V8 – Page 3 – Automobiles Review

Maserati GranTurismo Sport Premiere at Geneva

Maserati plan to make a premiere of their new GranTurismo Sport at the 82^nd Geneva Motor Show this year. It will be a replacement for the current GranTurismo S. The thing is, the company wants us to think it’s new but what we actually have here is a restyled interior, a new bumper and a revisited engine.

Supposedly the new front bumper “optimizes” airflow even further by scooping larger amounts of air to cool the brakes and engine. The front lights employ a new style and house DRL LED lights to keep up with the competition while the taillights are a but faded. Interior changes have also been made – redesigned seats and a sporty steering wheel. We just hope that by sporty they mean less buttons and controls and more.. well.. steering wheel.

Most probably the most meaningful update is that of the 4.7l V8 which now develops 10 more (460 bhp) horsepower. It’s not groundbreaking but one can never have enough, right?

Source: Maserati

February 22, 2012

New Audi RS 4 Avant

It has been 3 years since the RS4 got off Audi’s production line but today we can indulge ourselves once again in the roar of a V8, shelled by a familiar body – It’s the new Audi RS4. The resurrection kicks off with an Avant version which is here to show it’s rivalries what’s what.

The RS4 is back with a bang as it gets the powertrain usually found in the RS5 Coupe – a hand-built 4.1 liter plant, producing 450 PS at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm of torque from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm. In true RS tradition, that power goes trough a permanent Quattro AWD system. The ‘permanent’ term however, should not scare you off as the Quattro in the latest RS4 is exceptionally flexible – it incoroprates a self-locking crown-gear centre differential that allows up to 85 percent of the power to go to the rear axle or up to 70 towards the front wheels. By default, one would find that the power bias ratio is 40:60 in favor of the back wheels. So for the people who like to travel sideways everywhere that is a relief.

The whole power thing translates into a time of 4.7 seconds for the 0 to 60 mph sprint and a top speed of 174 mph (limited to 155 mph). Stunning performance, keeping in mind that this estate returns 25.7mpg on the combined cycle.

Compared to the standard A4, the RS4 is 20 mm lower thanks to the truly complex suspension – a five-link set-up at the front and a self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear assembly. We don’t know what all that means but chances are its beneficial. The power steering is clever too. It has a conscious mind that takes into account the current speed of the car to determine the steering firmness.

The car sits on 19-inch (20-inch optional) wheels wrapped in four 265/35-series tires. The 10-spoke design of the wheels are rather revealing and it’s not like the Audi hasn’t got anything to hide. We are talking about internally vented wave disc brakes – an innovation in stopping power as the brakes are around 3 kg lighter (in total weight) and more heat-efficient due to their “wave” outer, perforated contour.

Inside, black is the predominant finish with occasional carbon inlays and chrome clasps lining the switches and buttons. One would also find that the front sports seats are heated and that the driver information system has an RS menu with a lap timer.

There are tons of other optional extras that might be worthwhile ticking – the Dynamic Ride Control ensures even more stability at high speeds and sharp bends and a sports exhaust system for that kid in everyone of us.

Prices for the Audi RS4 are yet to be released and hopefully we’ll see the arrival of a sedan version so that everyone is happy. In the mean time do not hesitate to look around in the RS4 gallery.

Source: Audi

February 16, 2012

20 Years of SVT and 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Convertible

SVT is to Ford as AMG and M are to Mercedes and BMW respectively – a performance arm focused mainly on shredding track times and delivering the ultimate driving experience. SVT was first heard of at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. This year, the Chicago Auto Show will be the site of SVT‘s 20^th anniversary and a 2013 Shelby GT500 Convertible will be there mark the occasion.

The GT500 is equipped with a V8, 650-horsepower engine that shows how much exactly things have moved on since the 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra. Also on the 2013 convertible one can find a commemorative lighted sill plate to set it apart as an anniversary edition.

