Singapore Grand Prix Hosts Milestone 800th Formula One Race

On Sunday, Formula One Racing held its 800th race in Singapore with the Singapore Grand Prix. 20 drivers participated, completing a total of 61 laps on the 5 km long track [which is roughly equitable to 3.1 miles] with average speeds approaching 300 km/h [186 mph]. Finishing first in the race was Fernando Alonso of Renault, with a final time of 1:57:16.304.

Full gallery after the jump

Photo/News Source: TheBigPicture.com]



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2010 Cadillac SRX: Same Name, All-New Caddy Wagon [Detroit Auto Show]

The 2010 Cadillac SRX isn't a refresh, it's entirely new, shunning the first-generation's tall wagon styling in favor of a crossover SUV with an upgraded powertrain and interior.

Although we believe the segment is pointless, if you happen to fall into the target market for the SRX, you've got another serious contender to look at. The crossover moves to GM's Theta platform and shifts from a knife-edged tall wagon to knife-edged compact SUV. GM's design team performed a face transplant to go along with the new body style.

Despite being introduced with the 2003 CTS, thanks to evolutionary changes over the past decade, the Art & Science design language still seems fresh, and translates well to the bigger chassis. Signature Cadillac elements abound. Vertical headlights that swivel to follow the road, mini-fin tail lights with night time-defining accent lightpipes, the big shield grille and various creases and folds give it that precise look now defining the Caddy brand.

We could do without the faux side vents, but you know Cadillac and their pathological need for chrome. Speaking of chrome, standard wheel sizes start at 18 inches. There's also an optional set of 20 inch wheels. You know, in case you need to blind others.
GM will certainly talk up the styling, but you can bet they'll also trumpet the powertrain. That's because this iteration of the SRX gets a direct injection V6 engine designed for efficiency and a turbo V6 designed for power. Each are mated to six speed automatic transmissions. The base engine is an all-aluminum direct injection 3.0-liter V6 with variable vale timing making 260 HP at a heady 6950 RPM and 221 HP at 5600 RPM. The upgraded engine is actually smaller by displacement at 2.8 liters but gets a turbo to feed the all-aluminum engine. The result is 300 HP at 5500 RPM and peak torque of 295 lb-ft at only 1850 RPM. With a power profile like that, engine choice will hugely influence the personality of this car.

As we mentioned, both of those engines get hooked up to a six-speed transmission and that power gets routed through standard front wheel drive and an optional all wheel drive. That all wheel drive system features an electronic limited slip rear differential which can automatically appropriate power to the wheels as needed front to rear and side to side. We're told the system is similar to the Saab Turbo X Haldex system, although we don't yet know if they share the same Swedish roots.

Inside, the SRX delivers on the luxury promise of the exterior. To start, a set of leather seats front and rear look great and from our short time with the car in GM's Warren design center, seemed devilishly comfortable. The console is covered in hand-cut and sewn leather. The gauge cluster sits in a hood that looks as well-tailored as a fine Italian suit. For the first time, everything in the SRX has a solid, well-made feel and the ergonomics leave nothing for want.

Like the CTS, a bounty of gadgets are found in the SRX. Bluetooth comes standard with every car, with Onstar turn-by-turn directions optional as well as a pop-up screen at the top of the center console. The radio has the same cool feature as the current generation CTS, equipped with an optional hard drive system allowing you to rewind and fast forward like the audio version of a Tivo. The rear hatch gets the same programmable power liftgate we first heard about on the just-revealed 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.

So what's our verdict from our quick preview of the 2010 Cadillac SRX at the Detroit Auto Show backgrounder at GM's Warren Tech Center? Dispassionate approval. It's not that the SRX isn't a very well put together, nicely-styled, consumer-focused product; it's just that we've become deaf to the PR spin of pointless utility vehicles. At this point, is there enough wiggle room between the Escalade and the CTS Sportwagon to warrant this offering? We're not sure, but GM seems to thinks so. The only way to know for sure is to wait for sales to tell the story.

