of the XX programs – the 599XX will receive all manner of new features and technologies. There's even word it may serve as a test bed for the adaptation of Formula One's KERS regenerative braking system for future road cars. But in the meantime, Ferrari's engineers have started with a host of aerodynamic and engine modifications. Added aerodynamic elements abound, some more visible than others. Little black winglets protrude from the C-pillars (which themselves were already aerodynamically optimized on the road car), and the wheels integrate F1-style "donuts" to channel the air for optimized cooling and clean airflow. Underneath the bodywork, a new Actiflow system employs a porous diffuser and two fans in the trunk to channel the airflow for increased downforce at cornering speeds or reduced drag at higher speeds. All that and more adds up to 617 pounds of downforce at 124 mph or 1,389 pounds at 186 mph. Reduced mass inertia in the engine compartment helps the V12 produce 700 horsepower at the XX's stratospheric 9,000 RPM redline, the shift program has reduced gear changes to just 60 milliseconds, and the carbon ceramic brake pads are gripped by experimental carbon-fiber calipers to keep it all under control. All that new tech helps the 599XX lap Ferrari's own Fiorano test track in 1 minute, 17 seconds... faster than any road car the company has ever produced, a tick under the FXX's lap time, and faster than some of the company's modern race machinery

Chrysler planning second Fiat-based compact sports sedan

For Chrysler, the cornerstone of its proposed alliance with Fiat is for the Italian automaker to supply its domestic partner with smaller, more fuel efficient platforms and drivetrains. It's been assumed that the Fiat 500 would be one of the vehicles Chrysler plans to market in the U.S., but according to a the Wall Street Journal, it may have more than a subcompact up its sleeve.

According to the report, Chrysler showed its (troubled) dealers the automaker's future products today in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and along with the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and a revised Chrysler 300, a "sporty little sedan" produced by Fiat was in attendance.

Chrysler's head of design, Ralph Gilles, told dealers that the automaker intends to have its own version of the car, with Fiat providing the chassis and Chrysler designing the exterior.

Although the WSJ's source didn't specify which Fiat was shown, informed speculation says that it was likely the Fiat Bravo, which would make a killer Dodge Caliber replacement and would finally provide Chrysler with a true successor to the Neon after its demise in 2006.


[Source: WSJ]

Bugatti celebrates 100 years with four Centenaire specials at Villa d'Este

Although decades have separated the modern Bugatti from its heritage, the Alsatian exotic marque is one that prides itself on its racing pedigree. So to bridge that gap and celebrate its 100th anniversary, Bugatti rolled in to the Villa d'Este auto show on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, as promised, with a quartet of special edition Veyrons.

Each of the four one-offs bares a different color to contrast with the chrome fenders, and each honors a different driver from Bugatti's glory days by taking their names. To more clearly emphasize the cars historical linkages, the four Veyrons arrived in Italy accompanied by matching historic Bugatti Type 35 Grand Prix racers.

One of the most successful race cars in history, the Type 35 racked up some 2,000 race victories over the course of a decade of competition in the inter-war period. Thanks to its advanced lightweight construction and pioneering client-racer availability, the Type 35 was one of the most popular and indomitable racing machines of its day. Alongside its identically-colored historic counterpart, the Bugatti Veyron Jean-Pierre Wimille edition appeared in bright blue, the Achille Varzi in dark red, the Malcolm Campbell example in dark green and the Hermann zu Leiningen in off-white. No official word so far if these specials will be for sale or if they'll remain at Bugatti's headquarters in Molsheim, but if they do find their way to market, you can expect them to be marketed at a considerable premium.

The presentation at Villa d'Este is the second of many celebrations which Bugatti has lined up to celebrate its centenary this year, following the Bleu Centenaire edition presented at the Geneva show and ahead of Pebble Beach in August and the grand finale in Molsheim on September 12.

[Source: Bugatti]

Official pricing for BMW X5M and X6M leaks out

The BMW X5M and X6M are all about excess. Excess power (if that's possible), excess girth, and, as we already knew, excess cost. BimmerFile is reporting that the X5M will ding your budget to the tune of $85,400, while the X6M will set you back $88,900. And anyone that has ever priced out a Bimmer with options knows that those prodigious figures are only the baseline of what will no doubt be two even more expensive BMWs.

But for nearly $90,000, you get what, for now, are the two most powerful BMWs on the road. Both models will reap the benefits of a 555 hp, 500 lb-ft twin turbo 4.4L V8. That's 55 hp and 105 lb-ft more than the M5 or M6; two vehicles that cost more than their crossover counterparts. The M treatment will also add more aggressive aesthetics, torque-vectoring AWD, and massive 15.6 inch front rotors to help these flying bricks stop on a dime (or 900,000 dimes, really). Does that make the X5M and X6M a compelling value? If you're in the market for a 550 hp crossover, we guess so, because outside of the substantially more expensive Porsche Cayenne Turbo S ($124,000) these new Bimmers are the only other family-haulers with that kind of muscle.

[Source: BimmerFile]