Archive for July, 2009
Citroen C3 Picasso 90th Anniversary model revealed
French auto maker Citroen has unveiled the C3 Picasso 90th Anniversary, to commemorate the auto maker’s 90 years of existence. The special edition MPV is based on the Exclusive trim level version of the C3 Picasso and comes with added features such as automatic air-conditioning, wipers and headlights, MyWay color satellite navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, part-leather upholstery and 16-inch alloy wheels.
There is also a “90 Years” badge on the centre console. The C3 Picasso 90th Anniversary is powered by a 110HP 1.6 liter HDi turbo diesel motor and carries a starting price of £15,595. Production is limited to 150 units only.
Mazda reveals the 20th Anniversary Special Edition Mazda MX-5 / Roadster
Japanese auto maker Mazda, has officially revealed a special edition Mazda MX-5, to commemorate the roadster’s 20th anniversary celebration. The special edition model, which is now available in Japanese showrooms, is based on the Roadster RS soft-top (with a 6 speed manual transmission) or the VS Power Retractable Hard Top (RHT) model (a 6 speed automatic transmission).
The model features RECARO bucket sport seats (Black Alcantara and red leather),
exclusive “20th Anniversary” badges (on each side fender), clear front fog lights and bezels, 17-inch aluminum wheels fitted with 205/45R17 84W tires, front strut tower bar (cowl connecting type), fabric soft top with glass rear window (soft-top model only), heated seats with five temperature settings and soft padding (synthetic leather door armrests and center console lid).
The model is only offered with a Crystal White Pearl Mica paint finish. Pricing wise, the soft top version with the manual tranny costs 2,860,000 yen while the retractable hard top version costs 3,110,000 yen. Both prices are inclusive of tax.
Felipe Massa to be discharged on Monday
Brazilian Felipe Massa, who suffered from a fractured skull at the Hungarian Grand Prix’s qualifying session will be discharged from the AEK Hospital in Hungary on Monday. The 28-year old Ferrari driver’s personal trainer, Dino Altmann revealed to the press, “Felipe continues to improve, he is doing very well, and we have already decided to go back home on Monday to Brazil.” “He will fly to Sao Paulo,” he added.
Massa, who has been temporarily replaced by Schumacher is on a positive road to recovery, without any issues. It was also revealed that his left eye is fine. Altmann concluded by saying, “He is in a very good mood and is in good shape – He wants to come back soon.” Do you think he will be able to race at the European Grand Prix?
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Michael Schumacher to perform testing in the F2007 race car
A Ferrari F60 Formula 1 car. Notice the slick tires and different aero parts.
7 times World Champion and a Ferrari Formula 1 driver once again, Michael Schumacher is working hard in order to prepare himself for his re-debut at the European Grand Prix, happening next month on the 23rd.
Apart from performing various exercises to increase his stamina and to train his neck muscles, the 40 year old is performing tests on a Ferrari Formula 1 simulator, which is a must-have tool for modern Grand Prix drivers. Such simulators offer real-life racing scenarios. Just like some high quality racing games, a simulator features circuits developed using laser technology and satellite images, and cars with real life driving characteristics. In fact, drivers can virtually drive in various scenarios, such as rain (light, hard, monsoon) and suffer from mechanical failures. You can also perform things like practicing on starts and pitstops. Basically it is very real, but of course, there are certain things that you can only get when you drive a real Formula 1 car on a real track.
A Ferrari F2007 Formula 1 car.
The German will now test the F2007 Formula 1 car, which is the car used back in 2007. This is because there is a testing ban that disallows mid-season testing. However, Michael Schumacher has requested permission to test with this year’s car, the F60.
The old one is basically outdated with older rules on segments like aerodynamics and even tires. Before this year, Formula 1 cars used grooved slicks, as opposed to pure slicks. Of course it is better than nothing, but testing an F60 racer would be more beneficial. FOTA or the Formula One Teams Association has agreed to allow Michael to drive the F60 car, but he still needs a green light from the FIA. If there is no approval, Schumacher will his first taste of the F60 on the 21st of August, at European Grand Prix’s Friday test session.
2010 Jaguar XJ-based coupe and shooting brake estate coming up?
Words are being exchanged regarding Jaguar’s plans to produce an XJ Coupe as well as an an XJ Estate, with a shooting-brake design concept. Apparently, Ian Callum, designer of the 2010 XJ has revealed that the Tata-owned auto company is considering to build such variants. The coupe variant is still at its sketching phase and will be inspired by the XJC of the seventies.
Expect features like pillar-less doors and so on. If it goes into production, the auto maker will most probably drop in a 385HP 5.0 liter V8 or a 510HP supercharged 5.0 liter V8. Jaguar also had an estate version of the XJ. It was launched in the eighties and was based on the XJ6 Series 3, and was converted by a company called Avon. Is Jaguar also thinking about producing a convertible version?
An honour and a privilege to race against Michael Schumacher: Lewis Hamilton
It is safe to consider Lewis Hamilton as the biggest Schumacher fan among all the drivers in Formula 1, not that others are not fans, but the Brit does not hold back on his admiration of the 7 time World Champion. Hamilton recently revealed that it is an honour and a privilege to race against German Michael Schumacher, who is now preparing for his re-debut for the European Grand Prix.
Hamilton said, “He is one of the sport’s greatest competitors, a legend – it’d be great to compete against him,” said the McLaren driver.” “It will not only be fascinating to see how he readies himself for his Grand Prix comeback but also an honour and a privilege to race against him for the very first time. I wish him well,” added the 2008 champion.
Micheal is now in the midst of training, in preparation for the street race in Valencia, a circuit he has yet to drive on. The 40 year old will be spending a lot of time in the Ferrari’s Formula 1 simulator. His main focus of the training would be his neck muscles, so he can get used to the strain caused by high G-forces generated during cornering in a Formula 1 car. Schumacher will partner Kimi Raikkonen, who is taking part in this weekend’s WRC event in his homeland, Finland.
Ferrari 458 Italia in an array of colours
Before you actually take out your cheque book and issue a piece of paper to replace your F430, you might want to take a look at his interesting post. After the jump, there are an array of Ferrari 458 Italias, all finished in different colours. The images were photoshoped, and allow you to better imagine the 458 Italia in different colour options. Continue reading to view the images. Read the rest of this entry.
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Toyota revises the 2010 FJ Cruiser: Up by 19HP
Pictured above is the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
Toyota has announced that the 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser will hit US dealerships sometime next month. A number of upgrades will be featured, including a minor suspension upgrade to help reduce the turning radius and the addition of a new body colour, Army Green. Most significant of all is the re-tuned 4.0-liter gasoline V6 with VVT-i and roller rocker arms. The new output figure is rated at 258HP (up by 19HP).
