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2008 Lincoln Mark LT Review

lexus — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 19:54:23 +0000

In spite of the luxury providing and a lot of upgrading, the price for the 2008 Lincoln Mark LT is too high for the car – it varies from $38,340 – $41,740.
Among the doubtless advantages there should be mentioned smooth and quiet ride, real truck usability, and plush interior accommodations.
The contra arguments are: the basing is the F-150, plastic trim is too hard inside, and there are some missing key safety features.
The car got some new features as upgrades, among them an optional rearview camera, it is aimed to make parking easier. Then comes standard satellite radio, it gives more audio entertainment. Newly available is also a remote engine start.
Each normal person tends to something better in all spheres of life, be it a partner, a house, a car. To have a luxury car which is also a nice pickup truck — why not? Why not this be 2008 Lincoln Mark LT? The car is based on the Ford-150 pickup. Despite this full-size base, there are some vivid differences: additional chrome trim, flashy wheels, and a bigger waterfall grille. The impression of richness and luxury is achieved with the help of the wool accents and leather seats.
Unfortunately for the potential customers the Lincoln version has a very equal interior design as the Ford F-150, and you hardly find something really in need which the Fords lacks. So, the preconclusion is that: why should I pay more for the same thing?
Lucky Lincoln is, in this specific sphere the version has only one direct competitor — the Cadillac Escalade EXT. And, this is interesting to admit, the Cadillac is better because of its superior performance, greater functionality, more refined cabin.
Body style. The 2008 Lincoln is suggested in a crew cab body style in which you can choose two bed lengths, either a 5.5-footer or a 6.5-footer. These two versions are available with 2- or 4-wheel drive. All the Lincolns Mark LT comes with such features as 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seating, a lot chrome trim, power and heated front seats, and some others. For the entertainment there is a satellite radio, in-dash CD changer. The steering-wheel-mounted audio controls are available.
Performance. The car has an A 5.4-liter V8 engine, which gives 300 horsepower and365 pound-feet of torque. The car supplies the driver with four speeds of automatic transmission. However, the Ford’s V8 engine produces more noise than gives any progress. It takes only 9.6 sec for the Mark LT to reach 60 mph.
Safety is achieved with antilock disc brakes being standard.
The interior gives the impression of elegance, a lot of leather and chrome. The Lincoln is very convenient at driving; you do not feel the car as a heavy vehicle.

2009 Nissan GT-R — a super car

lexus — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 11:31:45 +0000

Are you the one who is waiting for something special in the car-world? If yes, you are welcome to observe the new thing from Nissan, this is Nissan GT-R world-class supercar. Just see the technical characteristics: 193 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 seconds 433 lb ft twin-turbo V6, a 473 hp. How are you feeling now? And this is not the end. To your service there is a dual-clutch six-speed automatic one can operate through paddles on the steering wheel.
If you had a chance to drive the car all the day somewhere on the Nurburgring, the Autobahn up and down a number of German roads you would easily say that the car is really a wonder and a word-class auto.
According to Kazutoshi Mizuno, Chief engineer, a new GT-R was engineered and designed to be all-season, all-weather and all-round car which will be comfortable to drive the whole day, even if this is a normal day and a normal speed.
The engine is perfect itself, just appreciate the 3.8-liter VR38 V6 sitting up front. Two bagel-sized IHI turbos are located right at the exhaust manifold for an immediate response. The 433 lb ft of torque rails across the tach from 3200 up to 5200 rpm. The highest point – 473 hp – comes at 6400 revs.

The car is based on the new PM platform. PM means Prime Midship. The PM combines what is called a “hybrid superstructure body” by Mizuno-san. The carbon-injected material is located in the front end and carbon composite material underneath for aerodynamic downforcing. You can also notice some polypropylene in the body.
The price for the car is about $70, 000, perhaps this is the best price for today for the version. We got to know some exact info that the U.S. audience will see the car in May or June next year. Japan will be the firs one who is getting the first crack at it. We will be the second a turn, and the European countries will be the third ones.
The experience of driving the Nissan GT-R is really an enjoying thing. This is considered to be the perfect car for such a top-speed run. It gives you a sense of control and mastering the situation, and from time to time you want to make something more you are able to do. The GR6’s “synchro-rev control” is gorgeous to match each downshift even better than one can expect.

