Sport Moto

Kamis, 26 Maret 2009

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, Si Raja Jalanan

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR/ Ford

Kamis, 07 Agustus 2008 10:00
KapanLagi.com - Memperingati ulang tahun ke-40 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR, Ford kembali meluncurkan generasi 2008 dari King of the Road yang pertama kali muncul di tahun 1968 ini. Dengan beberapa perbaikan, mobil ini agaknya masih layak disebut si raja jalanan.

Kali ini Ford menanam mesin supercharged V-8 berkapasitas 5,4-liter yang mampu menghasilkan daya sebesar 540 tenaga kuda di bawah kap mesinnya yang terbuat dari carbon composite. Kerja mesin yang sudah dilengkapi dengan Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack ini didukung dengan gigi belakang dengan rasio 3,73:1 dan short-throw shifter.

Untuk mengimbangi peningkatan kemampuan mesin ini, Ford melakukan sedikit modifikasi pada sistem suspensi mobil bertenaga besar ini. Agar lebih mantap, Ford menggunakan ban Pirelli yang dipasangnya pada velg berukuran 18 inci pada generasi 2008 ini.

Secara fisik, GT500KR ini tak jauh beda dengan generasi tahun 2007. Beda yang mencolok mungkin hanya pada desain hood atau kap mesinnya saja. Bila sebelumnya bentuk hood ini terlihat sedikit menggembung lantaran hood scoop yang menghadap ke atas, kali ini Ford hanya meletakkan hood scoop ini di ujung hood sehingga berkesan modern.

Untuk mempertahankan tradisi, Ford sengaja mempertahankan stripping dua garis yang memanjang dari bagian belakang hingga ke bagian depan dari mobil ini. Dengan paduan cat berwarna silver dan stripping berwarna biru muda, si raja jalanan ini membawa kesan kokoh, dinamis namun tetap membawa jiwa klasik dari Mustang.

Penasaran dengan wujud si raja jalanan yang hanya akan dibuat sebanyak 1000 buah ini? Lihat saja dalam galeri fotonya . (Ford/roc)

Nissan 350Z

2009
Used Nissan 350Z

MSRP: $36,870 - $42,570

Invoice: $34,148 - $39,419

MPG: 17 City / 24 Hwy

U.S.News Scores

Overall:	8.8
Performance:	9.1
Exterior:	7.3
Interior:	7.3
Safety:	9.3
Reliability:	NA

Research we analyzed for this review

Blasts from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds
Sure-footed sports handling
Quick-operating power convertible soft-top
Comfortable and supportive seats

Stiff suspension can be harsh at times
Subpar interior material quality
Notable ergonomic quirks
Muddy sounding audio system
Limited visibility from the driver's seat

Nissan 350Z - What the Auto Press Says

The 350Z is a comfortable two-seat convertible that garners a lot of praise for its powerful engine and sports handling. However, limited visibility, low grade materials, and a stiff suspension detract from its appeal.

Though the 350Z Coupe has been replaced by the '09 370Z, the 350Z Roadster carries into the 2009 model-year virtually unchanged -- which, for those in search of a thrilling convertible with real sports performance, is a good thing. Comparing its performance to competitors, Motor Trend writes: "Think of the Mustang GT as Jake LaMotta, a punch-drunk heavyweight making a comeback from the brink of retirement. With a 300-horse V-8, it still packs quite a wallop. The 350Z, on the other hand, is Jackie Chan, kickboxing the competition with faster moves, quicker reflexes, and a more animated personality."

Even so, the 350Z is far from perfect. In addition to low-grade interior materials and limited visibility, its stiff suspension makes driving over every bump a painful experience. However, taken as a whole, reviewers are impressed.

If you're in the market for a two-door convertible sports car, consider the MX-5 Miata. Not only does it provide superior sports handling, but its ride quality is comfortable too. However, if you value sexy sports car looks over performance, both the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice make excellent choices. For those willing to spend a bit more, be sure to short-list the BMW Z4.

The 2009 350Z Roadster is available in three trims -- Enthusiast, Touring and Grand Touring.

"The first task of a sports car is to make the driver happy. The second is to look cool. Nissan's 350Z Roadster hits a bull's-eye on both." -- USA Today
"There are very few cars that match up in comparison. The closest would be the Mazda RX-8 or the Chevrolet Corvette, but the RX-8 has been plagued by reliability problems and isn't as powerful. The Corvette costs more and is actually a slightly different animal. That leaves the 350Z to dominate the affordable sports car niche market." -- Cars.com
"With a powerful engine, sharp handling, retractable roof and relatively low price, the 350Z Roadster offers a lot of style, performance and driving pleasure for the money." -- Kelley Blue Book
"For the money, the 2007 Nissan 350Z is still one of the best performance buys on the market." -- Edmunds

350Z Performance - 9.1 (Excellent)

