Leif Persson 's 500 KTM

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In 1978 Leif Persson began his work at the Husqvarna Factory in the R&D Department.
He was part of the design team for the Husqvarna 390 and 420 Automatics as well as
the Husqvarna 430 and 488.


He became the Swedish 500cc Champion in 1980 riding a Husqvarna 420 that had been modified for him at the Husqvarna Development Department.

This 1988 KTM 500 was Leif's last factory ride. The inner motor cases on this bike are sand cast, the cylinder ported and the suspension has been re-worked to Leif's
specifications. He placed 17th in the 500cc World Championships. Eric Geboers won
the Championship that year aboard a factory Honda.

Via : www.vintageworksbikes.com

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The Sunday Movie

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Catalina Grand Prix Motorcycle Races

Throughout the 50's, the Catalina Grand Prix was one of the premier motorcycle races in the U.S. Once a year boats loaded with bikes crossed the channel to the small island off the California coast. Triumphs, Matchlesses, and BSA's took on the 10 mile course that ran through city streets, up into the hills, and through a golf course before heading back into Avalon to streets lined with screaming fans. This event made its mark in history and produced many stars. The Catalina Grand Prix glory days were way too short but oh so sweet.




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Blalock, vintage motorcycle

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By Bill Walsh
Special to the Rappahannock News
If all goes according to plan, Bill Blalock will finally get to ride a motorcycle he owned for many years without ever having cranked up the engine.

That motorcycle is one of about 80 entered in this fall’s Motorcycle Cannonball, a 17-day race from Kitty Hawk, N.C., to Santa Monica, Cal.

Blalock with the restored bike.

Blalock bought the badly neglected 1913 Excelsior in 1952 from the Washington, D.C. family of its one-time owner. That owner, a part-time racing enthusiast, had been living in a nursing home for a few years, and the bike had sat in the basement, neglected, for a number of years, Blalock said.

“[A sister] really didn’t know what it was worth and didn’t really want any money,” Blalock recalled of the purchase, and he can’t remember what he paid for it.


“It was sitting in a basement, and had been sitting there long enough that the rear stand was almost rotted off,” he said. “It was a mess.”

Blalock, founder of Blalock Cycle Co., originally in Silver Spring, Md., before its 1984 move to its present location at 170 Lee Highway in Warrenton, took it back to his shop.

“I got married in ’55, and we had a child in ’56,” Blalock recalled. “I had taken it apart and it was sitting around in boxes,” and with a demanding business and a growing family, he didn’t have much time to work on it.

His original plan was to restore the bike and ride it.

“Usually, there are a lot of parts missing,” in a project like this, Blalock said.


“I had to re-make the rear stand. The pedals were completely worn out, but you just unscrew those, just like a bicycle. I replaced the chain with Diamond chain, which is still in business today; I was able to get the same chains that were on there. The seat . . . I was able to restore the leather on it. The gas tank had pinholes all through it, but there is a chemical that you put in as a liquid and it dries and becomes a plastic-like material... read more




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Carey Loftin

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Arguably Hollywood's greatest ever stunt rider/driver, Carey Loftin's amazing stunt skills were utilized in hundreds of Hollywood productions over a period of 50 years. Loftin began his stunt career as a member of a traveling motorcycle stunt show in the early 1930s when he was 19.


William Carey Loftin was born on January 31, 1914 in Blountstown, Florida. The son of a preacher, Carey grew up Alabama and Mississippi. He went to high school in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He began riding when he was 10 when he borrowed an old strap-drive Excelsior from a local blacksmith and proceeded to plow up a farm field with his face. In spite of such discouragement, the young Loftin continued to ride whenever he could get his hands on a machine.

The first motorcycle he owned was an antique 37-cubic-inch Indian single-cylinder that cost him the grand sum of $10.


“It was just about worth $10,” Loftin said in a 1953 interview with Cycle magazine. “There was a gutless wonder if you ever saw one. It was humiliating. Every cycle in town ran away from it, but it made a mechanic out of me.”

The piston in Loftin’s old Indian was so loose that it rattled around in the barrel and finally cracked. It was the luckiest thing that could have happened. Carey didn’t have the money to buy a new piston so he went to a junkyard to find an old car piston that looked like it would fit. When he installed it he found the car piston too tall. With youthful ingenuity he promptly filed the top off and ended up with a domed piston.


When he reassembled the bike he found the motor was unbelievably strong. His little hand-ground piston turned his clinker Indian into a bike that was so fast no one in town could catch it.

An athletic kid, Carey wasn’t content to merely ride his motorcycle. He learned to do acrobatic stunts while riding. He impressed his friends with his antics and continually pushed himself to do more difficult stunts.

In 1933, a motorcycle stunt showman named Skip Fordyce brought his barnstorming show to Hattiesburg. After Fordyce performed, one of the onlookers blurted out, “I can do anything you can do.” Fordyce looked over his shoulder and saw a long, lean, hungry looking boy who, at first glance, didn’t look like anything special. It was Loftin.


“Show me,” Skip said. With that Loftin disappeared. Skip continued talking with the crowd of onlookers, thinking he had called the kid’s bluff. Suddenly the kid roared back onto the field on his ancient cycle. Skip found himself watching a very solid performance as the kid reeled off a series of side stands and seat stands. Then the kid began bouncing on the seat, his feet landing in a different position with every jump. Then he bounced around and rode backwards. Then he turned the bike around and headed back toward the crowd. Skip could sense that this was to be the grand finale so he watched carefully. Suddenly the kid began jumping up and down on the seat and then unexpectedly he launched himself in the air, his body doing a complete flip and landing with his feet on the ground behind the speeding bike and holding on to the rear seat with his hands. He was steering the bike with his feet by digging in one shoe or the other. As the cycle neared Skip and the crowd on onlookers, the kid snapped forward, popped up over the rear wheel and onto the seat before coming to a perfect stop.


Fordyce hired the kid on the spot.

Loftin rode for various stunt shows in the 1930s, supporting himself during the Depression. During off times, he supplemented his income by working as a motorcycle mechanic.

“In one stunt act I was a flop man,” Loftin recalled. “The show advertised that showgoers would get to see a rider jump off a motorcycle going 60 miles per hour. If it wasn’t going at least 60 mph they were guaranteed to get their money back.”


