Tuesday, November 30, 2010
CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT: Cinncinati Bengal's Star Dhani Jones Custom Car
With only 100 ever produced and a sticker price of right about $175,000 (not counting shipping from the UK)is pretty exclusive @ practice, but how does he fit in it?
You can droll over all the details and select your color of choice right here at http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/sales/aero8.html
Here is what he upgraded from....WOW!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Our Plans for Home Charging, Part III
Now that we've decided on our plan for installing a home charger for our new Nissan LEAF electric car, things are in motion to make the plan a reality. I've scheduled our electrician, Jason Wakefield, to upgrade our electrical panel from 100 Amps to a new 200 Amp panel next Tuesday, December 7. I've also ordered a TED 5003 energy monitor for my Christmas present. http://www.theenergydetective.com/ted-5003-c The TED 5003 will be installed in our new power panel and it will let me monitor our solar electrical production, our main household power usage and the power used to charge our new LEAF. It still remains to schedule Aerovironment, Nissan's partner to install their EVSE (home charging dock). I'm waiting for a few days to hear from Aerovironment on an updated quote.
The TED 5003 will not only monitor our power production and usage, but through a partnership with Google, the information will be sent to a web site that I'll always be able to view via the Internet. Here's a link to Google's PowerMeter home site: http://www.google.com/powermeter/about/
Southern California Edison's EV Charging Rate Plans
I was able to speak with analysts from SCE at the recent LA Auto Show about their EV charging rate plan, called TOU-D-TEV. This rate plan has two pricing tiers and three time-of-day periods, with the Super-Off-Peak time period priced lowest to encourage customers to charge their EVs after midnight, when electrical demand is lowest.
I learned a lot about how the rate plan works, but a big question remains. After much discussion on the My Nissan Leaf forum, I realized that in calculating our baseline allowance, our negative usage, that is the amount of power we send back to SCE's grid, is ADDED instead of being subtracted from the amount of power that we draw from the grid. That means that as we make more solar power, we are pushed into the higher pricing tier for EV charging! That should not happen. I'm in contact with an analyst at SCE who will help to resolve this confusing issue.
What's Happening in the LEAF World?
1. The first US LEAF delivery will apparently happen on December 11, when a Northern California man will receive his black LEAF, accompanied by lots of press coverage.
2. It is rumored that about 50 LEAFs will be delivered in five states in early December. The same rumor has it that another shipment will arrive in late December. Forum members on www.mynissanleaf.com who were able to order their LEAFs on August 31, the first day that orders were enabled, have been notified that their cars will be delivered in January.
3. As for us, our Nissan online "dashboard" still shows a delivery date of "Pending". I'm guessing that our car will be delivered in February or March. Since my BMW's lease is up on January 13, I may be without a car for a few weeks. I'll be talking with BMW dealers about my options. I'd love to rent a Mini for a few weeks.
More on our waiting game and the progress on our new power panel in my next blog post.
2011 Honda Fit EV Concept electric car
The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and utilizes the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.The high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds.
The Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph.
The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.
A special meter display advises the driver when to shut off air conditioning and other accessories to conserve battery power.
To help the driver deal with the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard connectivity system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone and personal computer, or the Honda-exclusive interactive remote, while away from the vehicle. The pocket-friendly, interactive remote provides connectivity to the vehicle without the need for an internet connection or mobile phone signal. Through the connectivity system, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, to reduce the drain on the battery at start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize utility rates, and provides 24-hour roadside assistance, along with a public charging station locator. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ that includes a public charging-station locator capability.
The Fit EV is designed to be easy and convenient to charge. Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.The Fit EV Concept displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and distinctive five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Fit EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.
Displayed alongside the Fit EV Concept at the show is a prototype Honda charging stand. To begin charging, the driver swipes a card in front of the screen and then connects the charger to the vehicle. The Honda charging stand provides a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.
Displayed alongside the Fit EV Concept at the show is a prototype Honda charging stand. To begin charging, the driver swipes a card in front of the screen and then connects the charger to the vehicle. The Honda charging stand provides a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.
2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
The history of the 612 Scaglietti started in 2004 when Ferrari chose it as a successor for the smaller 456 M. It was designed as a 4 seater gran tourer with adequate space in the rear seats for adults. But, if we’re going to be honest, the 612 Scaglietti features the most out-dated design in all of the current Ferrari line-up.Thankfully, Ferrariis coming to the rescue with a successor to the Scaglietti. This new model will be unveiled next March at the Geneva Motor Show with sales beginning in the summer of 2011. Prices are said to be in the 300,000 euro area.
Ferrari has already confirmed that the next 612 model will feature lots of modifications, including a gasoline-hybrid technology which is a system Ferrari developed from the KERS system it currently uses in Formula One race cars. This system was already previewed by the 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS concept unveiled earlier this year.
