aston martin db9

The Aston Martin DB9 is a GT sports car launched by Aston Martin in 2004.
The DB9 is the first model to be built at Aston Martin's Gaydon facility in Warwickshire, England. The moniker "DB" stems from the initials of David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin for a significant part of its history. The DB9, which was designed by Ian Callum and finished by his successor, Henrik Fisker, superseded the now-discontinued Aston Martin DB7 (also by Callum) which started production in 1994.

OVERVIEW
                                    The Aston Martin DB9 comes in two variants; the coupé and 'Volante' convertible, each producing 470 bhp (350 kW; 477 PS) from a 6.0L V12 engine, originally taken from its sister car the V12 Vanquish. In fact, this V12 engine is why Aston Martin did not call the car the DB8, which could suggest that it has only a V8 engine. One report states that Aston Martin believed that this car was such a huge leap from the Jaguar XJ-S based DB7 that it named it DB9 instead of DB8, which they thought would indicate a gradual evolution. The Gaydon facility's production capacity for the DB9 could allow for approximately five thousand units per year, which is roughly the same production volume as other esteemed sports cars, in particular the Ferrari F430 and Porsche 911 Turbo. The DB9, however, is more often compared against other competitors in its segment: the Ian Callum designed Jaguar XKR, the Volkswagen-produced Bentley Continental GT, the ten-cylinder powered BMW M6, and the AMG variants of the Mercedes-Benz SL. Traditionally being a maker of more exclusive automobiles, CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez assures Aston Martin loyalists that production numbers of the DB9 will be slightly higher than previous models; however, Aston Martin will still retain only a small statistical percentage of the high-end sports car market.

The DB9 is the first Aston Martin model to be designed and developed upon Ford's aluminium VH (vertical/horizontal) platform. The body structure is composed of aluminium and composites melded together by mechanically fixed self-piercing rivets and robotic assisted adhesive bonding techniques. The innovative bonded aluminium structure possesses more than double the torsional rigidity of its predecessor's, despite being 25 percent lighter.[4] Aston Martin's engineers designed the quad-cam, 48-valve engine for the V12 Vanquish in collaboration with Ford's Research and Vehicle Technology team (RVT) and were able to reduce its weight by 11.8 kg (26 lb) for use in the DB9.

SPECIFICATION

 Base Price: £111,000 Coupe; £124,000 Volante convertible
Power: 350 kW (476 PS; 469 bhp) (469 hp) @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 600 N·m (443 lbf·ft) @ 5000 rpm
Weight: 1,760 kg (3,880 lb)
0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): 4.6 seconds
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 4.8 seconds
Top Speed: 306 km/h (190 mph)

FEATURES
                     The DB9 features a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and a torque output of 443 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm. At the same time, the car's six-speed automated manual with a computer controlled clutch has been reprogrammed to allow it to shift faster. These changes combine to make the car three tenths of a second quicker in the 0 to 60 mph sprint, while the six-speed manual cars are only a tenth quicker thanks to a power hike.

In addition to the straight-line performance, handling of the newest DB9 is improved thanks to Bilstein shocks, new suspension arms and bushings, and 19-inch wheels. These suspension upgrades resulted in a sportier ride, while the Volante's (convertible model) ride is made cushier.

The DB9's bumpers are invisible. The front number plate is part of the crash structure and computer modeling has enabled Aston Martin to use invisible 'hard pressure zones' to cope with bumps.

The side strakes - an Aston Martin DB signature - are made from metal. The door handles are flush with the body opening the unique 'swan wing' doors, which rise at a 12-degree angle for improved access.

There are no visible gutters on the roof panel, and no visible drain channels at the front or rear windscreens. Nor are there any plastic 'dressing' plates.

The interior features an elegant center console, finished almost entirely in
die-cast zinc with an iridium finish. What isn't finished in iridium is finished in a mix of high quality leather or one of five different hand-finished wood trims, ranging from Walnut to Piano Black.

The Aston Martin DB9 is also available in a convertible model, designated by the unique Volante name.