After a stint in the Marine Corps, Loftin moved to Los Angeles in the late 1930s and took a job as a mechanic. He quickly broke into movie stunt work. Loftin's expertise with motor vehicles, including cars, trucks and motorcycles, gave him the chance to contribute his skills to numerous films from the late 1930s until he retired in the early 1990s... Read more at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame




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Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera

Even more dynamic, lighter, more powerful and stunning – the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera is the new top model in the Gallardo line-up. Its evocative “superlight” badge refers to a driving machine of true sporting character and describes a high-performance and lean automotive athlete.



Compared with the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, the weight of the Gallardo Superleggera has been trimmed by 70 kilograms (154 lb). The super sportscar from Sant’Agata Bolognese boasts a dry weight of no more than 1340 kilograms (2954 lb) – the lightest road-going model in Lamborghini’s range, and a new arrival in one of the most exclusive market niche segments.



One key factor is the exterior and interior components made from carbon-fiber. Carbon-fiber is ideal for the manufacture of sportscars as its use allows for weight reduction and improved mechanical features. The car’s performance is thus enhanced thanks to a better weight-to-power ratio and reduced total mass, which means that CO2 emissions are also lower. Lamborghini has been at the forefront in this material’s application for many years, and now the brand is extending its leadership even further.



The V10 power unit with 5.2 liters (317,6 cu in) of displacement generates 419 kW (570 CV*) in the Gallardo Superleggera. This puts the weight-to-power ratio of the new top model at only 2.35 kilograms (5.18 lb) per CV and guarantees breathtaking performance. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera handles the dash from zero to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and flies past the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark only 10.2 seconds later, ultimately reaching 325 km/h (202 mph). The engine with “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” gasoline direct injection also boasts an impressive degree of efficiency. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 20,5 percent compared to the previous model.



The Gallardo Superleggera is an uncompromising driving machine. Its running gear, with its mighty braking system, has a dedicated and exceptionally precise set-up, while its 19-inch wheels, Pirelli P Zero Corsa, clad in Pirelli sports rubber, are extremely light. The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera brings a whole new meaning to the term “super sportscar”.

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Gordon Osmundson Photographs'

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If you are a vintage aircraft lover you must go there and visit this fabulous page of Gordon Osmundson this photographer is great and knows how to shoot the best from those fabulous classic planes

RAF Mustang, Stead Air Force Base, Reno, Nevada, 2000

Open Cockpit, P51d, Stead Air Force Base, Reno, Nevada, 2000

Mustang #3, Stead Air Force Base, Reno, Nevada, 1999

P51d, Planes of Fame, Chino, California, 1999

1735 Horsepower, Stead Air Force Base, Reno, Nevada, 1999

all pictures copyrighted Gordon Osmundson

Cars, trains and, well, planes. It sounds simple enough, but while the photography of, first trains, and then automobiles came to me as the natural outgrowth of my interest in and experience with those subjects, the photography of aircraft came from a different source. Having photos of cars and trains, I began having art consultants ask me if I had anything on airplanes, but unfortunately at that time, I did not.





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2009 Infiniti EX35

2009 Infiniti EX35 is pleasant and easy to drive. That’s either good or bad, depending on if you like that or not. Handling is great though – it has very little body roll for its size, and is very nimble through the turns. This is one of the very few small SUVs that you can take on a winding road at high speed and still have fun without worrying about tipping over. Suspension and ride is comfortable, and the 297 hp 3.5-liter V6 is the perfect engine for this vehicle. You always have plenty of power when you need it, and throttle response is very smooth. Fuel economy is average at 16/23 for the AWD model; I averaged 19.7 mpg under aggressive driving.



The EX35’s only transmission is a 5-speed automatic with manual shift mode, downshift rev matching, and Drive Sport mode. It’s a good transmission, but acts a bit like a CVT, which is strange. It holds revs depending on your driving style (that would be the Adaptive Shift Control,) and when it does shift, you don’t feel it. It’s a very refined system that makes the EX35 very smooth and drivable, without any sort of jerkiness or excitement in the shifting.

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2012 Tesla Model S - 25 Aug, 2010

2012 Tesla’s Model S will rival other EVs, like the plug-in hybrid Fisker Karma, plus traditional luxury vehicles, like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The 2012 Tesla Model S will be Tesla’s second model, joining the Roadster sports car, with production slated for late 2011.



 Tesla has yet to announce an official on-sale date for the Model S, but the sporty EV sedan will retail from $49,900 after a $7,500 tax credit when it finally rolls into dealerships. Tesla says Model S customers will be able to order the car with a 160-mile, 220-mile, or 300-mile battery pack. It’s not clear how the price will be affected by the range options.



But where the 2012 Tesla Model S really shines is in its performance. The electric sedan will be offered with a range of up to 300 miles, and a QuickCharge system taking only 45 minutes to top off the EV’s battery, given the correct electrical connection. For those looking for even faster fueling, the 2012 Tesla Model S’ battery can also be swapped out in just five minutes, making it compatible with Shai Agassi’s Better Place initiative. The 2012 Tesla Model S’ door handles even retract for improved aerodynamics, proving Tesla really has an eye for efficiency.





Despite its 3,825 pound curb weight and single-speed transmission, the Model S can make the sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, crossing the quarter-mile stripe in 14 seconds flat. Give the Model S a longer track and it will top out at 120 mph.

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Ferrari 599 Hybrid

Ferrari showed off a new prototype for their vision of hybrids going forward. The Ferrarri 599 HY KERS concept is meant to give an idea of how Ferrari is looking to adopt hybrid and other green technology over the next four years.



With tough new CO2 emissions in the works, Ferrari is looking to cut fuel by up to 40% over the next few years, or risk being squeezed out. They plan on having green technology across their entire line-up by 2015.



The spokesperson noted the concept would cost twice as much as the £207,000 petrol 559 GTB Fiorano on which the concept is based. But, the price should come down to below £300,000 in the next four years.



The HY KERS concept uses the Formula One developed system called Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). The system allows for regenerative braking, but will not run the vehicle on electric power alone.