Test drivers find the 350Z to be a powerful sports handler that sacrifices little road composure for its convertible design. "The Nissan 350Z convertible is solidly engineered and delivers pure sports-car satisfaction," writes Consumer Guide. "It's not without typical sports-car vices; namely a rough ride and high noise levels." Continue with our full 350Z Performance Review to read why you should opt for its optional automatic transmission if you do a lot of city driving. continue

350Z Exterior - 7.3 (Good)

Reviewers are neither impressed nor disgusted with the 350Z's exterior design. "As with many convertibles, the 350Z Roadster doesn't look its best with the top up, but it's sleekly handsome when the power-operated cloth top is hidden neatly out of view beneath the body-color tonneau cover," writes Kelley Blue Book. Continue with our full 350Z Exterior Review to read why one critic describes its shape as having "an acute case of bubble butt." continue

350Z Interior - 7.3 (Good)

Though critics find the Z's cabin to be generally comfortable, many complain that it lacks quality materials and has a few ergonomic quirks. According to Consumer Guide, "Most interior panels are textured or padded, but the overall ambiance is drab, rather than sporty." Continue with our full 350Z Interior Review to read about its disappointing audio system. continue

350Z Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

Not only does the 2009 350Z perform well in crash tests conducted by the federal government, but it comes equipped with loads of standard and optional safety features. However, visibility issues raise safety concerns. Continue with our full 350Z Safety Review to learn which optional safety features critics would have preferred to see standard. continue

350Z Reliability - NA

Nissan covers the '09 350Z with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full 350Z Reliability Review to read about its competitive powertrain warranty. continue

Melkus to Debut Lightweight RS 2000 Sports Car at Frankfurt Show

Posted Today 08:56 AM by Nate Martinez
Category: Auto Shows, Europe, Frankfurt Motor Show

Chances are, you've probably never heard of Melkus Sportwagen, but it was a big time player in various European Formula series during the early 1950s and '60s, creating some of the fastest race-winning chassis. Also little known is that the small East German outfit has produced a few limited edition roadcars and is looking to rekindle its street cred after a 20-year hiatus with a new model set to debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show.

In line with the marque's elder RS 1000 sports car of the 1980s, the latest model -- named the RS 2000 -- features Melkus' iconic gullwing door design. Unique on these doors is their incorporation of the front half roof structure. According to engineers, when opened, the gullwings only extend a few centimeters past the side profile, thus allowing for easier passenger entry and exit in tight parking spaces or garages. (Although the doors do make us wonder about low ceilings).

Its bodywork was penned with close attention to aerodynamic efficiency. Just as the case with most contemporary sports cars, a pronounced lower front lip with matching side skits and rear diffuser comprise the sculpted carbon fiber bodywork. Lateral airflow vents assist in cooling both the rear brakes and its rumored 1.8L, VW-sourced engine (150 to 200-hp). Designers closed the RS 2000's entire undertray in order to further enhance aerodynamics. After three years of fine tuning, the body shell -- complete with a Crashbox monocoque -- reportedly weighs less than 1000 lbs, Melkus says.

Only 25 RS 2000 are scheduled to be made per year at a speculated price of around $136,000, with the first deliveries to commence this November. Rumor also has it that a higher powered edition packing around 300-hp will be available sometime soon as well.

More details are expected in the near furture to stay tuned to MT Online.

Source: Melkus, Autocar

Camaro V-6 vs Genesis Coupe 3.8

Posted March 24 2009 06:46 PM by Edward Loh
Filed under: New Cars, The Lohdown, Chevrolet, Coupes, Coupes

Last week I flogged the 210 horsepower, turbo four cylinder Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T and wrote about it in my weekly Lohdown column. Among the responses I received were the following pearls of wisdom:

“For $24k, Loh could get the superior in every aspect, 2010 Chevy Camaro V6 with ~310 HP and 29 miles per gallon.”
- lite_reading333ny

"The 3.8 [Genesis Coupe] is the car for Loh…It’s not perfect..but tell me, what could you rather have for ur 24 grand?”
- alfietcr

“Wow all these new Camaros, Mustangs, Zs, and now the Genesis are going to create a huge tuner(and poser) uprising…be afraid Hyundai-lover Loh, a storms coming.“
- -RWC-

Now I said some love-ly things about the Hyundai 2.0T. I also said love-ly things in my First Look piece on the Camaro late last year. So if it’s all the same to you RWC, I’ll remain brave and unafraid in the face of the, uh, approaching storm.

As for Camaro V-6 vs Genesis Coupe 3.8? Excellent question. Much of the buzz this week has been about the SS and how it matches up with its V-8 rivals, however I’d argue that the more compelling story is the Camaro V-6. While V-8s make big noises and smoky burnouts, it’s the base model V-6 that will keep Camaro brand alive and the lights on at GM. How tough will that job be with a new Korean opponent stepping into the ring?