Below we've got the complete details on the vehicle as of this posting, and we'll be getting the entire down-low when the crossover is publicly revealed in a week at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

2010 CADILLAC SRX: A DISTINCTIVE ALTERNATIVE FOR TODAY’S LUXURY CROSSOVER CONSUMER

DETROIT – Cadillac unveiled the next-generation 2010 SRX Crossover today, featuring a completely new design and more-efficient, high-technology engine choices. The new SRX is a mid-size luxury crossover coming to the North American International Auto Show next week.

“The all-new SRX is a fresh and compelling crossover aimed squarely at the priorities of luxury buyers,” said Mark McNabb, North America vice president, Cadillac/Premium Channel. “With new technologies for increased efficiency and safety, the redesigned 2010 SRX Crossover focuses on both the emotional and pragmatic sides of the luxury consumer.”

The 2010 SRX is designed for efficient performance, including the choice of two high-tech six-cylinder engines that are new to Cadillac – the smallest-displacement engines it offers in North America. A new, 3.0L direct injected V-6 engine is standard and a new, 2.8L turbocharged V-6 is optional. Both engines employ technology that helps produce strong performance that is typical of larger-displacement engines. Direct injection enables a 25-percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. Fuel economy in the mid-20s on the highway is expected, but testing isn’t complete.

Performance and safety are enhanced by an available all-wheel-drive (AWD) system that is designed to optimize vehicle handling and stability in all driving conditions. The AWD system includes an advanced electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) that distributes torque as needed from side to side along the rear axle, as well as from the front to rear axle. The pre-emptive, active-on-demand system provides an extra measure of capability in wet or icy conditions.

The 2010 SRX rides on a wide track that was designed to deliver a nimble, responsive driving experience. It seats five, with generous occupant and cargo room, and can tow up to 3,500 pounds (1,587 kg).

Distinctive design and craftsmanship

“Cadillac is known for bold design. The 2010 SRX Crossover builds on that reputation,” said Clay Dean, Cadillac global design director. “As with the 2008 CTS, we advanced our Art and Science design to create a crossover for style-conscious customers. The exterior features a dramatic diving gesture on the body side to impart the feeling of movement, even at rest.”

A multi-piece shield grille and Cadillac’s iconic vertical headlamps – with light pipe technology and available adaptive forward lighting – are the face of the SRX. They blend into a tightly wrapped, sweeping body that tapers downward at the rear, giving the vehicle a sporty profile, Dean said.

The SRX features a wide stance, minimal overhang and wheels pushed to corners. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard and 20-inch wheels are offered. A bold accent line dives across the body side and culminates at a chrome front fender vent that incorporates a side marker lamp. An integrated spoiler on the rearward edge of the roof extends the sleek lines and improves aerodynamics.

“Inside the new SRX, technical precision blends with old-world craftsmanship,” Dean said. “Hand-cut-and-sewn coverings on the instrument panel and ambient lighting details convey a finely tailored cabin.”

An integrated center stack houses controls for climate and audio systems, while the navigation system rises from the center of the instrument panel. A signature example of the SRX’s attention to detail is the Cadillac script logos in the front door sill plates that illuminate when the doors are opened.

Advanced technology and entertainment systems

The 2010 SRX features numerous advanced electronic systems. Highlights include a “pop-up” navigation screen with three-dimensional imaging; adaptive forward lighting that swivels the headlamps in synch with vehicle steering; power liftgate with adjustable height setting; integrated hard disc drive for audio storage and a dual-screen system for rear entertainment.

Bluetooth compatibility is standard, as is OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation service for buyers who do not select the car’s navigation system option.

Efficient performance

The SRX is powered by a new, fuel-efficient direct injected 3.0L V-6 that delivers an estimated 260 horsepower (193 kW) and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Direct injection results in more power, better fuel economy and lower emissions, all will a smaller-displacement package. As a result, the new V-6 engine is expected to raise the SRX’s standard power rating by 5 horsepower, while achieving an estimated 10-15-percent fuel economy improvement.