The two-seater comes with a 6.0 liter V12 mated to an electric motor powered by lithium ion batteries. The prototype has a top speed of 200 mph and can go from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. That's faster than the standard version. It can reach 125 mph in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.



But that extra power also comes at greater efficiency, with a 35% improvement in CO2 emission (down to 270 g/km) and they estimate a fuel efficiency of 25 mpg (up from 16 mpg).



The battery pack is set low in the floor, which lowers the center of gravity, allowing for better 'cornering dynamics.' They also do not affect interior space of functionality.



Ferrari painted the concept green, making it stand out from the rest of the Ferrari line-up. The company is hoping this is the leading edge of their goal of reducing fuel use in their entire line-up by at least 40%.

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Nissan LEAF Electric Car - 25 August, 10

Nissan has just unveiled a new zero emissions vehicle that is slated to go on sale in Japan, Europe and the United States next year. Called the LEAF, this C-segment (sub-compact) car is powered by an electric motor and lithium-ion battery packs. Nissan says it will be able to drive 100 miles on a single charge. The batteries will be able to be charged up to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes with a special quick charger, or in roughly eight hours through a standard 200V outlet. Nissan says that through extensive research the 100 mile range will be suitable for 70 percent of car buyers.



Output from the lithium-ion battery packs is rated at 80kW/280Nm, (107-hp and 207 ft-lbs of torque), which should make this sub-compact a sporty little car.



Pricing has yet to be released but Nissan aims to give the LEAF an MSRP competitive with well-equipped C-segment cars. That should put it near the $20,000 mark. The car will also qualify for government rebates and tax incentives desigend to help promote the sale of fuel-efficient cars.



“Our car had to be the world’s first, medium-sized, practical EV that motorists could afford and would want to use every day. And that’s what we’ve created. The styling will identify not only Nissan LEAF but also the owner as a participant in the new era of zero-emission mobility,” said the LEAF product boss Masato Inoue.

The first LEAFs will be built at Nissan’s plant in Oppama, Japan with plans to also start production soon at the company’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant. The LEAF is the first of three electric vehicles that Nissan plans to launch in the next few years.



”The Nissan LEAF is a tremendous accomplishment – one in with all Nissan employees can take great pride,” said Nissan President Carlos Ghosn. “We have been working tirelessly to make this day a reality – the unveiling of a real-world car that has zero – not simply reduced – emissions. It’s the first step in what is sure to be an exciting journey – for people all over the world, for Nissan and for the industry.”

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The New 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 has a surprise in store

The new 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 has a surprise in store for true performance enthusiasts – an optional SVT Performance Package. One lap around the racetrack, and drivers will feel the difference.



Data show the 2011 coupe with the SVT Performance Package is 3.0 seconds faster per lap than the 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 on a 2.3-mile test track. Cars with the optional package will be able to pull 1.0 lateral g, with stopping distances improved by 7 percent versus the base 2011 Shelby.



“More and more enthusiasts are putting their cars on the track to have some fun,” said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby American. “It’s a great way to enjoy the performance of your car in a safe environment. No one likes to run at the back of the field, so a track-oriented package is a smart option for the serious Ford Shelby GT500 owner.”



Tires make the difference

The SVT Performance Package features the first application of the all-new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G: 2, a tire that offers superb dry traction and precise handling, complete with a high-performance tread compound with more grip. SVT engineers worked directly with Goodyear to develop the new compound, and it’s only available on the Ford Shelby GT500. The tire is unidirectional, corner-specific – meaning the directional tread must match its specific location.



“We wanted to couple the improved weight distribution and the improved handling of the vehicle with the new tire, and with that offer the customer one of the most advanced summer tires from a manufacturer,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief nameplate engineer. “That led us down a road to the new tire. It’s instantly recognizable with an all-new tread pattern and construction.”



The new ultra-high-performance compound is made of a proprietary blend of race-derived carbon black and high-stiffness polymers and resins that help deliver enhanced wet and dry handling performance on both the road and track. Asymmetrical, directional tread designs with massive tread blocks on the outboard side of the tire help enhance dry cornering grip. Sweeping Aquachannel™ grooves on the inboard side of the tread help move water. An innovative multi-radius mold shape offers precise handling and smooth, even wear.



“These tires are as close as you can get to a race car tire,” said Eric Zinkosky, SVT technical specialist. “We have a tire that’s way more capable, with better grip, is firmer and more race-oriented. From there, we tuned the chassis around it. The tires told us what we had to do.



“We took some lessons from the Shelby KR program and applied them to these tires,” he added. “That was our first attempt at a similar compound, and we learned a lot and rolled those lessons into the new Shelby to provide an even better tire.”



Nineteen-inch forged-aluminum wheels in the front, which are 4.7 pounds lighter than the base Shelby GT500’s, complement the all-new wider 265/40R-19 front tires. New 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels at the rear are 2.8 pounds lighter than the standard 19-inch wheel, and the new 3.73 rear axle ratio takes advantage of the new larger rear wheels and tires.

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2011 Nissan Navara : Geneva Motor Show

Europe’s best selling pick-up and its SUV sibling since its launch – the 2010 Nissan Navara have been given a mid-term boost with a number of significant enhancements designed to keep them at the top.



Among the changes are the arrival of a new and technically advanced 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine; important improvements to the popular 2.5-litre dCi diesel; greater levels of passive safety; new equipment including the availability of a state-of-the-art Nissan Connect Premium touch-screen satellite navigation system, a premium Bose sound system and a rear view camera; enhanced interior quality and a number of styling changes to keep Navara and Pathfinder looking sharp.



Launched at the Geneva Motor Show, the improved new-look Nissan Navara models are due on sale across Europe in April 2010. They will be followed two months later by the new 3.0-litre V6 diesel flagship models.



The new direct injection V6 turbodiesel has been developed by the Renault Nissan Alliance to deliver high levels of performance with strong economy, competitive emissions and class-leading refinement.



The key element of the new V6 – with an unusual vee angle of 65 degrees – is the material chosen for the engine block. Alliance development engineers chose Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI), a material that offers all the benefits of cast iron, including high levels of stiffness and noise absorption, without the weight penalty. And while CGI is heavier than a pure alloy block there is no need to add stiffening ribs or extra sound deadening material so the weight gain is comparatively modest.