I had the chance to drive both recently -- a dark blue Camaro V-6 with the RS package and a bright red Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to drive them back-to-back for an extended period of time, so a full comparison will have to wait. We can however compare the important specs:

Camaro RS Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track
Engine: 3.6 liter V-6 3.8 liter V-6
Transmission: 6 speed auto 6 speed auto
Power: 304hp 306hp
Torque: 273 lb-ft 266 lb-ft
0-60: 6.0 sec 5.5 sec
¼-mile: 14.6 sec at 96.3mph 14.0 sec at 101.0mph
Weight: 3770 lb 3474 lb
Fuel economy: 18/29 mpg 18/26 mpg
Base price: $28,780 $31,750

Right away you can see that these two are primed for an octagon style face off. A slightly larger (+200cc) engine yields a two horsepower advantage for the Hyundai but seven less pound-feet of torque. The Genesis Coupe is half a second quicker to 60 mph and full sixth tenths swifter through the quarter mile, primarily due to its 300 pound weight advantage. Our test crew informs me the conditions weren’t exactly ideal and that you could see the Camaro times drop a couple of tenths in warmer conditions. Still, it’s impressive that a Korean upstart stomps all over one of America’s proudest pony cars at the drag strip.

Almost as impressive (and ironic) is seeing GM get the better of Hyundai at the gas pump. The efficiency of direct fuel injection gives the Camaro V-6 three extra highway mpg over the lighter but thirstier Genesis Coupe. For those who don’t care so much about drag racing that might be the most compelling specification of all.

Well, next to the price. Forget how much they want for those tarted up RS and Track models I drove. At $25,000, the Genesis Coupe 3.8 is a steal, until you compare it to the $22,995 GM wants for a base model Camaro LS. No doubt engineers and bean counters from Dearborn to Pusan are having fits figuring out how the General manages to offer up so much car for so little money. When I previewed their car last year, Hyundai execs told me that had taken aim directly at the Mustang GT, and hoped to have the most affordable, 300hp, rear wheel drive car in America. Well, looks like they will be able to run with that claim for only the next few weeks. When Camaro officially goes on sale later this spring, you’ll be able to get a 300 horsepower rear driver for about the price of a VW GTI.

Of course horsepower, miles per gallon, and dollar comparisons only go so far. Here are a few back of the napkin observations regarding the look, feel, and drive of these two modern muscle cars.

*Both cars are sexy in their own way, the Camaro is just more curvy – Angelina Jolie to the Hyundai’s Keira Knightley. Both exteriors are derivative, the only difference is that while Chevy obviously mined its rich Camaro history, Hyundai went looking at the competition. Here's another tasty bit of irony: while Korean designer Sang Yup Lee penned the latest version one of America’s most iconic musclecars, the Genesis coupe was birthed by Joel Piaskowski, a former GM designer who moved to Hyundai and recently took a position with Mercedes-Benz.

So which one is easier on the eyes? Depends whether you're into retro or modern design. For me, the hips have it. Despite the compromises of the Camaro style (ridiculous rear seat room and porthole like trunk opening), those flared rear fenders get me every time. I’ve always lusted after the ’67 Camaro shape and the GM designers got the profile and front three quarter just right.

*The tables turn on the inside. Despite some very nice touches in the Camaro cabin including squircle gauges and a four pack of meters, you can definitely see where GM cut costs. If you opt for cloth trim, you’ll find door panels covered in featureless swathes of it. The lack of a true nav system is also a bit ridiculous. I’d rather not tell some nice lady in Arkansas where I’m driving my RS late on Saturday night, if you know what I mean. The Camaro's cabin is by no means terrible – in fact, its claustrophobic style and beefy controls perfectly match the car's macho personality. I just think I'd find the Genesis Coupe’s cockpit a more open, comfortable and appealing place to be in on a day-to-day basis.

*Comparing engine notes is a head scratcher. The Genesis’ RS 3800 engine sounds exactly the way you’d imagine a modern V-6 would sound. Word on the street is Hyundai engineers modeled the RS after the Nissan VQ, but I find none of that engine's distinct throatiness when mashing the throttle. It’s not a bad sounding engine, just not special. The Camaro also sounds like a modern V-6, which makes for a bit of cognitive dissonance since you hear it coming out of such a throwback shape. It’s like watching clips of Bob Cousy throwing down tomahawk dunks. Still, the Camaro’s DI V-6 has a velvety roar at wide open throttle that becomes infectious. Even in the quiet Camaro, it sounds great. Outside, it's even better -- the way the engine and exhaust sound waves carom and Doppler off canyon walls, you'd think a jet was streaking past.