2012 Honda Odyssey Review

2012 Honda Odyssey Review information in here, and also more detail about 2012 Honda OdysseySpecs, 2012 Honda Odyssey Price, 2012 Honda Odyssey Release date, 2012 Honda Odyssey Pictures and 2012 Honda Odyssey Engine.

2012 Honda Odyssey Engine

                                                                                      The standard Honda Odyssey is powered by a 2.4 liter DOHC i-VTEC engine producing 173 PS at 6,000rpm and 222Nm of torque at 4,300rpm. It rides on double-wishbones both at the front and rear. The FWD models are mated to a new CVT transmission (with torque converter) with ratios ranging from 2.470-0.450 while the AWD models are paired to a 5-speed auto with dual overdrives (ratios ranging from 2.651-0.566).

2012 Honda Odyssey can continue with a tantalizing array of comfort options and infotainment, and for all 2012 Honda Odyssey are back with commonplace equipment which incorporates rear privacy tinted glass, cruise management, remote keyless entry, air con, power driver seat, manual tilt steering wheel, and power mirrors, locks, and windows. additionally, the Honda Odyssey is additionally equipped with audio systems and a further plug for digital music devices, and single disc in-dash CD player. Honda Odyssey revamped dashboard for this fourth-generation style, adding a pull-out “media rack” for iPods, mobile phones and also the like; an electrical outlet nearby. Driver-information/navigation screen occupies the highest level, climate management the middle, rock bottom audio system.

Honda Odyssey will release early autumn 2011. 2012 Honda Odyssey starting price at $ 29,000 – $ 45,000. Honda Odyssey has variant car is 2012 Odyssey LX, 2012 Odyssey EX, 2012 Odyssey EX-L, 2012 EX-L with Rear Entertainment System and 2012 Odyssey EX-L with Navigation. 2012 Honda Odyssey Review.

Ferrari 360

We like the Ferrari 360. In other news, we also like Dom Perignon, vacationing in Fiji and dating Heidi Klum (or to be fair, Brad Pitt). Indeed, coming up with "cons" for such a marvelous automobile like the 360 Modena and Spider is like criticizing Heidi for having a funny accent or Brad for dyeing his hair. This Ferrari set the bar for other "lower-end" supercars by providing blistering performance, ethereal steering, superior ride and tenacious grip. It didn't look half bad either, and who can argue with a car that proudly presented its engine under a glass hood?

Most Recent Ferrari 360

The Ferrari 360 was all-new in 1999 and offered in Modena coupe and Spider convertible body styles. They were powered by a mid-mounted 3.6-liter V8 that pumped out a raucous 400 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. Low-end power wasn't as plentiful with a "mere" 275 pound-feet at 4,750 rpm. The all-important 0-60-mph sprint was accomplished in a few ticks north of 4 seconds.

The standard transmission was a six-speed manual tied to a classic Italian gated shifter complete with chrome ball knob. Many Modenas and Spiders were ordered with the rather pricey F1 automated clutch manual gearbox that shifted via column-mounted shift paddles in a lightning-quick 150 milliseconds. Although we'd probably stick with the stick, the F1's adept ability at rev-matching downshifts and its automatic mode (admittedly not the smoothest system in the world) make it a good choice for both aggressive driving and commuting.

What makes a Ferrari a Ferrari is so much more than simply a go-fast engine and a logo imprinted with a startled horse. The 360 sported an aluminum space-frame chassis, adjustable aluminum double-wishbone suspension and a sleek body by Pininfarina constructed of -- you guessed it -- aluminum, which resulted in super-low weight for ideal performance and handling. Of course, the latter was also made possible by a wide-track body and suspension that reduced body roll to a theoretical concept, while the steering stayed Ginsu knife-sharp right up to triple-digit speeds. (The 360 maxed out at 175 mph.) But again, if you need us to tell you the Ferrari 360 is a blast to drive, perhaps enrolling in Exotic Cars 101 is in order.