The 3.0L direct injection V-6 is a smaller-displacement version of the 3.6L, direct injection engine featured in the CTS sport sedan and named one of the world’s 10 Best Engines for 2009 by Ward’s Automotive. Along with direct injection technology, the 3.0L engine employs variable valve timing to optimize power and fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission helps save fuel by lowering the engine’s rpm at constant highway speeds, while manual shift control enables greater driver interaction when desired. The new SRX includes a driver-selectable “eco mode” that alters transmission shift points to maximize fuel economy.

“The 2010 SRX will deliver excellent, balanced driving dynamics in all types of weather,” said Bob Reuter, global vehicle chief engineer. “The all-wheel-drive system with electronic limited slip effectively transfers torque not only from front to rear, but also along the rear axle. This system sets a new benchmark for all all-wheel-drive systems, giving the driver control and confidence on any road surface.”

Traction control is taken a step further on AWD models with the rear eLSD. In icy or wet conditions, the system can transfer up to 100 percent of torque to the wheel that has more grip. The eLSD also gives the driver enhanced control when cornering hard or completing a high-speed maneuver, such as a lane change, by momentarily applying more or less torque to either of the wheels to help the rear of the vehicle more closely follow the direction of the front wheels.

The suspension includes a real-time damping system in conjunction with AWD that adjusts shock damping rates in response to road conditions for a smooth ride quality.

Enhanced safety

SRX’s safety features are designed to protect occupants before, during and after a crash. A strong body structure and chassis that absorbs crash energy is complemented by the use of martensitic steel in the fully enclosed rocker sections. Martensitic steel is one of the strongest available and its use in the rockers helps protect against intrusion during a side-impact crash, while also maintaining the structure during front and rear crashes.

Additional safety features include standard head curtain side air bags, standard front seat-mounted pelvic/thorax side air bags, front safety belts with dual pretensioners and load limiters, rollover mitigation sensors, a pedal release system, trailer stability assist and OnStar.

The SRX was also designed to meet European pedestrian protection standards; and the front bumper is positioned for greater compatibility with car bumpers.

Production begins in the second quarter of 2009, with dealer availability shortly thereafter.









[Source: GM]



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2009 Ford F450 Harley Davidson/He-Man Woman Hater’s Edition

While I admire the beauty and sheer brute force of the ‘09 Ford F450 Harley Davidson Edition, I’ll admit I’m surprised that a penis pump and set of leather riding chaps don’t come as standard features. I mean, nothing turns me on more than the rumble of a huge, powerful engine, but a F450 with chrome, leather, and black flames? When the American economy is on the brink of total collapse?

Super Macho photo gallery after the jump

Few technical specifications have been released on the F450 Harley Davidson, and fuel consumption averages have been noticeably absent from the orchestrated “info leaks”. Ford has confirmed that the F450 Harley Davidson will be powered Ford’s Super Duty 6.4L twin-turbo V8 diesel engine. Pricing has yet to be announced, but dealers expect the tag to be somewhere around $60k when the rig hits showrooms in the spring.



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2010 Mazda CX-7 Debuts in Canada with a New Engine


While most of the automotive press is focusing their attention on the Chicago Auto Show, Mazda chose to unveil the refreshed 2010 Mazda CX-7 at the 2009 Canadian International Auto Show.

For the 2010 model year the CX-7 gets a new base engine: a 161 horsepower 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, which is the same engine offered in the Mazda6 and 2010 Mazda3. On the outside the CX-7 receives refreshed front and rear fascias and on the inside there new gauges and higher quality materials. A Blind Spot Monitoring system is also available.



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The Chrysler EV, An Electric Hybrid Town & Country

Introduced in conjunction with Chrysler ENVI’s electric hybrid 3-vehicle line-up, the Chrysler EV is a hybrid version of Chrysler’s current minivan offering, the Chrysler Town & Country. Ipso facto, the Chrysler EV is also a vehicle that no one, save for that overzealous mom who runs the local PTA, could ever possibly want. Fortunately, although Chrysler has admitted that only one of the three extended-range electric vehicles will make it to production, it hasn’t revealed which one, allowing us the glimmer of hope that it won’t be the Chrysler EV.

