Cadillac CTS Coupe
Posted by bensto in Cadillac on 05 17th, 2008
Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new CLK next year . BMW has the 3-Series Convertible; Lexus is also ready to launch on an IS Convertible and Nissan just confirmed a G37 Convertible this week; So you would think GM would somewhere throw in a major hint about a CTS convertible based on their popular new CT Coupe Concept..
Though, and sadly enough, InsideLine is reporting that a CTS Coupe Convertible has been scratched off the production schedule. In an interview with Cadillac spokesman David Cladwell about the possibility of a CTS convertible, Cladwell seemed a bit doubtful that it would ever see the light of day.
“This issue of a convertible is one of the very rare times where we decline the offer to,” Cladwell told InsideLine.
Come on GM! It would be nice to see a CTS Coupe Convertible and maybe one day a CTS-V Coupe Convertible as well.
read comments (0)The 2008 Lotus Elise
Posted by bensto in CAR on 04 9th, 2008
The 2008 Lotus Elise is a one of type sports car for purists who yearn for the closest thing to a telepathically controlled track special you can find on the road. While other exotics rely on massive engines, space-age materials and high-tech technologies to hustle them down America’s twistiest roads, the Elise utilizes an age-old principle — the lighter, the better.
Regardless of a mere 190 horsepower generated from its Toyota-sourced 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the base Elise still manages to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Credit a curb weight of 1,984 pounds, which is a minor miracle in this era of perpetually pudgy vehicles. By comparison, a Mazda Miata weighs 2,498 pounds and has only 170 hp aboard. For 2008, a detuned version of the supercharged four-cylinder found in the Lotus Exige S makes its way into the more street-going Elise SC, which boosts thrust up to 217 hp and 153 pound-feet of torque (versus 133).
The 2008 Lotus Elise is a two-seat roadster with a targa-style removable soft top. Standard equipment includes 16-inch front wheels and 17-inch rear wheels with high-performance tires, Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo brakes, HID xenon headlights, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel, aluminum handbrake and shift knob, trip computer and a four-speaker Alpine stereo with CD player.
SLC Supercar by Mercedes Benz
Posted by bensto in Mercedes-Benz on 04 5th, 2008
Germany Automaker Mercedes Benz will be ending production of its SLR McLaren Roadster later next year to make room for its future SLC supercar. We now have more info on the car from the good folks at AutoCar who state that the upcoming SL65 Black Series will share main components with the SLC.
This supercar will certainly be developed my AMG who is planning on using the same axels on the SLC that they will use on the SL65 Black Series. Though, unlike the Black Series SL, the SLC will use an aluminum space frame in order to eliminate weight and added the strength of the car. Also see major use of carbon fiber as Mercedes moves to building an alloy car for the first time.
The two will also share AMG’s 6.2L V8 engine developing well over 600-hp. Transmission for both cars is expected to come from the recently launched SL63 AMG with a 7-speed MCT gearbox. AutoCar says that there is also a possibility of a BMW M-style electronic differential.
To boost aerodynamics, the SLC and the Black Series SL65 will feature a pop-up spoiler that will rise at speeds above 60mph.
New Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet
Posted by bensto in Ford on 03 15th, 2008
Ford Motor Company showing the new Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. The model will combine the hot-looking ‘kinetic’ Europe Focus lineup that already includes a three-door, four-door, five-door, wagon and the sporty ST model. We’re still looking forward to the RS model that will be launched in 2009.
The Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet is accessible in a range of Duratec gasoline and Duratorq diesel engines. The two Duratec engines include a 1.6L that produces 98hp and a 2.0L that produces 143hp. The 2.0L Duratorq TDCi engine produces 134hp.
The car is once again available in three different trim levels including the Trend, Sport and the range-topping Titanium level that features 17-inch alloy wheels and a partial leather seats. And yes Ford, we want one on the state side -just as bad as we want all the other Euro Ford models including the Mondeo even if it doesn’t make sense.
In addition to standard front and side airbags, Ford’s new Rollover Protection Device (RPD) system plays a vital role in increasing Focus Coupé-Cabriolet’s passive safety performance. RPD is designed to help protect passengers in the unlikely event that the vehicle rolls over. Electronic sensors and a gyroscope are at the heart of the system, and can detect an impending rollover. When this happens, two ultra-strong safety roll bars “fire” into position within a tenth of a second. Combined with the reinforced A-pillars and the highly rigid front window frame, RPD is a reassuring device that provides valuable extra protection for occupants.