BMW pleases with upgrades

lexus — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:26:52 +0000

Wow! What do we have here? Upgrades for Convertible and 6-Series Coupe. What is new there? They are reshaped and got a new transmission, new seat material, new colors and new interior.
What about technical equipment for 2008? The 4.8-liter V-8 with 360-horsepower, all these are available for both a six-speed “automatic sports transmission”(offering paddle shifting) and for a six-speed manual. Such speed and engine gives choice for a Sport mode.
According to BMW manuals, they say that 60 mph will be accelerated to the 650i Cope in 5.3 sec, while the Convertible will get 0.3 seconds more.Both versions have a limit equal to 155 mph. Additionally, BMW offers changing in the car’s accelerator and steering.
The reshaped 6-Series’s rear and front ends are the incorporation of technological upgrading too. A wider air intake now supports the front end. The customers without any doubt will appreciate crystalline lenses and LED lightning. Bi-xenon duel headlights are given as standard.
The 6-series is equipped with a reshaped deckled with concave surface at the back end. A high-mounted brake light is incorporated into the spoiler lip. There are two colors of paint (Space Gray and Deep Sea Blue).
What about the interior?
A new Chrome Pearl Grey Design trim is used to some of the controls. Birch or Maple wood may be swapped out for the aluminum trim which is standard. Also Pearl leather can be personalized, for example into Saddle Brown or Chateau Red, just to your taste. Attentive eyes will notice some buttons being reshaped. For easy access there are six programmable memory keys in the iDrive. SunReflective technology is incorporated into new leather. According to the BMW this technology can reflect infrared rays, besides the temperature of the seats can remain the same, this is optimal one, around 63 degrees.

Speaking about other upgrades, there is a departure warning system. The camera is used in the system to track the car’s movement in its lane. It is also aimed to warn the driver with a vibration in the steering wheel. For preventing neck injury and whiplash in any accident, the headrests now are closer to passengers’ heads. The BMW Dynamic Driving Control system helps the driver to engage a “sport” mode. Among the other technical “things” Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, run-flat tires, and a head-up display (HUD) should be mentioned.
To cut a long story short, there is no point to innumerate the upgraded features; you should try the car yourself, just see and feel how everything works. Everything has the aim to make driving more comfortable and safer. These are main points, in my humble opinion.

Continental GT from Bentley – what are the upgrades?

lexus — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 20:59:21 +0000

A new Speed version in the rate of Continental GT from Bentley has some obvious advantages. The first one is additional 48 horses in comparison with a standard Bentley, the second one, as a consequence, is a four-mph increase. The same is obstinacy of air when smitten at extra-high speed. For today the Continental GT is four years old and this date was marked with a slight facelift. The radiator now look some respectful and upright. The front lower-bumper contains intakes larger in size.
The result is that the current owners are still satisfied with a previous version, and the current buyers appreciate something that is “more”: nine percent more in horsepower, that is from 525 up to 600; five percent more at 553 pound-feet.
Such engines as 552- and 600 of course have a lot better from reductions in low-back-pressure cats and in internal friction. New connecting pistons and rods were developed to help the higher boost take advantage. The car got a sharper suspension tune which contains solid-mounted subframe. The coupes have aluminum front uprights. Now the measures are 77 pounds cut. Costly optional ceramic discs saved another forty four pounds. At high speed they are fadefree for lapping the Nurburgring, by word of mouth.

The combination of the diamond-quilted leather with the tactile knurl-finish metalwork can impress anyone. A steering wheel, which is now smaller, adds some romanticism and intimacy. As in the previous model all the control systems are included. Bespoke 275/35×20 Pirelli PZero tires, AWD, and adaptive self-leveling air suspension do the work. The excellent body control can make any driving a pleasant pastime. The ESP has an unobtrusive sport mode. Have a try to use it, and you are sure to break into a curve, the second step may be deploying all that torque comfort the back end wide when you catapult away down the straight.
We could always say that Conti GT is perfect, but now it is multi-perfect. Just remember the flicks of the lovely crafted Tiptronic levers and the result of this — sailing past slower traffic is a great opportunity for a successful treat. And the best bit of the sonics – this is a song.
Truly speaking there are not so many changes in Bentley to be recognized. Yes, it is more hard-edged. The latest version nearly copies the previous model.