An optional performance package adds to the GT500‘s grunt and sheds 3.5 seconds off the car’s lap time at Sebring International Raceway compared to the 2011 and 2012 models. That racetrack behaavior is partly courtesy to the 5.8 V8 Supercharged engine but, the SVT-designed Bilstein electronic adjustable dampers (from the performance package) and an all-new chassis tuning are also to be taken into consideration. The brakes have also been replaced with a new set of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers at the front and overall bigger rotors at the back and front. The pads are also heavy duty for that extra, eye-popping braking power.

One button, to modes – normal, for everyday road going activities and Sport, for firming up the suspension, reducing body roll and pitch under braking. The SVT dampers allow greater customization for the perfect adaptation whether on the track or in the city.

Hardcore racing enthusiasts can opt for a package beyond the performance one – the Track Package which offers an external engine oil cooler, rear differential cooler and transmission cooler for further durability.

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 (2013) — Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Ford SVT Shelby GT500 Convertible (2013)

Looking back, SVT have gathered a wide portfolio of all kinds of cars that have managed to become a great success: including the 1993 debuts mentioned above, SVT have also gone through the F-150 SVT Raptor, the SVT Contour sports sedan, SVT Focus and, along side Team RS, SVT introduced to Europe the magnificent Focus ST. It goes without saying that the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (non-convertible) also deserves some credit for the company’s success – power comes from the same 5.7 V8 (probably the most powerful V8 in the world) but it has a top speed of over 200 mph due to it’s main focus on speed, lightness and agility. The 2013 model sees a new supercharger, new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a new carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. Hopes are high that this one will make most use of the torque bomb that hides under the hood.

Source: Ford

February 8, 2012

2012 Toyota Land Cruiser V8

The new Land Cruiser V8 is one of the best SUVs that you’ll be able to buy this year. It combines superb quality, performance, luxury and unmissable road presence. The 2012 Land Cruiser V8 is expected to hit the UK market later this year.

Outside, it boasts a new front bumper with integrated fog lights and a new grille that pairs chrome and silver-finished vertical bars across its width. The headlamps are also different and now incorporate LED daytime running lights and cylindrical high and low beam High Intensity Discharge bi-xenon headlights. The turn indicators extend outwards, increasing their visibility to the side.

As with the daytime running lights and door mirror turn indicators, power-saving LEDs are used for the rear lights, which have the added benefit of lighting up more quickly than conventional filament bulbs.
Inside, the mighty Land Cruiser has lighter interior colour scheme, matched with high-gloss wood grain trim elements and bright silver-finish details. The driver’s instrument binnacle has white Optitron dials that are backlit with blue illumination and a large, colour TFT multi-information display.

The front seats, upholstered in perforated leather, gain a cool air function in addition to built-in heaters, plus a position memory setting. Active headrests are also introduced to help prevent whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.
In the rear the 40:20:40 seats have a new manual sliding mechanism allowing each section to be moved through a 90mm range. The outer seat headrests have been made larger for extra support and comfort, and the centre seat can be folded forward to create an armrest.

The engine range includes a new 4.5 liter V8 turbodiesel (EURO 5) with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and new G3 piezo injectors in the common rail injection system. The result is 286PS (200 kW) at 3600RPM and 650Nm (480 lb-ft) at just 1600RPM.

The raft of new handling features includes the world-first Turn Assist, which works in conjunction with Land Cruiser V8’s Crawl Control function, plus Multi-terrain Select (MTS), Multi-terrain Monitor and Tyre Angle Display.

Land Cruiser V8 will adopt Toyota Touch Pro, the most sophisticated version of Toyota’s new multimedia and navigation system. It features 8” touch-screen display showing the most relevant navigation, audio and air conditioning information Toyota Touch Pro uses a high-resolution, eight-inch touch screen interface with a home screen display showing the most relevant navigation, audio and air conditioning information.

Toyota Touch Pro can be combined with a 14-speaker JBL premium sound system with GreenEdge energy efficiency technology that reduces power usage by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional audio units.

UK specifications are still to be announced, but the list of items newly available for the model include a heated steering wheel, front seats with cooling and heating functions, a cooled box in the centre console, a powered upper tailgate section, bi-xenon headlamps and a 200V power outlet in the luggage compartment.

