CAR MANIA: 2011-02-13

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Chevy Launches MyLink Infotainment System in Response to Ford's SYNC

The 2012 Chevrolet Volt and Equinox models will be the first to offer Chevy MyLink, an in-car infotainment equipment that integrates internet radio, hands-free, voice and touch-screen controls, all of which can be accessed via Bluetooth connectivity.

Three years ago, Ford introduced a similar system, called SYNC, whose aim was to reunite in a friendly and efficient way the various in-car controls that a driver can access while driving. Now Chevy is ready with its own technology, developed together with GM's subsidiary OnStar.

MyLink provides drivers with stereo audio streaming, wireless control of smartphones, voice-activated commands and a full-color 7-inch touch screen display that centralizes media sources. For example, the driver can initiate phone calls, select radio stations or stored media only by using his voice.

Other features are Pandora internet radio, which allows users to personalize their radio experience, or Gracenote, which identifies the user's music collection and presents information such as artist name, genres and album cover art on the MyLink screen.

Basically, MyLink does everything that SYNC does, plus the future integration of the Powermat wireless cell-phone charging system that eliminates cords. The MyLink infotainment system will expand to other Chevrolet models in the next 18 months.

VIDEO: Ford Model T’s Assembly Process Still Looks Amazing Even Today

Few cars have revolutionized the automotive industry like the Ford Model T did. Besides being the first affordable vehicle, the “Tin Lizzie” is also known for its devilishly efficient mass assembly process, enabling Ford to build 15 million units in 19 years. Granted, it had a fairly simple design, but the rate at which workers were able to build one is amazing even today. The video we found shows how the front axle is built and attached to the frame. Hit the jump to watch the clip.

BMW Releases Performance Exhaust System for Latest M3 Models [with Video]

Do you happen to own a fourth generation BMW M3 Coupe, Sedan or Convertible model, and if so, do you crave for a throatier sound from its exhaust? If you answered yes to both questions and can justify spending $4,374 plus labor for installation for a performance exhaust system, then you may want to take a look the Bavarian firm's new M Performance offering.

BMW said the new exhaust system is crafted from an extremely heat-resistant and lightweight chrome-nickel alloy called Inconel, which allowed the firm's engineers to reduce the thickness of the tubing from 1.5mm to 0.8mm. This resulted in a weight reduction of approximately 40%, or about 20 pounds when compared to the M3's stock exhaust system. So basically, you're getting a much lighter exhaust system with a more powerful sound

The M Performance Exhaust also comes with perforated inner pipes and polished titanium tips, which are laser engraved with the M logo.

The company said the new exhaust may be installed at any Authorized BMW Center at a price of $4,374 plus installation.

First Photos of New SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition

On Wednesday, February 23, SAAB will host a special party at its Trollhättan plant in Sweden to celebrate what it describes as "the first anniversary of Saab’s rebirth as an independent carmaker".

I'd argue if Saab is really independent given that the company heavily relies on GM for its current portfolio (one example is the new 9-4X which is based on the Cadillac SRX and is built at the Detroit automaker's Ramos Arizpe factory in Mexico) and is actively seeking help to develop its future models having already sealed a deal with BMW for the supply of 4-cylinder engines, but that's another story for another time.

Case in point is that at the birthday party, the Swedes plan to debut a commemorative edition model based on the 9-3 Convertible, the first pictures of which were spilled on the internet today. According to Saabsunited, the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition will be built in a limited run of 366 units, apparently one for each day that passed since Spyker Cars took over the company from GM.

The special edition model gets a 220HP 2.0T Biopower engine and will boast several unique features such as the bespoke Sunset Red color, new 18-inch alloy wheels, gray leather seats with a center strip and piping in orange, numerous Hirsch interior appointments and an orange-colored turbo instrument needle.

MINI to Debut...Mini Concept at Geneva Motor Show

Carscoop has learned that Mini will lift the covers off a brand new concept model at the Geneva Motor Show in the beginning of March. The three-door design study is said to hark back to the classic Mini in terms of its exterior dimensions while keeping up with the times in terms of safety requirements and occupant space.

The concept will measure a little over 3.4 meters in length, essentially splitting the difference between the current three-door hatchback (3,723 mm) and the original 1959 Mini (3,050 mm).

We also learned that Mini's study will sport a 3+1 seat configuration similar to that of the Toyota iQ and that its design and tech features, including a variety of weight saving tricks and components, will be applied to the next generation of Mini models.

It remains to be seen if the BMW Group bosses give the green light for a production version of the small city car concept from Mini.

2011 Hamann Victory II

HAMANN already presented the super sports car Victory based on the first Lamborghini Gallardo. With the latest Gallardo LP560-4, now also the new HAMANN Victory II is introduced. The car body becomes broader and the engine performance as well as the amount of carbon parts is significantly increased.

HAMANN offers these for the Victory II. In addition, they offer an entire refinement of the original body design which startswith a new front apron in Race-design with a centre carbon part. With new fenders in the front and fender extensions in the back, the Victory II renders an even more remarkable appearance. Also, the extended side skirts and the air inlet on the roof – available in carbon as well – confirm this impression. The back of the car is enhanced by a diffuser and a newly designed rear wing which pushes the car onto the road at high speeds. HAMANN offers the rear wing either in fibre glass or the ultra light and persistent carbon. On top of that, a carbon layer can be applied to the bonnet.