Using experience gained during the development of the Alliance 2.0-litre dCi engine – and carrying over some technology – accelerated development of the new V6, but number of significant changes have been made to the hardware for the V9X. The combustion chamber design, for example, has been optimised to improve the balance between emission levels and fuel efficiency.



The compression ratio has been lowered to 16:1 to benefit not just economy and emissions but also noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), while internal engine friction is reduced by the use of ultra smooth components such as the micro-finished forged steel used for the crankshaft.

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2010 Mazda CX-7 -- Mazda Cars

The Mazda CX-7 2010



Two Mazdas will make their Canadian debut at the 2009 Canadian International AutoShow. The first is the 2010 Mazda CX-7, which receives a new engine option: a 161 horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.5 litre four-cylinder that is also found under the hood of the 2009 Mazda6 and 2010 Mazda3. The second is the refreshed 2009 Mazda MX-5, which receives updated styling in addition to engineering and equipment upgrades. Mazda's stand will also include the redesigned 2010 Mazda3, in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles.



2010 Mazda CX-7

For the 2010 model year the CX-7 is the recipient of an exterior and interior styling refresh to complement a host of engineering refinements. Leading the way is a new engine option. Making its first appearance under the hood of the CX-7 is Mazda's all-new naturally aspirated DOHC 16-valve 2.5 litre MZR four-cylinder that produces 161 horsepower at 6000rpm and offers maximum torque of 161 lb-ft at 3500rpm. It is available with Front-Wheel Drive coupled to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Continuing as the top engine option is the familiar MZR 2.3L DISI Turbo (direct injection DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder) engine. Output remains the same, 244 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.



A theme of refinement carries over to the 2010 CX-7's Mazda-derived platform architecture by incorporating improvements in body rigidity, lower noise, vibration & harshness (NVH) levels as well as reduced wind noise. The exterior design of the 2010 CX-7 features revised front and rear fascias with the front adopting the larger five-point grille design similar in appearance to recently redesigned RX-8, MX-5 and Mazda3.



On the inside the 2010 CX-7 receives higher quality materials, a new design for the gauges including blackout meters that feature three-dimensional dials and a 3.5 inch super-twisted nematic (STN) monochrome and 4.1 inch thin-film transistor (TFT) colour Multi Information Display (MID) positioned at the top of the instrument panel to provide the driver with enhanced information. Bluetooth compatibility provides a wireless connection for Bluetooth compatible mobile phones and portable audio devices. The front seats gain a three-position memory function for the driver's seat and a power adjustable recliner for the passenger's seat. A Blind Spot Monitoring System, similar to the one found on the Mazda6 & CX-9 is now available to assist the driver in avoiding collisions with other vehicles when changing lanes or merging with traffic.



Final specifications, pricing, trim levels and options will be announced at a later date closer to when the 2010 CX-7 goes on sale.



2009 Mazda MX-5

Twenty years ago Mazda re-created the segment for affordable, fun-to-drive roadsters by introducing the MX-5 Miata. In those twenty years the MX-5 has earned the title of best selling roadster in the world. For 2009, the third-generation MX-5 retains the fun-to-drive qualities of the original and receives updated styling in addition to engineering and equipment upgrades.



Mazda Canada will continue to offer the MX-5 in three versions: GX, GS and GT, all powered by an all-aluminum, DOHC, 167 horsepower, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. The 2009 MX-5 GX is ideal for driving enthusiasts looking for an affordable sports roadster and includes a 5-speed manual transmission and 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/50R16 tires.The MX-5 GS & GT include a 6-speed manual transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/45/17 performance tires, a limited slip differential (LSD), dynamic stability control (DSC), strut tower bar, and sport-tuned suspension with BilsteinÆ shock absorbers. The GT offers a dash of luxury as it comes well equipped with an assortment of premium features such as Xenon (HID) headlights, BoseÆ audio system, Sirius satellite radio, BluetoothÆ with Audio Profile, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, leather seats with adjustable heating, and smart keyless entry system.



For those that prefer the benefit of a closed coupe when the roof is up, the Power Retractable Hard Top is offered as an option on the GS or standard equipment on the GT. A few new standard features find their way onto all trim levels including side impact airbags, MP3 & WMA functionality on the CD player, a door pocket insert, and soft feel centre arm rest.



2010 Mazda3

Launched in 2003 as a 2004 model, the compact Mazda3 has become one of the best selling cars in Canada. Worldwide, there have been over 2 million Mazda3's built and since its introduction the Mazda3 has earned more than 90 automobile awards around the globe including the highly coveted 2004 Canadian Car of the Year.The definitive fun-to-drive compact, the 2010 Mazda3 looks to build upon that success with the style, functionality,safety, and economy to once again lead its class. Trim levels for the 2010 Mazda3 remain identical to the outgoing model, GX, GS and GT, but that's about where the similarities end.



The entry-level GX and GS sedan, as well as the unique to Canada Sport GX, are powered by an economical 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 148 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The 2010 Mazda3 Sedan GT and Mazda3 Sport GS/GT trims are powered by the all new 167 horsepower, 2.5 litre four-cylinder and six-speed manual gearbox taken from the Mazda6.For 2010, there are more standard and optional features rarely seen in this segment of the market, such as a Traction Control System (TCS) with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), exterior mirror mounted turn signals, colour Multi Information Display (MID) with Navigation, smart keyless entry with Smart Start, a 10-speaker BOSEÆ audio system with Centerpoint and Audio Pilot, Sirius satellite radio, and an Adaptive Front Lighting System with self-levelling Bi-Xenon headlights.



Rounding out the Mazda display in Toronto is the full complement of Mazda's award-winning vehicles including the 2009 Mazda5 and 2009 Mazda B-series 2300 pickup both of which were recently awarded ecoENERGY awards as the most fuel efficient vehicles in their classes (van and pickup truck respectively) by Natural Resources Canada. The 2009 Mazda6, recently named "Best New Family Vehicle $22,000-$35,000" by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) will also be on display as well as the RX-8, CX-9 and Tribute.

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2011 Honda Civic - Honda Cars

The new 2011 Honda Civic is going to be a legend in its class. It is destined to make a difference in the hatchback class. It is set to hit the Honda showrooms in 2010.



