CARS FOR REAL MEN. Car news, reviews. Vehicles descriptions.

a.d. Tramontana

2009-04-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

a.d.Tramontana showed their original concept car at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 as well as at the Top Marques Monaco fair. Due to its great initial success among industry specialists, this year the company will launch the final production model at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show.

a.d.Tramontana is a Catalan company that represents a new generation of entrepreneurial engineers. The company is situated on the beautiful Costa Brava of North-eastern Spain, a place that has been a great spring of great inspiration. They say their latest supercar is an heir to Spain’s automotive legacy, which included the Pegaso and Hispano Suiza.

The car is custom-designed and built according to the personal requirements of every customer. This is done 1st by conducting an ergonomical study of the measurements of the driver, then by using the materials of his or her choice and, finally, by differentiating each unit with an engraving of a poetic verse in the chassis of the car. These characteristics assure that each Tramontana is a unequalled creation of art modelled on the specific desires of the customer.

Not only is the Tramontana attractive, it is also an extremely powerful vehicle, including a central V12 bi-turbo engine and over 500 horsepower.

The Tramontana also adheres to high standards of safety. It includes a body of carbon fibre and a chassis that has been specially developed for this particular model and introduces a new structural system that combines an indeformable central zone with eight other zones of shock absorption. The body is made of carbon fibre.

Click an image to enlarge

Mansory Veyron LINEA Vincerò

2009-03-18T03:36:00.000-07:00

Mansory Veyron LINEA Vincerò is the most exotic and craziest car in the world.

Seems like Bugatti chose not the best time to present a car that costs so much, they do not even say how many millions it would cost. We offer the Mansory Veyron LINEA Vincerò here for your entertainment, showing you just how grand the finest car in the world is capable of being. Never mind that Bugatti is only planning to build three of these beasts.

The shining polished aluminum with heaping helpings of carbon fiber jacks up the price perceptibly, as well as its specially tuned quad-turbo W16, 8.0-liter engine that cranks out well over a thousand horses (well, 1,109 to be exact). Heck, the stock Veyron's price is over a million dollars, so you can only imagine how much some trio of oil-rich sheiks will pay for this babe.

Let's just admire the LINEA Vincerò in the gallery below, knowing that for the price of three of them, GM could be saved from bankruptcy. And, to be more hopeful, we can hope that such exquisite tech will someday trickle down to the rest of us groundlings.

Swarovski Covered Mercedes-Benz SL600

2009-02-18T07:38:00.000-08:00

In Tokyo automobile show 2009 were shown two Mercedes-Benz'es SL600 covered with 300.000 Swarovski crystals. Howewer in 24 hours one of these cars was bought by 2 brothers at the price of 1 million dollar.

In the vehicles not only did the crystals cover every inch of the cars’ exterior, but were also prominent inside covering parts of the center console, door trim and even the rearview mirrors.

Since the SEMA show was held in Las Vegas from November 4-7, 2007 this much sparkle and shine fits in just perfect. The most indispensable accessory for anyone even just looking at this car is sunglasses!

Click an image to enlarge.

Honda V4 Concept Model

2009-01-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

Honda have released a new concept sportsbike at Intermot that frankly has us completely stumped (it was October 9, 2008 ). Honda V4 Concept Model is meant to showcase Honda's intention to "use the power of dreams to take motorcycling somewhere it has never been before" - somewhere, presumably, where motorcycles do away with things like tyres, suspension, brakes, axles and final drive systems. Can YOU figure out a single piece of relevant information this machine is signalling about tomorrow's Hondas, or is it a simple styling exercise?

Here's the full press release Honda sent out with images of the V4 Concept Model:

"Honda has always sought to push back motorcycling boundaries, challenge engineering conventions and introduce daring and innovative new designs and technologies that will delight its customers.

To celebrate the passionately creative heritage of the first V4 four-stroke, Honda has embarked on an exciting new project, using 30 years of Honda V4 expertise to create a next generation of vehicles. Once again Honda will use the power of dreams to take motorcycling to somewhere it has never been before, proof of which was at display for the very first time at Intermot Cologne."

Challenging engineering conventions indeed! We'd go so far as to say this new concept has been designed by an art-school grad uninterested in anything but futuristic styling. And yes, a prototype is actually displayed at Intermot Cologne, it's not just a rendered set of images like most of the more bizarre designs we see.