Honda S2000 – unique car for pros and amateurs

lexus — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:35:45 +0000

The suggested retail price for the new 2008 Honda S2000 is announced to be $34, 300 for the start. But the reality is as follows: taking into consideration the handling charges and destination, the price for the Honda S2000 is $50 more in comparison with the previous year price.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (here and after MSRP) for the fresh S2000 CR is about $36, 300 adding handling charge and destination.
The S2000 CR is supplied with more track-oriented suspension settings, also with removable aluminum hardtop (it replaces the convertible soft top), and the aerodynamic-enhancing bodywork. Air conditioning and audio system such as AM/FM/CD are available too.
The S2000 is a bright example of Honda fun-to-drive DNA. Two-seat, a smart front-engine, open-topped configuration, and rear-wheel-drive platform are support of the idea. The car will satisfy everyone’s taste, it is good for sport competitions and for other purposes: for fun, and for practical usage. The other interesting point is that the S2000 has the S2000 CR version inspired by club racing. The design of the version will please any enthusiast who is fond of open track day and club racing events.
The most pleasant thing for the Honda fans and pros is its front engine having the following characteristic: a potent 2.2-liter, short-throw transmission with 6 speeds, 16-valve DOHC VTEC® 4-cylinder engine, 50/50 weight balance, etc.

The technical characteristic is: 237 horsepower at 7800 rpm, 162 lb-ft of torque at 6800 rpm. Perfectly suiting the engine’s characteristic there is also a compact 6-speed manual transmission. Electric power steering, limited-slip torque-sensing rear differential, rear double wishbone suspension come with the car.
17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, electronic stability control (or in other words Vehicle Stability Assist) within the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
The Honda S2000 pays much attention to human safety. That is why the car is supplied with dual-threshold front airbags (SRS) both for the driver and passenger, dual-stage, three-point seat belts which have automatic tensioning system and load limiters. For the driver there are reinforced windshield posts and roll bar hoops. For the pedestrian there are windshield-wiper pivots and hood hinges. They have special design to collapse and help to lessen the severity of a head injury to a pedestrian.
The interior is designed in the racecar style: yellow stitching with the fabric seating surfaces, synthetic suede bolsters. The whole car appearance is modern, reflects the contemporary aesthetic taste which has high performance and quality.

2008 Ford Focus — will it surprise the customer?

lexus — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:27:58 +0000

Ford Focus is not a new topic in the auto surrounding, but the time passes quickly and soon it is high time for the 2008 model coming on the market. About ten years ago Ford Focus was first introduced to the audience. Some notice that the 2008 version is very close to the Mazda 3 in design and equipment. The configurations were reduced by 50 % in North America. No it is not a five-door wagon, and this is not a hatchback, but just a sedan and a new two-door coupe.
The 2.3-liter engine is available, but according to Ford they experienced lack of takers as the U.S. buyers used to get 2.0-liter Duratec four as usual.
The car has some vivid improvements. These are: a cleaner intake path, a less back pressure. All these increased the car horsepower, now it is 3 % more than the 2007 version has. Some other improvements concern the exterior design; especially the NVH control was improved. The safe control is improved by the glass thickening, by the insulation of denser foam in strategic locations, by adding more fluffy cotton batting. Drag coefficient decreased from 0.33 to 0.32.
The brakes are «decorated» with aluminum calipers in front. The general weight also decreased by 13 pounds. The 2008 Ford, having the standard five-speed manual, can deliver develop 24 mpg city and on the high way — 35 mpg.