Exterior and Interior
While the prototypes caught testing all over the world looked almost identical to the current 612 Scaglietti, the next model will adopt a totally new look. It will combine design elements from both the 458 Italia and the Vettura Laboratorio HY-KERS. The sports car will get a strong front, curved hood, and wider wheelbase.
The Engine
The current 612 Scaglietti is powered by a 5,748 cc V12 engine that delivers 530 HP and 588 Nm of torque. But the next model will adopt a hybrid drive train that will combine a V12 front engine that delivers a total of 550 HP with a 100-HP electric motor at the rear. This new system will help improve fuel consumption by at least 35%.We expect to see the same dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission as in the Vettura Laboratorio HY-KERS concept.
The Competition
The next Ferrari 612 Scaglietti takes on models like the Aston Martin DBS, which is also about to enter its second generation. The new Bentley Continental GT will also have a few reasons to fear the 612.
When Can I Get One?
The new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti will make its world debut in March 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales will begin in the summer of 2011; expect a price of around 300,000 euro, or $410,00 at the current exchange rates.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
2012 SSC Ultimate Aero II
Exterior Design
The outcome is breathtaking, especially once you peel the body work away to reveal how technically challenging it was to overcome the dreaded forces of nature at 200+mph, whilst packaging the required mechanical components. It is the ultimate example of form meeting function, to create a harmonious whole. We like the black teardrop shaped canopy that sits on top of the white exterior, creating a stunning contrast of power and beauty. The shape is classic and pivotal, and has a very low drag co-efficient. The car features dihedral stabilizers or wings that have been borrowed from the realm of aviation. The term “flying buttress” might be construed as a being a bit naughty, but they are actually wings that help support the structure of the car. In this case, they are those bits on the side of the SSC Aero II, which channel air towards the engine intakes – a Castriota design signature.
The front looks intimidating and purposeful with its low slung nose and carbon fiber headlights. Looking closely, you’ll notice venting for the carbon brakes and a cohesive front splitter that generates enough downforce to keep the nose planted at speed. There is no hood or luggage space, or any kind of compromise with this car. The side profile is sleek and sexy – there are no door handles or side repeaters and the car barely stands over a meter tall. Massive lower recesses house air intakes in front of the rear wheel arches and feed the ravenous engine and cooling radiators with much-needed cold air, while doing its bit to balance the look. It checks all the hypercar boxes and then some. Elements of the first Aero are maintained, most notably the party piece doors and simple-spoked wheel design. The latter being the first ever one piece carbon fiber wheels ever fitted to a car. They are products of Australian company, Carbon Revolution, and the 19" fronts weigh just 5.8kg each.
The entire body and chassis, save for front and rear impact zones, are all made from carbon fiber - further emphasizing lightness as key. This is not necessarily for top speed, but more for everyday driving and handling. All mid-engined cars require apertures in the bodywork to help get rid of heat – they usually take the form of slats or louvers but since this car is anything but, it features circular cut outs in various diameters to expel heat and generate pub controversy. Moving to the other-worldly rear, dynamics take over, with aesthetics playing second fiddle. The entire under floor of the car is sealed leading up to the rear which functions as the mother of all diffusers, complete with F1-style exhaust. From this angle, it does bear slight resemblance to an R8 and by slight, we mean slight – the proportions and shapes are similar. Between the rear stabilizers is a hydraulically operated air brake – ala Bugatti Veyron and Merc SLR that comes into play at higher-than-allowed speeds. Dimension wise, the Aero II is slightly more narrow than before to comply with FIA GT regulations, should they decide to race it.
Interior
The interior remains a bit of a mystery – probably because it isn’t 100% finished yet - but we could have a guess as to what to expect. There will be room for two with all the necessary creature comforts like seatbelts and aircon. We wouldn’t bet on heated and electric massaging seats just yet. Judging from the old model, whose interior was pretty sloppy, the new car’s interior has to be better and get the basics right. We believe the design will be based around a large central LCD display and have better quality finishes – after all this car does cost a smidgen under $1 million.
Performance
Do you really have to ask? The numbers on paper are staggering enough – even before getting to actual performance times and stats. The proposed record breaker is powered by a quad-cam, twin-turbo V8 displacing 6.8 liters. The engine, like all the other mechanical parts, are all developed in-house by SSC themselves. The new powerplant shares a lot with the old 6.2 liter item – the block and its innards are the same design, so are the dimensions and location of its 10 radiators. Changes come in the form of a four-valves-per-cylinder overhead cam (OHC) setup as opposed to push rods and new SSC spec turbochargers. The new setup is good for a colossal 1350HP and will rev to 9000RPM! Zero to 62mph will arrive in around 2.8 seconds and SSC claims a top speed of, wait for it, 275mph! The in gear acceleration figures are not known as of yet, but you can be sure they will be absolutely mind blowing. Thank goodness the new car will feature traction control, ABS with servo assistance, and Brembo carbon ceramic stoppers. We can’t even begin to imagine letting that kind of power loose on public roads without fear of being apprehended by the long arm of the law while experiencing acceleration that will rip your face off. This thing should sound the way it goes – an all turbo whoosh and snarling, angry V8.