If the bike had been electric, perhaps there could have been some intention to drive and brake the wheels using some sort of electromagnetic system - but there's a dirty great V4 combustion engine right in the middle of the frame. Even if the wheels were driven, they don't seem able to rotate. And if they could rotate, their shiny red finish would appear to indicate that they'll give no traction.

Are we missing the point here - and either way, where do you draw the line on concept vehicle? Does this thing even qualify as a motorcycle? And what on Earth do you think Honda are trying to do by showing it? Check out the picture gallery and tell us what you think in the comments below.

Riccardo Patrese drives wife crazy in Civic Type-R

2009-01-13T08:17:00.001-08:00

Ex F1 driver Riccardo Patrese takes his wife round Jerez circuit in a Honda Civic Type-R... a little too quickly! Hilarious!!

10 THE MOST ECONOMICAL CARS IN THE WORLS

2008-11-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive, 74.3mpg

The Spanish company's tidy 3-door supermini shoots straight to the very top of our fuel-efficiency list, courtesy of well-judged aero mods and an incredibly economical 1.4-litre turbodiesel engine. Gear ratios normally seen on intercontinental trains, + tweaks here and there to reduce friction, boost economy to a remarkable 74.3mpg.

But do not think it is slug-like. It still hits 60mph in 12.8 seconds and goes on to 109 mph. When has economical driving ever been this satisfying? It even gets air con as standard, for £10,995 all-in. Impressive enough for MSN Cars to consider running one as a long-termer! Watch this space...

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion, 74.3mpg

The Polo achieves exactly the same fuel returns as the SEAT, and also beat it to market. So why is not in top? Because of the small matter of over £1k extra on the asking price. And a lack of standard air con. Yes, we know it is a Volkswagen, and it has better-quality plastics inside.

The keyfob that shopkeepers in Mayfair will not get sniffy about helps. But really, they are the same car underneath, and feel little different to drive. Fuel economy is just as much about saving money as it is about saving cash: therefore, if the Polo is for you, hot-foot it... to your local SEAT dealer.

MINI Cooper D, 72.4mpg

BMW's EfficientDynamics programme has extended down to the MINI with dramatic effect. It is now the most economical car the company produces, with 72.4mpg attainable from its 1.6-litre diesel engine. Tricks such as automatically turning off the engine at traffic lights help here.

But do not think the MINI has become a dullard because of them. It is well up for the traffic light GP; courtesy of 110bhp, it is able to hit 60mph in 9.9 seconds. We know, this does nothing for fuel economy, but MINI driving's inevitably as much about fun as it is about fuel economy.

Skoda Fabia Greenline 68.9mpg

The Skoda adopts a similar approach to its brethren from VW and SEAT, using the same engine and extended gear ratios. But it's a bit larger than them, and doesn't quite have the same amount of weight-stripping - so economy isn't as jaw-dropping as the other two. Not that 68.9mpg is disastrous.

And it may appeal more than them, because it feels that bit more grown up. The newer platform drives better, and a more modern appearance means it won't feel as dated and stripped-down as the SEAT. It also has the all-important air con as standard. Fine practical, sensible, green motoring.

MINI Clubman Cooper D, 68.9mpg

The Clubman is one of the coolest things in town. And while it can not match its dinkier, lighter baby brother for economy, it is still way beyond anything you could achieve in most other cars. The diesel engine officially averages just under 69mpg here - and this time, you can realistically bring along mates and luggage.

OK, it is still not Tardis-like, but the added extra space makes it a much more useful machine. You can, basically, get things in. Something you are hard-pressed to do in the hatch. The green status it commands means that following fashion needn't be a jet-engined flight of environmental fancy.

Citroen C1/Toyota Aygo 1.4 HDi, 68.9mpg

Only Citroen offers a diesel version of its tiny joint-venture city car. It'll cover no less than 68.9 miles to each gallon of fuel - that's twice the distance a 2.0 Seat Leon can do, and four times what an Aston Martin DB9 is capable of. And they won't be miserable miles, either.

The C1 handles well and begs to be chucked into corners, while the stylish cabin is minimalist, not cheap. Indeed, the only problem is the £1,000 cost over the 61.4mpg-capable fuel, which is a nicer engine to use. If total economy is nt everything, we'd save the cash and take the petrol over the HDi.

Citroen C2 1.4 HDi, 68.9mpg

Those who find the C1 too compact needn't feel left out. A car with exactly the same economy (but slightly higher CO2 emissions) is available. And, in the mad world of Citroen cashback deals, for less outlay. It's a supermini but strictly a four-seater, that feels more planted but is a little less fun than the C1.