*The Genesis Coupe feels light and eager, from the first touch of the throttle and turn of the steering wheel. In the city, it simply feels tighter, and brighter. If you’re not careful with the gas pedal, you can chirp tires away from stop signs and green lights. The ZF auto paddle shifts crisply and the steering has a liveliness not found in the Camaro.

The Camaro feels more staid and subdued in day-to-day motoring. Not slow, mind you. Slam on the gas and it will respond -- it just doesn’t have that wired-on-Red Bull feeling -- especially in the paddle shifting. A lot of this has to do with the steering and overall weight of the car. As I noted when I drove the SS, the Camaro seems to be a bit dead on center (likely to help with freeway cruising). It ramps up nicely as you start turning the wheel, but doesn’t respond with the immediacy or sharpness of either the track packed Mustang or Genesis Coupe.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 V-6 engine

Get it out in the canyons however, and it’s a different story. As speeds rise and corners start to pile up, the Genesis starts to lose a bit of its snap and composure. The Genesis Coupe's light steering gives up transparency and the wheels become a bit harder to place. Under similar conditions, the Camaro really starts to come into its own, especially in smooth corners, when those meaty 20-inch tires start shiatsu-ing the road. Really push it, and the Camaro responds with a planted feeling the Genesis just doesn’t have.

More anecdotal supporting evidence: During our little comparison last week, I had the chance to follow Art up some twisty canyons -- he in the Camaro RS, I behind the wheel of a track pack equipped Mustang GT. Now, we weren’t racing, but weren’t lolly gagging either -- I’d say I was doing 7/10ths or so. In the GT’s beefy third gear, I could stay easily with the RS in the straightaways, but would lose sight of Art through some of the corners. I noticed that he didn’t brush the brakes in any of the places I was -- perhaps evidence of the superior independent rear suspension? When we pulled in at our destination, I scurried over to Art and asked him how hard he’d been flogging it. “Not very” he said. Be interesting to see how all three of these would do around a race track.

So would I take a V-6 Camaro or Genesis Coupe 3.8? Well, I’m afraid I can't make that call until I get a chance to drive each of them back-to-back for a couple of days. Preferably at that race track I mentioned. Anybody be interested in that story?

2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year Winner: Cadillac CTS

...One Giant Leap: Cadillac aims for the stars. And builds one.

text size

By Arthur St. Antoine

Photography by Anton Watts

Check Dealer Pricing On a New Cadillac CTS!

CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

More on the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year competition:

2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Contenders

2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year: The Finalists

News flash to automakers in Japan and Germany: The eagle has landed. Again.

If you were one of those who wrote off General Motors as a dying dinosaur -- after all, it's been a decade since any GM car took home the Golden Calipers (the Chevrolet Corvette won back in 1998) -- prepare to rewrite everything you think you know about what's in the General's store. With this bold, savvy, uncompromising showpiece of a sedan -- the all-new Cadillac CTS -- GM has leapt straight from the rabble's side of the velvet rope into that coveted, highly selective inner sanctum marked "World's Finest Cars." For that remarkable achievement, and for making us grin like lottery winners every time we drove it, the CTS is our enthusiastic choice for Motor Trend's 2008 Car of the Year.

Not since Neil and Buzz spiked Old Glory into the lunar dust in 1969 have red-white-and-blue ambition and technological prowess looked so good. Allow your eyes to drink in that wide, gently chiseled shape. Mmmmm. This baby will turn heads like the elites from Europe, but it's unmistakably American, uniquely Cadillac. The wheel arches ride low and snug over the tires -- no more yawning "snow chain" gaps. The massive, cowcatcher prow says "get out of my way" -- but politely, like a tuxedo-clad bouncer. Close inspection of the headlamps and taillamps reveals exquisite, pizzazz-enhancing LED "light pipes." No, you haven't seen those before. GM's premium brand has perfected a look all its own.

CLICK TO VIEW GALLERY

"This interior manages to be avant-garde and innovative without being difficult to operate. It's also really good-looking."

Superiority? The CTS's winning ways go far beyond its fetching facade. Significance? Not only is the CTS the star of a new GM revival (including such standouts as the 2008 Chevy Malibu and Buick Enclave, to name just two), it's a true world car -- tested from the Nurburgring to China and sold across the globe (40,000 to 50,000 annually in the U.S., another 20,000 or so worldwide; Cadillac will also build right-hand-drive versions). Value? Base price is just $32,990, including a 263-horse VVT V-6 (a 304-horse direction-injection version is optional), eight-speaker Bose audio, 17-inch wheels, and dual-zone climate control. In comparison, you'll pay over $33,000 for a base BMW 3 Series sedan with just 230 horses and north of $45K for the more comparably sized BMW 528i.

Read on to see how Cadillac -- winner of the first Motor Trend Car of the Year award nearly six decades ago -- earned the Golden Calipers for 2008. While you're at it, start practicing using the words "General Motors" and "celebrated" in the same sentence.