Source: Toyota

January 11, 2012

Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT4 to Appear at CTSCC

Aston Martin Racing, jointly with Multimatic Motorsports, intend to continue their winning streak with this year’s Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge (CTSCC). The Toronto-based Multimatic company is no stranger to CTSCC previous titles and so, racing one of the two team Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4s will be Multimatic’s acclaimed drivers Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster. The other one will be driven by Hollywood film star Patrick Dempsey, a talented racer in his own right, partnered in the opening round of the series by Aston Martin Chief Engineer and greatly experienced Vantage GT4 racer Chris Porritt.

This is not the first time Aston Martin and Multimatic seen in cooperation on a common project. The Canadian firm helped develop the Aston One-77’s carbon fibre chassis and various carbon fibre components for the Aston Martin Zagato. They also have a four-post testing rig based in the UK that has been used on many occasions by road going and racing Astons.

The Vantage GT4 was first seen back in 2006 when, almost in stock condition, forged its name at the Nurburgring 24h race. Up to this day the car has not changed a lot – it still has the standard 4.7l V8, the same road car aluminium chassis with its suspension and a manual transmission. It all sounds very crude but with a reputation of reliability and numerous wins on endurance races, the Aston V8 Vantage is not to be taken lightly. It has been tuned specially to deviate from the FIA standard to meet the regulations of the Grand-Am challenge and with service provided by Multimatic it is ready to go.

The CTSCC is run by the Grand American Road Racing Organization. Some of North America’s most iconic circuits will see action this year with over ten races which last for two and a half hours each. The challenge starts on the 27th of January at the Daytona International Speedway where the Aston will be competing in the Grand Sport category that consists of six- and eight-cylinder, production-based cars. Other notable circuits include Watkins Glen International, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Laguna Seca, and the Lime Rock Park in Connecticut which will be the conclusive race at the end of September.

Source: Aston Martin

January 10, 2012

The QX56 Powered Boat

A bunch of students from the Tennessee Technical Center in Nashville and the Nashville State Community College have successfully managed to extract a 400-horsepower 5.6-liter V8 from an unfortunate Infinity QX56. All they need to do now is to wait for a craftsman, a thousand miles away in Freeport, Maine, to complete his work on a completely stripped down Chris-Craft Holiday boat. So, what’s the connection in all of this? Well, these are stages of a project called Infiniti QX56-Powered Boat which is exactly what it sounds like: they are going to marry the Infinity engine to a renovated version of the 1962 boat.

This is not a pioneering case of a mechanical heart transplant. Chris-Craft boats have had a history with “Hotroding” (the process in which a powerful engine unit is coupled with a classic chassis). Previously, power plants such as the 431-cubic inch Lincoln marine engine or the 440-cubic inch Chrysler Hemi marine V8 one, have had the pleasure of propelling those iconic, mahogany vessels.

“The use of the powerful Infiniti QX56 V8 is fitting with the history of this particular craft,” explained George “Dodo” Brockman, owner of Freeport Boat Outlet, who is overseeing the build of the Infiniti boat project. The Infiniti V8 is actually lighter than all of the previous powerplants and won’t require any special bracing or hull modifications to fit it into the original engine bay.”

So the QX56 V8 is more of an evolution than everything else. However you don’t just yank out a V8 from a car and strap it to a boat without tweaking it beforehand. After removal the engine had to be sent at Bracket Marine in Westbrook, Maine for a trial with its future ZF/Hurth marine transmission. Then Alabama was the place where new, water-cooled exhaust manifolds were fitted and also a closed cooling system was adapted. One stop still remains to be done – Its back at Infinity’s for a close inspection to see if everything is up to standards. Hopefully by the time the engine is fully ready to install, the restoration process of the Chris-Craft Holiday boat will have been completed with an all new, rot-free, frame patched together by mahogany plates. Other genes from the Infinity QX56 will also be transferred on to the boat – leather upholstery, NavWeather™ provided by XM® and a speaker and sub-woofer system all complete the luxurious package that will be the Chris-Craft QX56.