No matter. Instead, drop on a bodykit and some twenty one-inch wheels, darken the glass and screw in a kick-ass stereo system, to become the greenest, cleanest boy racer in the land. We are sure, with a cunningly-fitted turbo wastegate bypass, it will even sound hornier than the 1.4 petrol you'd otherwise buy...

Fiat 500 MultiJet, 67.3mpg

Like the MINI, Fiat's fantastic 500 is another must-have car - which proves that following fashion doesn't always have to cost the earth. And we do not just mean literally. Not only does it, in 1.3-litre diesel guise, average 67.3mpg, it is also available for just £9,300 on the road.

Throw in the opportunity to bedeck the interior with a catalogue store full of jewellery, and city centres are all but guaranteed to be packed with the things. Which makes it all the more admirable that Fiat's endowed it with such efficiency. For once, substance as well as style.

Fiat Panda 1.3 MultiJet, 65.7mpg

In Italy, everyone drives flat-out on the Autostrada, two inches from the rear bumper of the car in front. At least with a Panda diesel (which, if your eyes are at all open, you will spot in Italy), Fiat's helping do this more efficiently. Even if they will still be some way from the official 65.7mpg average.

A 5-door city car that is surprisingly spacious, with a pleasant 'big car' feel, the very fact that it is Italian means it is a cool little thing too. And the gem of an engine makes you suffer for such frugality not one jot. A genuine alternative to the 500, simply with show traded for sensibility.

Mazda 2 TD, 65.7mpg

Mazda designed the current two supermini to be lightweight and fuel efficient. Courtesy of a diesel engine shared with Ford, Peugeot and Citroen, the claims bear out: 65.7mpg is pretty impressive for a conventional five-door supermini. It also looks, to our eyes, really nice, while the sporty, taut chassis makes it fun to drive.

Mazda engineering means bombproof build and the ability to withstand the merciless rigours of city-centre motoring without batting an eyelid, too. The interior may look and feel plasticky, but it won't fall apart around you. Factor in surprising space-efficiency and you have a very impressive sub-£10k green star.

Peugeot Hymotion 3 Compressor new conceptual motor scooter. Hi-Tech Trike

2008-10-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Peugeot Hymotion 3 Compressor new conceptual motor scooter. Hi-Tech Trike. 9bhp pushing 250kg in electric mode

The 3-wheeler uses 2 separate power sources to power the front and back wheels. The back wheel is powered by a single cylinder 125cc, 20bhp single cylinder motor while the front wheels are each driven by their own 4.5bhp electric motor. When the bike is moving up to 10km/h only the electric motors are used on a stop/start basis reducing the amount of carbon emissions. The HYmotion uses ABS to all three discs.

Still we are sure there is plenty of lentil-eating, Prius driving, preaching city types who will fork out for a HYmotion, so expect to see them on the roads soon.

Though this scooter is just a prototype, Peugeot says it is using the vehicle to gauge public reaction and that the HYmotion could go into production if there's enough demand. Expect the price to be in excess of £7000 should it happen.

Power: 20bhp petrol, 9bhp electric Weight: 250kg

2009 HUMMER H3T Review

2008-10-01T03:19:00.000-07:00

You will never hear auto writers complain that a Lotus Elise can not ford a 2-foot-deep creek or climb a 60 % grade, so why persist in deriding the lackluster on-pavement performance of off-road-focused SUVs and trucks? Probably because, image aside, most of these rough riders never meet anything more challenging than a heavy rainstorm or a gravel driveway. That includes General Motors' megamacho Hummers. Nonetheless, just as Lotus always conducts its press launches at racetracks, Hummer chose the rocky trails of Moab, Utah, for the first drive of its new four-door pickup, the H3T.

But Hummer product director Ross Hendrix filled us in on a little secret. The much-unloved in-line five-cylinder will at last be going away. A direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 from the new Chevrolet Traverse crossover will take its place. More important, this new V-6 and the V-8 both will get a six-speed automatic. E85 fuel capability also is in the cards. While this is all good news, we'll have to wait until the 2010 model year for the change.

The T, as the gang from Hummer refers to the truck, is basically an H3 SUV with a 22-inch longer wheelbase and a five-foot pickup bed behind the rear seats. The result is a pretty big truck; it's only eleven inches shorter than a Chevrolet Avalanche. Engine choices for the H3T are the same as for the H3 SUV, so, sadly, the pickup's extra 150 pounds make the H3T even slower. A lethargic and long-geared four-speed automatic neuters both the 242-hp five-cylinder and the 300-hp V-8. You can get a 5-speed manual with the smaller engine, although, in the SUV at least, very few buyers choose it.