Unlike some past Ferraris, the 360 had an interior worthy of the car's price tag. Supple leather, high-quality materials and straightforward ergonomics struck an excellent balance between luxury and driving-focused simplicity. The snug seats offered plenty of lateral support, with a comfortable reach to the divine steering wheel. Besides contributing to superb road-holding, the 360's wide body also provided lots of elbow room and enough space for a set of golf clubs behind the two seats. And really, what's the point of a country club if you can't show off your Ferrari? One of the rare downsides to the 360 was rear visibility -- particularly in the Spider convertible with its high rear deck, thick roll hoops and plastic rear window.

For those who wanted an even more capable Ferrari 360 (or a more exclusive one), the Challenge Stradale was introduced in 2004. This stripped-down club racing version of the coupe had, according to Ferrari, everything eliminated that did not contribute to increased performance or safety (or apparently a chilled interior, as air-conditioning remained). The result was a car 242 pounds lighter than a regular Modena, that also sported 25 additional horses. Along with a 20-percent stiffer suspension and aerodynamic changes that produced 50 percent more downforce, the Challenge Stradale was the closest thing one could get to Schumacher's F1 ride -- at least until the Enzo came along.

Past Ferrari 360 Models

There was only one Ferrari 360 generation, which lasted from 1999-2004. It was preceded by the F355 and replaced by what is essentially a heavily revised version of the 360

BMW M9 PICTURE

lexus lfa

The Lexus LFA is a two-seat exotic sports coupe produced by Lexus as a concept car, "halo" vehicle, racing prototype, and production model. It is the second model in the F marque line of performance vehicles from Lexus, following the IS F. Three concept versions have been shown, each debuting at the North American International Auto Show with the LF-A designation as part of the LF Series concept line. The first LF-A concept premiered in 2005, followed in 2007 by a second LF-A with a more completely furnished interior and exterior. The third version of the LF-A, a roadster model, premiered in 2008. The production model, trademarked LFA, was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.
The production Lexus LFA features a new V10 engine and a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) body. CFRP materials account for 65 percent of the LFA's body composition by mass. The LFA is scheduled to go into production in late 2010, with a projected run of 500 vehicles at the base price of US$375,000. A circuit-tuned variant is scheduled for 2012.

The Lexus LFA is powered by a 72-degree bank angle 4.8-liter V10 engine equipped with dual VVT-i carrying the 1LR-GUE designation with a maximum output of 560 PS (412 kW) delivered at 8,700 rpm. Its maximum torque output of 354 lb·ft (480 N·m) arrives at 6,800 rpm, 90 percent of which is available from 3,700 rpm. The engine redlines at 9,000 rpm, but with a fuel cutoff set at 9,500 rpm, and is constructed using forged aluminum pistons, forged titanium connecting rods, and solid titanium valves. The V angle of the LFA's V-10 engine is set to 72-degrees (as opposed to, say, the 90-degree V angle present in a Dodge Viper's V-10) to fully balance the firing force from the pistons. This 72-degree angle allows for even firing from the pistons without the use of a split-journal crankshaft, thus improving engine efficiency as well as lowering overall weight. Dry sump lubrication prevents engine oil starvation through high speed corners and lowers the engine's center of mass. Air is fed directly from beneath the hood through a visible slit passing into a dual stage variable intake manifold and then into ten individual throttle bodies before finally exiting from a dual stage titanium muffler.


Lexus LFA engine bay
The LFA's engineers selected a V10 engine over an equivalent displacement V8 engine for its higher revs, and over a V12 for its lower reciprocating mass, allowing for more rapid engine response. Lexus claims their engine can rev from idle to its redline in 0.6 seconds and an analog tachometer needle could not accurately track the LFA's changes in engine speeds. This necessitated the use of a digital tachometer which can instantly display engine speed.The engine reportedly weighs less than the manufacturer's own 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 engine. Engineers attempted to make the engine sound like that of a Formula One car with high revs, while at the same time maintaining reliability and vibration control. Along with other manufacturers such as Ferrari, Toyota had produced their own F1 engines and chassis designs. The exhaust note has been described by Toyota engineers as the "roar of an angel", and a US television spot later used the engine sound to shatter a champagne glass via resonance frequency.