The pictures in the gallery section just show how the Japanese auto maker has put together the skills of mastermind class, to create this distinct vehicle. The model is more bold and stylish, and features a new wave in auto making. Honda has worked hard to create this model, and it will definitely create some fierce competition between its competitors.



The model is mainly aimed at the large amount of young drivers, who want style and class all in one. The vehicle will be like a modified vehicle, with the three door model sitting with a lowered suspension, darker interior and deep sculpted seats.

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2010 Jaguar XJ - Jaguar Cars

Jaguar XJ is not only enhanced in terms of design, technology and performance it is also the most environmentally responsible model as well! Recently Britain’s VCA (Vehicle Certification Agency) audited and approved t imhe new XJ’spact on environment over a specified lifetime (200,000km), including the materials used, material processing, assembly and transport during manufacturing. Jaguar is now recognized as a manufacturer with great efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.



Paul Markwick, VCA CEO, said,. “I’m delighted to present this certificate to the team at Jaguar; I know it marks the culmination of a lrot of had work. Environmental issues are rightly high on the business agenda so it is great to see industry embracing initiatives such as Life Cycle Assessment, This demonstrates a clear commitment to the management of environmental impacts at all stages of the product life cycle, from concept through to the end of vehicle life. VCA has supported the automotive industry with its certification needs globallyan 3 for more th0 years and this extensive knowledge of the sector means that our audit teams understand the complexities of the vehicle design and construction process and the legislation supporting this”.



A key focus for future development will be the unique lightweight aluminium vehicle architecture which lies at the heart of the latest Jaguar XJ.



Based on aerospace technology, the aluminium body structure offers a number of major advantages compared to a conventional steel shell, including a substantial cut in the energy required for manufacturing and a significant reduction in weight.



The aluminium body in the new XJ uses up to 50 percent recycled material, with a plan to increase this to 75 percent. Body panels made from recycled material use only five percent of the energy required for new aluminium, equating to a potential saving of three tonnes of CO2 per vehicle compared to a bodyshell made from new aluminium.



The XJ’s aluminium structure also saves around 150kg compared to an equivalent steel body, allowing the use of smaller, more fuel efficient engines with no compromise to performance. Equipped with the 3.0-litre AJ-V6D turbodiesel, the XJ delivers an impressive combined economy figure of 40.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 184g/km.



“Jaguar has been at the forefront of developing lightweight aluminium bodies for the past decade, and the lifecycle assessment will help us find new opportunities to enhance their environmental benefits,” says Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist Body Engineering.



“With a holistic approach, which takes account of the energy required during manufacturing, the advantages of an aluminium structure are particularly compelling. Compared to a typical steel-bodied competitor, we estimate that the new Jaguar XJ can cut CO2 emissions by six tonnes per vehicle over the whole lifecycle.

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2011 ferrari enzo II

Considered by many enthusiasts as the ultimate modern Ferrari, the limited-edition Enzo’s replacement will be a tough act to follow up for the Italian automaker. The second-generation Enzo, also named after the marque’s illustrious founder, promises to take performance – and, surprisingly, efficiency – to a new level.



Like the original Enzo, the car’s successor will be a range-topping supercar aimed at immortalizing the legendary founder of the brand. Available only to select current Ferrari owners, the next-generation Enzo will serve as the brand’s performance and technology showcase.



Based – at least in concept – on the Ferrari Millechili show car (though the production Enzo replacement won’t carry that name), the performance car will be loaded with the technology learned from years of Formula 1 experience.



Expected to be powered by a mid-mounted V8 engine, rather than the Maserati-based V12 that motivated the Enzo, power should easily exceed 700 horsepower. Though fuel efficiency is hardly a Ferrari selling point, the car must conform to more recent European Union standards, meaning a new emphasis has been placed on reducing consumption. It has been rumored that Ferrari will use twin-turbocharging to make the most out of a smaller-displacement (think under 6 liters) V8 engine.



Key to addressing the fuel economy issue is a significant weight and size reduction, which should bring the car well down from the just-over 3,000 lbs. of its predecessor; rumors out of Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters indicate that weight could approach 2,200 lbs. Improved aerodynamics, including adjustable front and rear spoilers, will not only help the new Enzo stick to the road at maximum speeds, but it will also ensure reduced fuel consumption.



Its platform could go one of two ways: Either a heavily-modified version of the FXX race car’s architecture – itself a variation of the road-going Enzo – or a slightly longer derivative of the F430’s aluminum space frame.



Production will probably be at least as limited as the original Enzo, meaning no more than 400 of the 1 million Euro-plus supercars will emerge from Maranello when it goes on sale in over a year’s time.

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2010 Acura RL available in three variations

Featuring bold looks, a powerful V-6 engine and Acura’s acclaimed Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™  system, the 2010 Acura RL demonstrates that refined luxury is complemented perfectly by advanced technology and performance adrenaline. In addition to delivering luxury, style and performance, Acura’s top-of-the-line sedan keeps drivers more connected to their world, and the world around them, by featuring the latest in intuitive, easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology.



“If a customer is looking for the perfect blend of luxury, performance and safety, then look no further than the 2010 Acura RL”, said Jeff Conrad, vice president of Acura sales. “It would be hard to find a production car at any price that offers more advanced technology or drive system sophistication.”



The 2010 RL is available in three variations: RL, RL with Technology Package and RL with Technology Package Plus CMBS™. All RL’s feature as standard a potent 3.7-liter VTEC® V-6 engine, Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, leather trimmed interior, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control system, power moonroof, power windows, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, Multi-Information Display (MID) that allows access to multiple electronic functions, Acura/Bose® Surround Sound audio system and Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® connectivity.



The available Technology Package includes the satellite-linked Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink Real-Time Traffic with Traffic Rerouting™, AcuraLink Real-Time Weather™, rear view back-up camera, Active Front Lighting System (AFS), ventilated front seats, and a simulated wood accented steering wheel and shift knob. The top RL package is the Technology Package with CMBS™ which adds Acura’s acclaimed Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and genuine maple wood instrument panel trim.