The 2008 Ford Focus is a starting point for a Sync driver-electronics interface. So, we have all rights to expect the all-revised interior. The car looks much better with upgraded silver-metallic trim. LED lightning brings its own charm, in combination with Ice Blue backlighting.
The most pleasantly impressive thing is the arousing feelings when you are at the wheel. The dynamic is perfect.
The pleasant impression can increase after the appreciation of the NVH improvements.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Review

lexus — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 22:36:34 +0000

At last, Toyota Land Cruiser got the right to live up to. After several decades of being unnoticed, the given model became interesting for foreign automakers, among them the U.S. For today Toyota Land Cruiser is a reliable car, more comfortable and with more room inside. The off-road ability leaves positive impression too.
The previous years were not successful for the Toyota automakers. They managed to sell around 3000 Land Cruisers in the USA annually. Despite this, the U.S. is not the main market for the Land Cruiser selling. The debut of the model was 9 years ago, in 1998. The Cruiser is a little alike the Sequoia, at least it seems so for the first time, and, what is more important, it is lower in price. 2008 became a new birth point for the Land Cruiser, as it was completely redesigned. Toyota hopes to sell at least one third of the copies in the U.S. market this year.

Design. After close examination you can see that a new Land Cruiser does not differ much from its predecessor version. The changes were made in sheetmetal and proportions, but the changes are slight, the only result of redesign is more dramatic than desired. Land Cruiser belongs to a few other models of the in the SUV field. The car is equipped with some electronic gizmos. This helps to raise the stability at some off-road maneuvers. By the way, the sittings inside are something.
Technical equipment. The car is supplied with either Hill Descent Control or electronic stability control (ESC) being standard for the model. Moreover, there is Hill Start Assist for increasing stability and A-TRAC active traction control for aiding stability on low-traction surfaces. But the “nail of the program” is a feature called Crawl Control. With this system any driver will feel like a pro.
A new Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is also available. Instead of the electronic control, the system uses hydraulic pressure opposed containers front-to-back.
Powertrain is one of the winning points of the model. Now the car has the 5.7-liter engine with a six-speed automatic transmission instead of former 4.7-liter.
The starting price for the Land Cruiser is $63,200. The fully loaded version will cost about $70,000. In case you can afford such car, we can only be glad for you, the car is really worth the money spent.

Lamborghini Revent?n… an ideal wish

lexus — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:43:59 +0000

The first look at the car and you will immediately recognize the Lamborghini, in its best classical tradition, and, at the same time, you will see something new and special in the car. Lamborghini Reventon is something different ever produced by the Italian automaker.
Murcielago was taken as a base for the Reventon. The Reventon is a concept car; the production of it is limited. Only twenty people are the lucky ones to own the car. If I had some additional $1.365 million, I would be glad to be among those twenty.
The story of the model name is amazing. The model got its name after a killer bull, and, as the result, the Reventon is a sophisticated version of the Murcielago but having a killer body.
From the technical side, the car is the exact copy of the LP640’s 6.5-liter, V 12. The whole inner equipment reminds the times of Lamborghini’s pre-Miura. The more careful attention was taken to engine’s internals. The car develops 650 hp at 8000 rpm; this is 10 hp more if compared with the LP640.
The Lamborghini model was the opportunity for its designers to show their craftsmanship. The car is not only the work of art but also the attempt to combine the perfect design with in-car electronic equipment. The automakers, among them Manfred Fitzgerald, Lamborghini director of brand and design, call Lamborghini the carbon-fiber masterpiece. There were five designers in total, among them two senior designers. According to Fitzgerald, they are young and creative, and each is ready to make the car design separately. All the tiny things are thought over. Even rear lights are not ordinary, the LEDs a little “a bit special”.
The Reventon is not the complete copy of the LP640. The panels and the roof are different. All the panels are carbon fiber, the roof and the lift-up doors are aluminum. The Only thing taken from the LP640 is the side mirrors.
However, Lamborghini is not only the design, it is also some upgrading for better speed. The car is provided with much front downforce that the pop-up rear wing is boosted in size. The purpose is to keep the aerodynamic equilibrium at speed.