Source: Infiniti

December 29, 2011

All-in-one Chrysler 300 on it’s way

What Chrysler is going to try and do with the new 300 series is to blend style and luxury with affordability and refinement. Sales are expected to start during the first quarter of 2012 with a base price of $40,145.

Two trimmings will be offered when showrooms open up to costumers: the Chrysler 300 and the Chrysler 300 C. Both of these cars can be equipped with either an AWD system or RWD. The more economical and less powerful 300 pumps out 292 horsepower from a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 while the 300C makes use of a 5.7 HEMI V8 which delivers 363 hp. The latter, Chrysler say, goes easy on the petrol as it employes their Fuel Saver Technology. However, the Pentastar is the one to ask about fuel-efficiency – 23mpg combined (21 for the AWD version). A figure, according to the company, yet unsurpassed in the luxury class.

The company is also proud of it’s state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic gearbox which is a first in a “domestic luxury sedan”. More yet shorter gear rations means smoother power delivery and a lively throttle response. The AWD segment is clever too as it makes use of all the wheels only when needed while normally the front axle is disengaged from the drivetrain. Transition from RWD to AWD is automatic and barely noticeable. All those factors, the transmission, the drive system, the Pentastar V6, work together to achieve a more powerful and a 17 percent more economic vehicle compared to the previous V6 300.

Visually platinum-chrome touches ornament the fascias, door handles and mirror caps. The grille is also platinum-chrome with lining of the same material. Four polished face, pocket painted, 20 inch wheels (19 inch on the AWD models) bare the weight of the 300 for a completed look.

Now that Chrysler is closely associated with Fiat, the 2012 model 300 has had the pleasure to bare an essence otherwise reserved for Italian exotic vehicles. A more detailed description of the interior offers terms like Mochachino and Nappa which sounds very classy and expensive. Basically the wheel, the dashboard brow, the center console and the instrument panel all participate in a lavish leather feast which continues further back where the black/two toned seats are also wrapped in leather to go with the door and center console arm rests (You guessed it. They are all leather as well). Add to that a chrome lining to the wheel and Natural Pore Mocha wood panels here and there and things get really executive.

The number of gadgets inside is high. Just to name a few we have heated/ventilated seats, die-cast paddle shifters, touchscreen navigation, electrically adjustable steering column and seats with a memorizing function, LEDs everywhere and an electrochromic rear view mirror.

Interested? Well here is a quick price list on all four specifications:

Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (RWD) $40,145
Chrysler 300 Luxury Series (AWD) $42,495
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (RWD) $42,895
Chrysler 300C Luxury Series (AWD) $45,245

Source: Chrysler

December 28, 2011

Bentley embraces the V8 world

The original Bentley continental GT launched in 2003 has been a major success on the global market. Up until now over 50 000 customers have had the privilege to own one and marvel at the magnificent W12 6.0 twin-turbo engine that powered them. Spawn from the biggest ever twelve cylinder factory in Crewe, England, it was, and still is a refined beast which embodied the engineering supremacy of Bentley Motors Limited

Nowadays however, with the tightening regulations on CO₂ emissions and the constant climb of fuel prices, Bentley needs a new strategy. What they intend to do is broaden their production range by adding a new sophisticated V8 engine that will deliver all that there is expected from a V8 and yet it will also show that Bentley is after all an environmentally conscious company with a few tricks up its sleeve.

According to the figures given, performance will not be impaired. We are talking about a 500BHP powerhouse which will grant you 660Nm (487 lb ft) of torque within the 1700rpm – 5000rpm range. Pair that with a close-ratio 8 speed auto-box and you’ll get less than 5 seconds of 0-60mph acceleration time and a top speed of a 180mph – hardcore. It is also four-wheel-drive but uses a torque split system with a Toresn differential that sends only 40% of the power to the front tires so we get all the safety with none of the drawbacks.

Bentley Continental GT V8 (2012)

But let us talk about the clever bits. Bentley say they have manged to achieve great power-to-economy ratio. Mind you this is in terms of luxury performance economy so we are not actually saving the planet here. Yet one has to admit that the claimed 40 percent improved fuel efficiency does sound impressive. That and a travel range of over 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel are the only official claims we have so far. There will be more available early in 2012 when the Continental GT and GTC (which will debut these engines) are introduced on the American International Auto Show in Detroit.