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The powerplant gives the LFA a power-to-weight ratio of 5.9 lb/hp and enables it to reach a top speed of around 202 mph (325 km/h). Like the IS F Yamaha co-developed the engine cylinder heads. The engine exceeds Euro V emissions. The engine is installed with a front mid-engine placement. According to Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi a front engine layout was selected instead of a mid engine layout as it is inherently more forgiving dynamically, affording less experienced drivers a wider safety net.

acura tsx

The Acura TSX is an entry-level luxury car manufactured by Acura. Introduced in April 2003, it was sold only in the United States and Canada, but from the 2009 model year on it will also be available in Mexico. It is sold in North America under the Acura luxury marque, where it filled the gap as Acura's 4-door, entry-level sedan when the Integra sedan was discontinued in 2001 (1996 in Canada since the EL was the Integra sedan's replacement there). The TSX would also eventually replace the Acura RSX in the US (which in turn succeeded the Acura Integra coupe). As of 2008, the TSX is the smallest vehicle in the Acura model line, other than the Civic-based CSX (and the preceding 1.6/1.7EL) sold only in Canada. All TSXs are built in Sayama, Saitama, Japan.
The TSX is badge engineered from the CL-series Accord (also known as the European Accord or JDM Accord) sold in Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The TSX initially had a restyled interior and different suspension tuning than the European Accord when it was introduced; however since 2008 the interior is now standardized for all three markets. In Australia & New Zealand, the CL-series is sold as the Accord Euro in the smaller mid-size bracket, where the American-market Accord is sold in the large car category. In North America, the TSX is sold alongside the mid-size luxury Acura TL, which is based on the American-market Accord.

Engine

The new TSX uses a base engine similar to that of the 2008 TSX. The engine is a 2.4-litre in-line 4 cylinder engine reaching 201 hp (150 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) torque. While the rated power of the new TSX engine is 4 hp (3.0 kW) lower than that of the 2008 model, Acura says the new engine distributes power across a much wider rpm range, which along with the increased torque, provides an increased feeling of power for the driver. The transmission choices remain 5-speed automatic and 6-speed manual, though the automatic version now comes with steering-wheel paddle shifters for optional manual shifting.
The TSX was slated to receive a high performance 2.2-litre i-DTEC clean turbodiesel engine in the 2010 model year; however, it was later announced that Honda had abandoned its plans to bring diesel engines to the U.S. and Japan in favor of hybrid gasoline-electric powertrains. Instead, a 280 hp 3.5-litre V6 will be available in the 2010 Acura TSX. The TSX V6 will only be available with the 5-speed automatic transmission.
The Acura TSX has a narrow price elasticity, as the base model 4-cylinder TSX is considered a good deal for a luxury car, however higher trims (particularly the V6 powered models) are considered too expensive as they compete directly with sport luxury cars such as the Audi A4 and Infiniti G

chevrolet cruze

Taking design cues from the company's latest Malibu, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze ($TBA) is the auto maker's latest attempt to reinvent its small car. The car, which will debut in Europe before making its way to the states, will feature one of three powerplants ranging from a 112-hp 1.6L four cylinder to a 150-hp turbodiesel, paired to either a five speed manual of a six-speed automatic. GM claims the car's interior will feature "grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels" to make it more like a Civic or Jetta and less like, well, a Chevy — which is good news if you ask us. While it'll be built in Ohio, the Cruze will first go on sale in Europe next March, followed by North America and other areas thereafter.

Apparently hoping to duplicate Ford’s success in the compact car market, Chevrolet has revealed their own craptacular version of the Ford Fiesta global-design frame: the new Chevrolet Cruze. Slated to replace the Chevrolet Cobalt in the U.S. in 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze will make its official debut on the road in March of 2009 when it’s released in the European market. The 2010 European Cruze will be offered with 3 different engines, either a 112-hp 1.L, 140-hp 1.8L, or a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. When it hits the United Sates in 2010 as a 2011 model, the Cruze will most likely feature similar specifications.

According to Chevrolet, the Cruze compact car is based on the Delta 2 platform and will serve as the flagship model for Chevrolet’s “Global Compact Vehicle” Architecture. Using the “Global Delta” platform, Chevrolet plans to eventually release 15 cars worldwide, a marketing plan that very closely resembles Ford’s “Global Ford” program.