Hummer is also seriously looking at diesel power for the H3 and the H3T. Markets outside of America will soon get an Italian-sourced, 2.8-liter turbo-diesel, but that engine can not easily meet U.S. emissions standards. GM has a new V-6 diesel that will find its way into both the Cadillac CTS and the next Saab 9-5 in Europe, and Hummer is looking at using this engine in the States. We like this idea, provided diesel prices come down from the stratosphere (at this writing, diesel fuel in Michigan costs nearly $1 per gallon more than regular unleaded).

Luckily for Hummer, the pickup shined once we reached the Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, where we ran the Hell's Revenge 4x4 Trail, a 6.5-mile route that is both challenging and full of gorgeous scenery. Our truck featured the optional off-road adventure package. Included are 33-inch tires, different shocks, a revised low-range transfer case, and the secret weapon for rock crawling: locking front and rear differentials. No sheer rock face, deep hole, or collection of boulders could stop the H3T. Well done, Hummer, for making a truck that does not just look the part.

But back to Moab and the H3T. As we pulled out of the hotel parking lot onto the paved road for a brief route to the trails, we were quickly reminded why Hummer chose to take us off-road for the majority of our drive. The H3T may ride better than its SUV sibling due to its longer wheelbase, but the dead steering, archaic transmission, and secondary chassis vibrations clearly show that there are better options if you're looking for on-road drivability.

Unfortunately for Hummer, not many people commute daily on a road called Hell's Revenge. Besides, with growing concerns about fuel economy, it is high time for GM's most rugged brand to reassess how it will move ahead into the future. One Hummer engineer shared his interesting idea for greener paths - use technology from the upcoming Chevy Volt to build a hybrid Hummer, since the torque of an electric motor paired with a small diesel engine could make for an even more impressive off-roader. But for now, prospective H3T buyers who want a rock-crawling, mud-slinging pickup but who intend to spend most of their time on pavement would do well to wait for the new V-6 and the more modern six-speed automatic.

Lexus LX 570 2008 Vehicle Overview

2008-09-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

2008 Lexus LX 570 Expert Rating Summary

Category	Base Rating	Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle Average Rating

Acceleration	6	5.9

Fuel Economy	3	2.3

Ride Quality	6	6.4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4	4.2

Quietness	7	6.8

Controls	6	5.9

Details	8	7.4

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)	9	8.6

Room/Comfort (rear)	8	7.1

Cargo Room	8	8.5

Value within Class	4	5.2

Total Score:	69	68.3

Introduction

The Lexus LX 570 2008 is the car proof of the saying, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." There might be a desert or a snowstorm between you and where you are going, yet the Lexus LX 570 is always prepared, always wearing the right clothes.

Though typically used more for shopping on Rodeo Drive than crisscrossing the Continental Divide, the Lexus LX has had "ready all the time" on its business card ever since its introduction in 1996. Now, for 2008, the Lexus LX has been fully redesigned. Still based on the Toyota Land Cruiser (redesigned this year as well), the LX 570 luxury SUV continues Lexus' legacy of reliable craftsmanship with a mind-boggling number of bells and whistles. The new model boasts an all-new powertrain, also as a plethora of gadgets that brings the "wow" factor to a whole new level.

Compared to last year's LX 470, the 2008 Lexus LX 570 has the same wheelbase but is fractionally longer, wider and taller. The exterior has been freshened but is still conservative, and underneath is a traditional body-on-frame design. It also works in conjunction with a new front suspension design to improve on-road handling. The frame is considerably stiffer than before, and Lexus says the payoff is enhanced ruggedness, towing capacity and safety.

Under the hood is a new 383-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 matched with a six-speed automatic transmission, a powertrain that comes from the latest Toyota Tundra pickup truck. The Lexus LX 570 gains the upper hand, however, thanks to an electronically controlled suspension with adaptive ride height and damping control, allowing it to deliver an ideal suspension setup no matter what kind of terrain it's driving over. The Land Cruiser has the same setup, and the two also share a new electronically controlled, off-road crawl control feature.

Inside, three rows of seating for up to eight people are once again standard, but the new model is just like the old one in that the third row is too cramped for anyone other than children. The third-row seat still doesn't fold flat, and maximum cargo space is no better than that of most midsize SUVs. But the new Lexus LX 570 has almost no peer when it comes to coddling thanks to high-quality materials and the latest pure luxury features, such as power-sliding second-row seats, a superb Mark Levinson audio system, 4-zone climate control and a video monitor with front and sideview video cameras.