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Mercedes Benz G-Class Pictures & Info

The iconic Mercedes Benz G-Class is simply the best car they have ever built because it is being made for 30 years now with almost exactly the same shape as the very first model. Throughout the years Mercedes has garnished the Glandewagen with more power and luxury but the original recipe is still intact. It’s the coolest car in the world and it will be forever



For the new year though, as the car is celebrating its 30th birthday, the Germans gave it some interior upgrades and new paitjobs. The car is improved ergonomically with new specially designed seats while there are fabric and leather upholstery and new wood trimmings available for you to chose. It also gest an improved multimedia system with USB, iPod and AUX sockets.



As for the exterior there are two new paintjobs, palladium silver metallic’ and ‘designo platinum magno’ making the good old G look better than ever. However I still believe the G-wagen looks best in black with tinted windows! The powertrain for 2010 Mercedes Benz G-class remains the same as the current range, G350 CDI, G500 (which is actually 5.5 liter) , and best of the lot G55 AMG Supercharged. These engines are still good enough to power the car for another decade. Mercedes recently announced that in the Middle East only.

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2010 ABT Audi R8 GTR

Sure, the R8 is no lame duck, and this is even more so once the sports car has been tuned by ABT Sportsline. The result is a real model athlete, which does not just ooze power, but also doesn't have a single gram of fat on its body. With the limited version R8 GT R (with only 25 units available) engineers and designers have gone one logical step further: experience from motorsport flowed into the design, and all the components have been systematically trimmed to ensure a light-weight construction and optimal weight distribution. As a result not just the bonnet, front and rear aprons, the adjustable rear wing or the tailgate are made of carbon, but the outline edge on the rear, the external mirrors and the door panel are also made of the same material. The side windows are made of Makrolon - the high-tech polycarbonate does not just reduce weight, but also has impressive strength properties. The result: the ABT R8 GT R is a proud 100 kilos lighter than its series counterpart.



How much motorsport the team, which comprises the current winners of the DTM and the ADAC GT Masters, actually brings to the road can be seen from the details: Recaro racing seats, a 4-point seat belt system, stainless steel roll-over bar with seat belt attachment, hand-held fire extinguisher or an ABT Sports steering wheel made of carbon – the people at ABT have thought of everything. "The R8 GT R is an uncompromising racing car for the road, and provides maximum performance", states Christian Abt. The successful motorsport racer indicates his responsibility for the development of this extraordinary vehicle and is impressed with the result. "I recommend trying the GT R on a racing track from time to time, as the car is great fun to drive there", says the General Manager of ABT who is responsible for technology. The adjustable front panel allows sports inserts; the ABT driver overalls, helmet, racing shoes and gloves are just as much as part of the effective GT R special equipment as an on-board video system and the expandable data module.



The well-trained sports car has enormous performance potential: instead of the series-standard 525HP (386 kW), the 5.2 FSI in the ABT R8 GT R provides a massive 620HP (456 kW) and as a result the light car travels extremely quickly: the top speed is 325 km/h, it does 0-100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds and the GT R reaches the 200km/h mark in a mere 9.9 seconds. In order to ensure that the power can be optimally applied on the road and on the race track, height-adjustable ABT Sports suspension and adjustable dampers are standard on the ABT R8 GT R. The ceramic brake system with modified brake pads has been adjusted to meet the enormous performance potential of the super sports car. The extremely light ABT CR alloys round off the package. On the front axle they are mounted in 9x18 inch and on the rear axle in 11x18 inch. The Michelin sports cup tyres are the perfect choice for the car. The ABT R8 GT R is a unique vehicle which provides maximum driving enjoyment. It has been designed for driving at the limit: from the weight-optimised exhaust unit to the ABT Titanium special coating – ABT's love of motorsport can be seen in every detail.

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Kia Fort Koup EX

Kia Forte Koup may outputs 156 hp and 144 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels, as it’s powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine which coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission or a electronically controlled 4-speed automatic gearbox. 2010 Kia Forte Koup will also be available with a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine developing 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque.

Kia Forte Koup also comes equipped with multi-port electronic fuel injection and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).

Forte Koup’s fluid lines and balanced proportions, meant to evoke an emotional driving experience, closely mirror the powerful design cues of the concept vehicle and offer the same aggressive stance with swept-back wrap-around headlamps, aggressive air intakes and a low, sleek profile. Available in two trim levels (EX and SX), Kia Forte Koup offers a muscular yet sophisticated design. Even from behind, Forte Koup exudes attitude with slim, wrapped tail lights, duel exhaust outlets and a rear diffuser.

Athleticism and convenience are standard for the Kia Forte Koup EX with body-color bumpers, power heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and 16-inch alloy wheels outfitted with P205/55R16 tires. The SX trim offers an even sportier profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires.

Kia Forte Koup EX is driven by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower and 168 pound-feet of torque, more than the Scion tC. Expanding upon the dynamic look and feel, Forte Koup’s engine hums powerfully courtesy of the dual exhaust outlets outfitted on both EX and SX trims.

With a surprisingly spacious interior for a two-door coupe, Kia Forte Koup provides a comfortable 90.7 cubic feet of interior volume, larger than the 2009 Honda Civic Coupe, Scion tC or Chevrolet Cobalt Coupe. Driver and passengers have an impressive 38.7 inches of headroom and 43.6 inches of legroom in the front seats and 35.3 inches of headroom and 33.9 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Trips to the beach and weekend getaways will be a breeze with ample cargo space of 12.6 cubic feet, enough to accommodate luggage and belongings of all passengers. Air conditioning, a driver’s seat height adjuster, adjustable rear seat headrests, tilt steering column, rear defroster, center console with dual cup holders, map lamps and variable intermittent wipers are also just some of the myriad amenities standard on every vehicle. Also standard on all models are power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry and cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls for added convenience. An optional Leather Package is available for both EX and SX trims. When combined with the EX trim the Leather Package adds leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and heated seats. When paired with the SX trim it includes leather and heated seats in addition to the standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

For inside entertainment while cruising down the road, Kia Forte Koup comes with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service. For added listening convenience steering wheel-mounted audio controls also come standard on all models, as well as USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod® and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones.