Because it’s RWD rather than 4WD like our friend the Veyron, it’s lighter...much lighter. The Aero II weighs 1200kgs, a full 638kgs lighter than the comparatively pudgy Bugatti – and it produces more power. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that the power to weight ratio is over 1000HP per tonne, putting it in the league of the Caparo T1. Where the Bugatti is luxurious, refined, and civilized to drive, the Aero II is raucous, unforgiving, and about as scary as a getting a shave from Edward Scissorhands.
Suspension remains as the same coilover setup and so does the triple plate carbon clutch. Whether it’s as good at going round corners as it is in a straight line still remains to be seen. One thing is for certain though, it will set your trousers on fire every time you use the pedal on the right.
Competition
In short, there is none other competition except for the Veyron SS and it costs $2.4 million, more than twice the price of the $970,000 Aero II. You could also buy a Koenigsegg Agera, but the price is unconfirmed and so is the top speed. The cars should be closely pegged, but we guess it depends on personal preference and if you’re into the whole “mine’s bigger than yours” thing. Let’s hope the Aero II will not squeak, rattle, or fall apart like so many other cars made by small firms in small numbers. The first cars will be delivered to their proud new owners around the last quarter of 2011.
Only time will tell whether SSC will bring the top speed crown back to the US.
Porsche 911
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR
Among the additions Vorsteiner installed on the 911’s exterior include a VRT front bumper cover with spoiler attachment carbon fiber, a VRT rear bumper with diffuser carbon fiber for the LED tail lights, a VRT intercooler shrouds carbon fiber, a VRT aero engine lid with wing blade carbon fiber, a VRT sport roof replacement carbon fiber, an upgraded Porsche LED taillights, carbon fiber side mirror housings, and a custom clear bra protection on a number of parts including the bumper, hood, fenders, door and mirrors.
In the interior, there’s plenty more Vorsteiner additions, including a thicker sport steering wheel with red deviated stitching, sport aluminum pedals with heel toe extensions, sport aluminum floor boards, carbon fiber on the center console, rear ash tray, and seat belt trim, and plenty of Alcantara to go around including in the set inserts, as well as embossed in the arm rest, chrono pod, and hand brake with red deviated stitching. Finally, there are also Volrsteiner-embroidered floor mats with red piping in the front and rear.
PERFORMANCE
The Vorsteiner VRT 911 Coupe is powered by a horizontally opposed 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 460 horsepower and 480 lb/ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual transmission with dual mass flywheel.
To further boost its performance, Vorsteiner also included a stainless steel exhaust system, performance intercoolers, a GIAC custom sport tuning programming & device switch unit,
and a KW hydraulic lift coilover system that raises the 911’s front end by one inch.
PRICING
The standard retail price for a newly outfitted 911 Turbo Coupe goes for $132,705, but seeing as this car already has some mileage to it – about 8,500 miles – the asking price has been dropped to $99,500. It might still be a high asking price for a slightly used Vorsteiner VRT 911 Turbo Coupe, although if you really think about it, all the modifications total to a price tag of $57,815.
2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Competition
2007 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe by Vorsteiner
The Porsche 911 is a favorite among auto tuners for a number of reasons. First, it’s fast. Second, it’s fast. And third, well, it’s fast. Apart from being fast, the 911 has and will always be Porsche’s signature sports car and fans of the brand always seem to have an insatiable appetite for the 911, especially when it’s been given an aftermarket treatment.
German firm, Vorsteiner, knows the Porsche and the 911 all too well, having done a number of aftermarket projects on the brand and the model in the past. This particular project is a 2007 model that is being sold with a pretty generous discount. We’re not going to reveal how much the price is until after the jump, but if you’re looking for a tuned-up Porsche done by an authority in aftermarket projects for the Stuttgart brand, you won’t find anybody else better than Vorsteiner.
German firm, Vorsteiner, knows the Porsche and the 911 all too well, having done a number of aftermarket projects on the brand and the model in the past. This particular project is a 2007 model that is being sold with a pretty generous discount. We’re not going to reveal how much the price is until after the jump, but if you’re looking for a tuned-up Porsche done by an authority in aftermarket projects for the Stuttgart brand, you won’t find anybody else better than Vorsteiner.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
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