Thanks to updates like these, the LX 570 2008 remains one of our top recommendations for the luxury SUV buyer. On a daily basis, it is exceptionally pleasant and so easy to drive that it could be a first choice as your daily driver. And if you happen to find yourself on some rock-strewn trail, well, the Lexus LX 570 will do you right there as well. Of course, this do-everything description could also be applied to the Land Rover Range Rover, a vehicle that surpasses the LX in terms of historical prestige. But the similarly powered Supercharged version is quite a bit more expensive and trails the Lexus in terms of its reputation for reliability. Another notable choice is the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, a very impressive luxury SUV in its own right. But it lacks the LX's off-road prowess. So if you want a vehicle that always puts you in the right set of clothes, the 2008 LX 570 is the obvious choice.

Trim Levels, Body Styles and Options

The LX 570 is a midsize luxury SUV. There is one base trim level, which comes standard with adaptive xenon headlights, 20-inch wheels, wood and leather interior trim, a power liftgate, power and heated front seats with driver memory settings, 4-zone automatic climate control, keyless ignition, Bluetooth and a premium sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio and auxiliary audio jack. Also included is a hard-drive-based navigation system with voice activation, a back-up camera and real-time traffic.

Gadget junkies can choose from several options. The Technology Package includes an upgraded 19-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. Additional options include ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats, a rear-seat entertainment system, and adaptive cruise control. Also available is a park assist system equipped with front and sideview video monitors for better visibility.

Powertrains and Performance

The Lexus LX 570 2008 comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 producing 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. It's connected to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Lexus claims the Lexus LX 570 2008 will go from zero to 60 in 7.2 sec, and maximum towing capacity is set at 8,500 pounds. Fuel economy is respectable considering the engine's power, but the Lexus LX 570 2008 still isn't going to be winning any efficiency awards - the EPA gives it a rather dismal 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway rating.

Crashworthiness

The LX 570 includes a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including stability control, antilock brakes with brake assist, front-seat side airbags and roll-sensing full-length side curtain airbags. Active front headrests, also known as pre-crash intelligent headrests, debut in the LX 570. Lexus' pre-collision system is optional.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 14-way driver seat has a power front cushion extender to accommodate long-legged drivers, and the power-sliding, 60/40-split second-row seat reclines or folds away for extra space. A built-in cooler keeps drinks cold during road trips. The Lexus LX 570's cabin can seat up to eight people and is richly appointed, with exceptional leather and wood trim crafted of Bubinga, an African rosewood often used in private jets and high-end musical instruments. Robin Leach is no doubt impressed.

For a full-size SUV, however, interior versatility is a bit disappointing. The 50/50-split third-row seat is power operated, with the seats folding up against the sides of the cargo bay. Deployed, however, the third row still has a knees-up seating position that's suitable only for kids. Since the third row isn't totally removable, the Lexus LX 570's maximum cargo capacity is 83 cubic feet, average for a midsize SUV but notably below the capacity of many other large SUVs.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the LX 570 handles exceptionally well given its size, truck-based roots and considerable three-ton curb weight. Off road, the LX has an uncanny ability to go places other SUVs can't thanks to its rugged frame and advanced suspension. The LX also shares the off-road crawl control system with the Land Cruiser, which automatically controls the anti-lock brakes and the engine's electronic throttle when descending steep, slippery terrain. If there's a fault in the whole driving experience, it's that the Lexus LX 570 2008, perhaps because of its superb capabilities, is a bit bland to drive.

2008 Ferrari Concept Design by Luca Serafini

2008-05-15T02:22:00.001-07:00

Ferrari seams to be a source of inspiration for a great number of up-and-coming young designers with the likes of Emre Husmen, Idries Omar and now Luca Serafini all using the Italian styles as inspiration for some of their great works. The latest design, dubbed the 2008 Ferrari Concept, is based on the F430 supercar and shows a possible design direction for the next-gen model.

Drawing on inspiration from both past and present Ferrari models, Serafini wanted something that could stand on its own but would always be privileged as a Ferrari. Serafini next plan is to make a one-quarter scale model of the car and hopefully present it at design competitions in Italy’s automotive design hub, Turin.

One of Serafini’s most popular works includes the Lamborghini Embolado concept, a compact supercar loosely based on the Gallardo with a unequalled cab forward design and plenty of aggression.