Forte Koup offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

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Renntech 777 Mercedes SLR McLaren

Volker Mornhinweg, the AMG boss, declared last week that the horsepower war is over and they won’t try to reach extreme performances with the cars they modify. Hartmut Feyhl, the boss from Renntech, still likes powerful cars which can reach incredible speeds and he announced that his company will reveal Renntech 777 Mercedes SLR McLaren, a car developed to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary, which has 777 HP. The car tuner says this is a completely new street legal track car and it will have a new body kit with improved aerodynamics, a big rear wing, new splitters and new side skirts. The car will be powered with a modified 5.5L supercharged Kompressor V8 engine and it will feature a new suspension, driveline and a special slip differential made by Renntech.



The Renntech 777 Mercedes SLR McLaren will have a top speed around 210 mph and the company says they will build only 20 versions of this car. They haven’t announced it’s price yet, but we’re pretty sure it won’t be cheap.

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Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is based on Maserati mechanics, but features unmistakeable Alfa Romeo styling. The '8C Competizione' name-plate is a reference to Alfa Romeo's rich motor-racing history. Making sure it handles as well as it looks, Alfa have drastically cut weight of the vehicle with the extensive use of carbon-fibre (the body and some other elements, like seat structure).Engine specifications on the prototype. The Engine Type of Alfa Romeo 8C is V8. The car having displacement of cu in (cc): 286 (4691). The Power of the car is bhp (kW) @ RPM: 450(336) / 7000 .The Torque is Nm @ RPM: 470 / 4750 having redline: 7500 rpm.

Originally unveiled as a concept car in 2004, Alfa have confirmed that the model will go into production in 2007 as a limited edition model, although that has yet to be confirmed.The planned debut of the production version is for the Paris show in late September so keep your eyes peeled and remember to check back for full production details shortly.

Designed with the intention of giving the venerable Italian performance car company a sports car designed to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is an impressive feat of automotive engineering, while also maintaining the classic Alfa looks and performance.

Under its hood is a 90-degree, cross-plane 4.7-liter V8 assembled by Ferrari that features wet sump lubrication and has 444 horsepower from the factory, and runs 0-60 in only 4.2 seconds. With styling harkening back to the days of the Alfa Romeo Duetto convertible, right down to the triangular grille, the 8C is a gorgeous car, worthy of all the design awards and acclaim it has received. Only 500 8C Competizione coupes were ever built, but what’s even rarer is the one police version available in Need for Speed Hot Pursuit.

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New 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Coupe Sports Car -- Info and Pic

Lamborghini offers some of the most exotic sports cars in the world, and with the latest Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 coupe, that is no exception. This new "entry level" Lamborghini Gallardo coupe delivers 560 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 398 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm via a 5.2-liter V10 engine, making sure to deliver on the "Lamborghini experience" in full.



The 560 portion of the car's name reflects its horsepower, while the "4" designation indicates all-wheel-drive. The "4" was likely added to the name in anticipation of the forthcoming rear-wheel-drive variant, which will likely end in "2."



The latest engine not only gained power and displacement, it also features a new "Iniezione Diretta Stratificata" direct injection system. Despite its clearly increased output, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent. With the improved fuel efficiency the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 is capable of 12/20 city/highway mpg.



The enlarged and clearly redesigned cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine. The front spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.



The redesigned four-wheel-drive system, an improved suspension design, and optimized aerodynamics all contribute an improved driving experience. A weight reduction of 44 lbs and decreased friction between the components also enhance performance.



The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 fulfills the not yet obligatory European pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the look of the car.



The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned for the LP 560-4. Gear change time reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented "CORSA" setting not only affects shift speed -- it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The 'Thrust Mode' ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized.



An optional carbon-ceramic-disc braking system makes use of eight-piston Brembo calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at he rear. Rotor size is 14.4 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear.



Bi-Xenon headlights provide plenty of illumination at night, while LED daytime running lights give the car a more aggressive and high-tech look.

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Festival of Jurby

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By: John Gregory via : www.isleofman.com



Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts and families are expected to descend on Jurby Airfield this Sunday (August 29) for the Festival of Jurby.
Last year marked the inaugural festival which attracted more than 8,000 visitors and featured vintage motorcycles and other vehicles as well as attractions for all the family. It was the biggest single spectator attraction of the year.
This year the organisers are predicting in excess of 10,000 people attending the festival and have completely revamped the event to cope with the huge numbers.

It has been organised by the Isle of Man Vintage Motorcycle Club.
Secretary of the club Tony East said: "We were completely overwhelmed by the number of people last year."We thought we might attract a couple of thousand visitors if we were lucky, but we totally under-estimated how popular the event would be."
The events committee of the VMCC Isle of Man came up with the idea of holding a gathering similar to the well established VMCC Festival of 1,000 Bikes held annually at Mallory Park.

Tony added: "We were well organised and we had lots of exhibitors and an enthusiastic group of people at VMCC who worked hard and who believed in the festival, but the number of people who arrived was just amazing... Read more

follow the Link http://www.mgpfestival.com/

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2008 BMW M1 Homage Concept in liquid orange colour

MULGRAVE, Australia – January 5, 2009: BMW Group Australia will bring the BMW M1 Homage show car to Melbourne in February 2009, to form the centrepiece of its stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

The BMW M1 Homage was created in 2008 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1 road and race car programme, the car developed by the highly successful BMW M GmbH division.

The BMW M1 Homage will sit alongside the all-new BMW 7 Series Sedan which makes its Australian public debut at Melbourne, and the just-released BMW X6 xDrive50i, both of which are powered by the first ever BMW Twin Turbo V8 engines.

The link is apt, given the BMW M1 Group 5 race version was powered by an 850 bhp twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.

“For BMW, heritage is always also a living heritage. Drawing inspiration from your own past and thereby reinventing yourself – that is exactly what the BMW M1 Homage demonstrates in impressive style,” Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW Group Board Member, Development explained at the unveiling of the BMW M1 Homage at the world famous Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como, Italy.

The BMW M1 Homage is a design study in the tradition of a BMW Turbo that represents a contemporary take on the BMW M1 and the mid-engine concept.