Of course, we pay our attention what we see first, but there is one look enough to understand that the interior is worth the overall appearance of the car. The Thin Film Treatment liquid-crystal display is Lamborghini’s patent and proud of the automakers. One more thing is the instrument cluster, giving the car technical credibility. The digital dash makes easier the process of driving and navigating.
All the 20 car are already sold. Twelve are going to the U.S.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS – enjoy the life

lexus — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 13:53:56 +0000

The word combination “race car built for the road” is widespread all around. Now this is the most common expression for the cars with go-fast aero-bits, stiffened suspension and a standard set of wheels. The only car, which combines all the characteristic above, is the Porsche 911 GT3. The car got its name after the FIA GT class. Do you remember the car in the 70-es? That period the Porsche of the RS class had been something like “duck-tail” rear wing. Nowadays this is a distinguished carbon-fiber wing. This wing is a flag for identifying the track-focused coupe.
The car’s winning point is not only in the absorbing speeds, but also in being absolutely road-legal. Other advantages are the ability to develop more than 8,000-rpm mark. Let’s look the car precisely outside and inside; and value and appreciate the interior.
Of course, there is no need to forget about the carbon-fiber wing, black bands across the doors. But the rear fenders copied from the Carrera 4. Additional twenty-two mm to the width are not vivid, and this is the plus. The car inside is equipped with two carbon-fiber sport buckets which is supplied with a six-point racing harness. For the safety of a driver or passengers, there is also a fire extinguisher. Any driver will appreciate the full Alcantara trim, a full roll-cage. Some things inside go beyond the expectations. You just see them and ask the only question: “Is it possible these things to be here?” The first one is the satnav system. Then the luxurious trim and the cruise control come.
The Carrera 4 has serves as a prototype for the GT3 RS. The current model has the same body, wider rear end and measuring. However, there are some well-seen changes. 5 mm were added to the car’s wheelbase. With this upgrading, the engineers expect the stability to be improved. The car itself became lighter: it lost twenty kilos. This was achieved by replacing the standard GT3 seats. The engine has the same characteristic with some changes: 415hp at 7,600rpm, improved power levels. The connecting rods became 131.5mm. The driveshaft also lost 600 g.
The Porsche tester Walter R?hrl manages to lap the Nurburgring in 7 min 42 sec. The car develops 100 km/h in 4.3 sec. The car can be appreciated only at speed, that is why go somewhere far away from the traffic and rush hours and enjoy the unity of your character and the car’s one.

Fuel economy and environment are the main points

lexus — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 10:55:53 +0000

The main line the automakers are leading now is making their cars “greener” and more fuel economical. And the Frankfurt auto show has proved this once more. If look deeper, the tendency will bring you to the conclusion that the most possible vehicles for the future will be hydrogen-powered ones.
Let’s see the proving examples.
1. The electric car from General Motors. The guy whose opinion is not the last in the company? The vice chairman Robert Lutz, strongly believes that the plug-in hybrid is the just the question of time, and is coming in the nearest future. A new version was shown at Frankfurt show. This is the car with diesel engine which creates electricity when the batteries are not on. To my mind, the concept has the future, but a lot of time should pass until everyone has the batteries.
2. Small cars. These are not Minis, they are smaller. Volkswagen represented such a car. It is shorter in comparison with Mini. These are tiny cars with a rear engine probably. The Volkswagen automakers promise to put such cars into production soon. This reminds me the Japanese the smallest cars, which they keep for the domestic sale. The tendency hints, that in the nearest future this model will be the example for the whole Europe.
3. Diesel-like gas engines. Minis will never be popular among the Americans. The U.S. citizens prefer something bigger. What is the first car you think about? Yes, this is DiesOtto from Mercedes-Benz as a bright representative. For the more detailed info look at the previous post, for the 11th of September. But in short, this car has a special engine which uses gasoline, but works as if it is a diesel one. This is a new wave. This four-cylinder model creates so much power enough for pushing a S-Class sedan with a fuel economy.
4. Cylinder cut-offs. 2008 Accord contains such cylinder cut-offs. The car is supposed to run on 3 or four cylinders as far as it can. The stop-start systems are also available. These systems turn off the engine for short stops.
The point is that all these innovations involve the engines. But they do not make any change in distribution system. So, we will have a very expensive vehicle, but still this will be the same car. Still there are a lot of questions about the ethanol, the hydrogen, the fuel containers and so on.