HAMANN equips the Victory II with 20 inch Edition Race rims with a special varnish in order to emphasize the new dynamic look. At the same time, the reduced unsprung masses improve the handling and the acceleration and braking response. The recommended wheel/tyre combination is 9.5Jx20 incheswith 235/30ZR20 tyres at the front and 13Jx20 rims with 325/25ZR20 tyres at the back.

By adjusting the engine electronics, HAMANN squeezes additional performance out of this Italian stallion, increasing its power to 427 kW/580 hp with a maximum torque of 575 Newton metres. Therefore, the HAMANN Victory II reaches an impressive 328 km/h top speed.

The impressive V10-Sound turns even more remarkable by applying an end muffler to the serial end pipes.

The interior of the HAMANN Victory II is enhanced by a 14-part carbon set which includes decorative blends, the §teering wheel and the door openers. The HAMANN-sports seatswith the carbon back render a perfect seating position. If desired, the HAMANN upholstery department can offer anything to make the customers’ hearts beat faster. Personalised floor mats or entire leather equipment, everything is handmade by master craftsmen. Individually designed for you and fitted to your car by experts.

Wallpapers 2011 Hamann Victory II

Wallpapers 2011 Hamann Victory II Interiour

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Model Debuts

Ford says that in 1968, their management approved a special Mustang, a car that sacrificed nothing in its quest to be the best all-around road-going performance machine ever created by Ford Motor Company. That car became the sought-after 1969 Mustang Boss 302. Forty-two years later, the badge has been resurrected. With the millions of “special edition” Mustangs floating around, it is amazing that this badge didn’t pop up sooner.

Based on the updated 2011 Mustang GT, the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 will bridge the gap between the GT and the GT500. The 2011 GT isn’t even out properly yet, and the Boss is already badged as a 2012.

To set Boss apart, each car will have either a black or white roof panel, coordinated to the colour of the side C-stripe. Available exterior colours are orange, white, blue, yellow and red.

Up front, a unique fascia and grille has blocked-off fog-lamp openings and a lower splitter. It helps to reduce underbody drag and front end lift while more effectively forcing air through the Boss-specific cooling system. At the rear is a simple spoiler.

The GT’s 412 hp 5.0-litre V8 has been modified to produce 440 hp and 515 Nm of torque. A race-inspired clutch, a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission, a 3.73 ratio rear axle, a new air intake and carbon-fibre plates in the limited-slip differential complete the package. A torque-sensing (Torsen) limited-slip differential is an available option coupled with Recaro front seats.

A retuned induction sound tube channels noise from under the bonnet, while the Boss quad exhaust system has been tuned to a unique sound. Five kilos of sound-deadening materials have been removed on purpose.This will be one noisy car.

The Boss “mandate” is apparently to be the best-handling Mustang ever, so higher-rate coil springs, stiffer suspension bushings and a larger-diameter rear stabiliser bar we added. Boss models are lowered by 11 mm at the front and 1 mm at the rear compared to the Mustang GT. Interestingly, manually-adjustable shocks and struts are standard on all Boss Mustang models. Five settings are available via old-style hands-on adjustability, similar to the shocks available on the original Boss 302, with a screwdriver.

In contrast to the suspension, there is a speed-sensitive electronic steering system with three settings for comfort, normal and sport modes.

The stability and traction control systems can be fully turned off, or left in an intermediate sport mode that allows drivers to push their cars without completely disabling the safety systems, permitting more aggressive driving before the systems intervene.

The Boss 302 receives staggered lightweight 19-inch black alloy wheels, 9 inches wide in front and 9.5 inches in the rear. The Pirelli PZero tyres are 255/40ZR front and 285/35ZR rear. It also uses Brembo four-piston front calipers acting on 14-inch vented rotors up front, with standard Mustang GT brakes in the back, with a Boss-specific high-performance pad compound, low-compressibility brake lines and retuned ABS.

The Boss has a top speed of 248 kph and is the “first non-SVT Mustang” to achieve more than 1.0G of lateral acceleration.

Inside, a unique Boss steering wheel covered completely in Alcantara suede complements the standard seats, which are trimmed in cloth with a suede-like insert. Recaro buckets are optional. A dark metallic instrument panel finish, gauge cluster and door panel trim also differentiate Boss from the standard Mustang, while a black pool-cue shifter ball and “Powered by Ford” door sill plates are also fitted.

To celebrate the racing heritage of the new Mustang Boss 302, Ford will also offer a limited number of Boss 302 Laguna Seca models, named for the track where Parnelli Jones won the 1970 Trans-Am season opener in a Boss 302. Aimed at racers more interested in on-track performance than creature comforts, the Boss 302 Laguna Seca has increased body stiffness, a firmer chassis set-up and an aerodynamics package carried over almost in its entirety from the Ford Racing Boss 302R.

Ford says that the team who developed it was not “going to let Boss become a sticker and wheel package”, although that is what every other ‘special edition’ Mustang is. This really looks be a great factory-tuned car.

Whether the Boss — the name is starting to sound funny now — is going to be available in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE remains to be seen. So far, only the 2011 Mustang V6 and GT models have been confirmed, and they aren’t even out yet.

Wallpapers 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Model Debuts

Wallpapers 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Interiour