The Liquid Orange paintwork exclusively developed for the BMW M1 Homage cites the classic BMW M1 colour, yet surprises with its powerfully iridescent play of colour and brilliant depth.

It gives life to the extrovert silhouette, highlighting the bold convex and concave surfaces.

The BMW M1 Homage lifts many of the unique styling cues for the original M1 such as the air vents in the bonnet, louvers on the rear screen and the black cut line that divides the roofline from the rear section of the body.

Another feature carried over is the twin outboard BMW Roundels, positioned at the extremity of each wing, as in all previous mid-engined BMW models.

Back in 1979, the BMW M1 was Germany’s fastest series production sports car. While many were dressed in aggressive war paint for racing in the Proccar series, none is better known than the BMW Art Car, immortalised by Andy Warhol.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the BMW M1 Homage show car will be arriving in Australia for the Melbourne International Motor Show,” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director Guenther Seemann.

“The BMW M1 Homage is a sensational looking car that highlights both the strong dynamic Motorsport heritage of BMW, but also the talent and skill of our current designers, who created a 21st century look at how a new generation BMW M1 could look.

“There is no doubt the BMW M1 Homage will be a draw card for the visitors to the Melbourne show, joining with our new Twin Turbo V8-powered BMW 7 Series and X6 Sports Activity Coupé,” he said.

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2011 Audi A8 L

The new Audi A8 L is a concentrated high-tech package that confirms Audi claim to technical leadership – “Vorsprung durch Technik”. And now the brand is introducing the top version of its flagship model. The A8 L W12 quattro, with a long wheelbase and a twelve-cylinder engine, sets new standards of luxury, dynamism and efficiency in the top automobile manufacturing league. The Audi A8 L is being launched with a twelve-cylinder engine, but by the end of the year will be available with all the engines currently offered for the A8.



What’s fascinating about the A8 L is its supremely powerful presence; its design is clearly derived from the brand’s genes and yet has undergone further refinement. The long wheelbase does not disturb its taut outlines, which remain as athletic as they are elegant.



With an overall length of 5,267 millimeters (17.28 ft), the new Audi A8 L is 130 mm (0.43 ft) longer than the regular version. The wheelbase has grown by the same amount, to 3,122 mm (10.24 ft). The width remains unchanged at 1,949 mm (6.39 ft); the height has increased by 2 mm (0.08 in) to 1,462 mm (4.8 ft). Audi’s new top model is both longer and wider than its main long-wheelbase competitors.



The A8 L has a body built from aluminum using the Audi Space Frame (ASF) principle and therefore weighing about 40 percent less than a comparable steel body. The ASF body structure is built up from cast elements, extruded sections and sheet aluminum, with integral B-posts made from form-hardened ultra-high strength steel. This body’s tremendous rigidity is the key to the car’s precise handling, low interior noise levels and high passive safety for the occupants in the event of an accident.



Among the high-end technologies featured on the A8 model line are the optional LED headlight units (standard on the A8 L W12 quattro) with all lighting functions performed by LEDs. With this bright, high-efficiency light, Audi opens a new chapter in the history of automobile lighting technology.



Subtle visual details distinguish the A8 L W12 quattro from the other cars in this model line. The single-frame radiator grille with integral grid structure has a high-gloss black paint finish and special chromed horizontal bars. There are also chromed inserts of new design in the air inlets, and chromed applications on the exterior mirrors. W12 badges are displayed on the single-frame grille and at the rear of the car. The exhaust system has two trapezoidal-pattern tailpipe trims neatly integrated into the rear bumper.

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2010 Aston Martin Rapide Price $197,850

2010 Aston Martin Rapide



Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque’s new four-door sports car; the Rapide.



Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin’s latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race – as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company’s Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.



Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the New 2010 Aston Martin Rapide drivers, explained: “This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car – it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny.



“2010 Aston Martin Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009.”



The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use.



The 2010 Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide’s original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin’s 125-strong global dealership network.



The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage – again modified only slightly for racing – which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage – which finished in 21st place overall last year – saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.



Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.



The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

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Mods vs. Rockers bike rally

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By Kimberlee Love via : www.post-gazette.com


When Larry Fletcher organized Chicago's first Mods vs. Rockers bike and scooter rally in 2005 he had a wealth of experience from which to draw. Mr. Fletcher, a beer importer and vintage bike enthusiast, had organized The Brighton Bash, a vintage bike event, at his Ace Cafe Chicago in 1997, and he continued to organize vintage bike shows and ride-ins with the 59 Club Chicago throughout the next several years.


When Laura Pliskin, a freelance art department coordinator from Pittsburgh, decided to organize Pittsburgh's first Rockers vs. Mods event (Mods vs. Rockers and Rockers vs. Mods are used somewhat interchangeably) she had no experience whatsoever. What she did have was enthusiasm for the vintage bike scene -- and for Mods and Rockers culture.


Ms. Pliskin was first exposed to British Mods and Rockers online -- Mods being tidy skinny-tie, suit-jacketed scooter riders, and Rockers being rather less tidy leather-jacketed motorcyclists, so named for their love of American rock 'n' roll. Reaching their heyday in 1960s Britain, Mods and Rockers gained notoriety after several well-publicized -- some say well-exploited -- brawls were reported by the hungry British press. Ms. Pliskin devoured everything she could read about them on the Web and remembers thinking, "How amazing to have been alive during that time, when two of motorcycling's subcultures were so dedicated to their passions."


After finding that Mods vs. Rockers events were cropping up around the country, she wondered, "Pittsburgh has the vintage bike culture, so why not have an event here?" She was already a legend in her social circle for organizing outrageous theme parties, but she knew it would take more than the idea to make an event happen. Fate stepped in when a co-worker remarked that his girlfriend, Nicole White, was starting a party planning business. The two women met and bonded instantly.

Ms. Pliskin is a motorcyclist -- she rides a 1969 Honda CB350 -- and is the self-described "idea man" of the duo. Ms. White doesn't ride, and is the more grounded of the two. Ms. Pliskin says Ms. White has been instrumental in organizing the nuts and bolts of Rockers vs. Mods Pittsburgh, securing such necessities as insurance coverage... Read more

Rockers vs. Mods

Where: SouthSide Works parking lot.

When: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.

Information: steelcityrockersvsmods.com

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