Despite the fact that its official classification as a minivan earns it our scathing ire, like the other two Chrysler ENVI vehicles, the Chrysler EV’s fuel-efficient engineering and innovative technology is actually pretty impressive.

Chrysler EV photo gallery after the jump

With the same electronic drive train application as both the Dodge EV and the Jeep EV, the Chrysler EV minivan is powered by a gasoline-powered small displacement engine that is integrated to function in tandem with an electric generator, both of which provide additional power to the Chrysler’s electronic drive system. The motor itself produces a zippy 9 second 0-60 mph acceleration time and produces 255-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It also provides zero tailpipe emissions, and like it’s two ENVI siblings, features a fuel consumption average of approximately 50 mpg, or 400 miles per every 8 gallons of gasoline.

In addition to serving as a preview of what could possibly translate into a production model, the Chrysler EV also serves as a rubric for future, as yet unreleased vehicles. According to Chrysler, the knowledge and experience gained from engineering the Chrysler EV “will be applied to other front-wheel drive applications in Chrysler’s portfolio.”

We say: Chalk the Chrysler EV up to experience, and give us the Jeep EV.

[Photo Cred: Jalopnik]



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How and Why to Shift Gears Using the Double Clutch

Double clutching is a method for downshifting that gives you smoother transitions and lowers the wear on your transmission. It’ll prolong your transmissions life and giving you an overall smoother ride. You will, of course, need a manual transmission.

Double-clutching is usually only used by truck drivers or race-car drivers, but if you have a manual transmission, you can double-clutch. It’s easy.

Usually with a manual trans, you depress the clutch, put the shifter in the next gear, and release the clutch. Double clutching adds another step. Instead of going from one gear right to another gear, you stop in neutral and release the clutch momentarily and tap the gas. Doing this allows the engine to speed up a bit so the transition into the next gear goes more smoothly. It only takes a split second to get the gear speeds matched, so it’s all done as a nice fluid movement. So it goes like this: you want to change gears > press clutch > shift to neutral > release clutch > tap the gas > press clutch again > shift to next gear > release clutch. Done and done.

Here’s a video showing how it’s done:

There is a debate about double-clutching though, since most modern cars have a device called a synchronizer that helps match the speed of the gearbox with that of the engine. Some people say this eliminates the need for double-clutching. Still, double-clutching usually makes for a smoother ride and puts less stress on the gearbox. Either way, it’s an easy skill to learn and it’s good to know.


Steve McQueen, king of the double-clutch



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Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

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Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Fisker Karma

It's been a scant 12 months since Henrik Fisker debuted the curvaceous Karma concept that bears his name, and today the former PAG design star returned to Detroit with a very similar looking production model and a business plan.

It's been a busy year for the upstart luxury manufacturer, and in that time, a development center has been built and staffed in nearby Pontiac, Michigan, and the Karma has received an all-new interior ("with eco-friendly materials and absolutely no black plastic buttons") that includes a new haptic touch-control system for the driver.

The aluminum spaceframe four-door is a plug-in hybrid vehicle that Fisker says will reach 60 miles-per-hour in 5.8 seconds and be able to cruise comfortably at 125 miles-per-hour. Power gets to the 22-inch wheels via a pair of 201 horsepower electric motors backed by a lithium-ion battery pack. A generator is affixed to a 260-horsepower version of General Motors' 2.0-liter Ecotec engine to provide extended-range capability.

Fisker says his company expects to sign 40 dealers up by year's end, and notes that he already has 22 on-board. Furthermore, Fisker says he expects production to ramp up to 15,000 units per year, and 1,300 units have already be pre-sold to early adopters. The asking price for the Karma is a reasonable-sounding $87,900, a number that has us wondering how Fisker and Co. intends to make money considering the modest volume projections and cost-intensive R&D. Check out the high-res gallery below, and the video and press release after the jump.


Continue reading Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO]

Detroit 2009: Production Fisker Karma debuts for 2010 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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