So how do they achieve these feats of economy without harming the Bentley spirit? The company engineers have employed a complex engine management system which allows the car to potter all day in town using only four of the cylinders and then when you put your foot down on lets say an extra urban road you get all the cylinders you need to bend time and space. It is a system that has been around but nor very common. Other more standard features include: high pressure direct injection, low friction bearings, thermal management, energy recuperation via the charging system, and an innovative turbo charger packaging all work together in the name of efficiency.

And how do we tell apart these newcomers from the top of the range GT W12? Petrol heads will have no problem recognizing the distinctive V8 growl but for the more oblivious there have been some sublime visual alterations. The grille is a glossy black matrix mesh which has been framed and also slashed in the middle with some chrome. Three patches of the same mesh is also used to style the front lower bumper. The hallmark “B” badge is in enamel red in front and at the back as well. Two chromed tailpipes each representing an ominous “eight figure” add to the aggressive look. And speaking of aggression both of the models come with 20 inch alloys as standard but if you really want to leave an impression the optional 21 inch diamond black or diamond silver ones are up for the job. The interior is as sporty as it is luxurious – Eliade cloth headlining garnished with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus veneers, two-toned leather theme as an optional extra and a short centre console made for the appeal of the demanding customer.

Will the new Continental GT and the convertible GTC pose as fine compliments to the astonishing W12? Only time will show.

Source: Bentley

December 12, 2011

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition

Audi has announced the R8 V8 Limited Edition to celebrate their 10^th victory at Le Mans 24 hours. The first victory was back in 2000, when the R8 sports prototype made it first across the final. The new feature-rich special edition road car is based on the hugely successful R8 V8 Coupe. There will be just 100 units specially created for the UK market.

The Limited Edition gets an exclusive titanium effect paint finish, Titanium finish 19” 5-arm double-spoke Y design alloy wheels fitted with ultra-performance tires. There are also red brake calipers and an optional Carbon Package consisting of carbon sigma sideblades, door mirrors, door sill trims and an engine bay surround frame.

The interior boasts Black Fine Nappa Leather-upholstered seats and headrests as weel as in crimson red trim accents.

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition is powered by a mid-mounted 4.2 litre eight-cylinder FSI engine with 430P. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds in both manual and R tronic automated manual versions. The top speed is 301 km/h (187 mph). The red line – 8250 RPM.

Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition will be available to order from July. The price is as brutal as the car itself – £93 935 OTR.

Source: Audi

June 29, 2011

2011 Chrysler 300 price – 27 995 USD

The latest 300 model from Chrysler hits the US market. The spectacular car is priced at 27 995 USD.

Among the standard extras you will get Uconnect® Touch, which the segment’s largest standard touchscreen radio (8.4″) and offers state-of-the-art connectivity, segment-leading Garmin® navigation with world-class functionality and SIRIUS Travel Link for real-time weather, fuel prices and more. (more…)

January 31, 2011

2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – V8 and wind in the hair

Chevrolet has officially unveiled the 2011 Camaro Convertible just before its debut at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. The stunning car will go on sale in February next year.

The top is made out of a durable canvas material and features an acoustic headliner as well as a glass rear window with a defogger. It needs just 20 seconds to fold down with a single push of a button. When the roof is down, the luggage capacity drops to 222 liters, instead of 290 liters.

The car is powered by 3.6 liter V6 Pentastar with 312HP (232 kW) and 370Nm (278 lb-ft) of torque. (more…)

November 16, 2010

2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage N420 is announced

Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition – the V8 Vantage N420. The car is a successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, which had huge success across the Aston Martin owners. N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre V8 engine delivering 420bhp and capable of doing – 180mph available as a Coupe or Roadster. The power unit is fitted either with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

The Vantage N420 is inspired by the company’s experiences at the Nurburgring 24-hour race. (more…)

July 6, 2010

Tag: V8