T-98 Kombat

Having blogged about many performance cars which are beautiful, costly and fast, i have decided to blog on something else for a change. And this time round, it'll be on the topic of safety and off-road.

I have always wanted to be in a safe car. Who doesn't? But some cars, are taken to the extreme. There are many safety tests a car has to go through, for example, having a head on collision into an object, being side swiped by a large trunk, being struck by lightning, going up a 33.3% slope hill which is very steep and even wind tests to ensure that nothing breaks and flies off during a journey.

However, the T-98 takes it to a whole new level. Not only is it a 4 wheel drive off road car, it is also an armoured car. Mainly used to protect VIPs, celebrities, etc.

Although this car is an off-roader, and is rather fast for such a heavy car at almost 5 tonnes, it's interior is not compromised. It has electrical outputs and large comfortable seats. It even contains a satellite navigation which not really many cars have at the moment. The more extreme feature would be that it even includes a flat-screen television which can play DVD and also as a climate control interior containing leather seats and polished wood.

Despite having all these luxurious functions which sports cars such as the Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini would seldom or never have, it has an incredible safety feature. Not the normal kind where cars are rammed into walls, but instead, this car is being tested by firing rounds of ammunition at its windows and doors.

Its price however, isn't that cheap. It starts at around US$138,000 and rises as the features you request for. For example, at US$138,000, it is bullet proof against a 357 magnum, and at $168,000, it is bullet proof against a 7.62mm Kalashnikov.

At the moment, i have never seen this car anywhere is Singapore, neither do i think anyone owns it. Even if someone does own it, i doubt it will be allowed on the roads of Singapore. Having such a car in Singapore would also unnecessary. But still, its is such a cool car. I wouldn't mind having one. It would definitely come in handy in times of emergency and it would make me feel so safe to be in one of these... ...though no one is allowed to even own a gun in Singapore. Therefore, maybe having such a car in areas such as America or Russia would be more sensible, therefore, it is usually being sold in those areas. In Singapore, if you still want to have a bullet proof car, maybe a more sensible choice would be a Mercedes custom made car. The ride would definitely be better and it wouldn't catch so much attention.

The 2012 new Ferrari 458 spider unveiled

New technical solutions adopted for the chassis guarantee identical levels of structural rigidity with the roof up or down. The result is a car that is truly exciting to drive, blending extreme performance with the responsiveness that has always characterised Ferrari’s open-top berlinettas. Entirely in aluminium, the hard-top solution adopted for the 458 Spider offers a number of advantages over the traditional folding soft-top, including a reduction of 25 kg in weight and a deployment time of just 14 seconds. Fully integrated into the styling of the car, the hard-top was engineered to fit neatly ahead of the engine bay without compromising aerodynamics or the performance of the car. The small space needed to house the roof enables the designers to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the seats.

The new 2012 Ferrari 458 Spider, the world’s first mid-rear engined berlinetta, equipped with a retractable hard top has debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new 458 Spider joins the 458 Italia, widening the range of Ferrari’s mid-rear engined V8s and offering the same uncompromising technological solutions, handling and performance in a refined open-top configuration. It is equipped with a Ferrari patented, fully retractable hard top, a world first for a sports car with this lay-out. The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated, direct-injection 4.5 litre V8 which was nominated as the 2011 International Engine of the Year for its engineering excellence in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement. The power is transferred to the road by Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission through the sophisticated E-Diff, itself integrated with the F1-Trac traction control and high-performance ABS for maximum handling dynamics.
Certain of the car’s features, such as its accelerator pedal mapping and the damping of the multilink suspension, have been calibrated to guarantee maximum sportiness and absolute driving pleasure with the top down, in line with Maranello’s exclusive spider tradition. Even the engine soundtrack has been honed to ensure that the car’s occupants are completely captivated by the drop-top driving experience.
The rear of the car is characterised by innovative forms with the buttresses designed to optimise the flow of air to the engine intakes and the clutch and gearbox oil radiators.
For maximum comfort whilst driving top down the 458 Spider features a generouslysized adjustable electric wind stop. The design was perfected to slow and diffuse the air in the cockpit, enabling normal conversation to be held even at speeds over 200 km/h.
We give you glimpse of the technical specifications of the Ferrari 458 Spider for your reference.
Dimensions
Length 4527 mm (178.2 in.) Width 1937 mm (76.3 in.) Height 1211 mm (47.7 in.) Wheelbase 2650 mm (104.3 in.) Dry weight 1430 kg (3153 lbs)* Weight/power ratio 2.51 kg/CV (7.42 lbs/kW) Weight distribution fr/r 42%/58%
Engine
Type 90° V8 Displacement 4499 cc (274.5 cu in.) Maximum power 570 CV (425 kW)** @ 9000 rpm Maximum torque 540 Nm (398 lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm Specific power output 127 CV/l Compression ratio 12.5:1
Tyres
Front 235/35 ZR20 8.5” Rear 295/35 ZR20 10.5”
Performance
Maximum speed 320 km/h (198 mph) 0-100 km/h <3.4 s Fuel consumption + emissions Fuel consumption*** 11.8 l/100 km Emissions*** 275 g CO2/km
Gearbox
Dual-clutch, 7-speed F1
Electronics
E-Diff3, F1-Trac, high-performance ABS
* With forged wheels and Racing seats ** Including 5 CV of ram effect *** Combined cycle with HELE system (ECE+EUDC)

Striker for Kawasaki ZZR 1400

Premier Rio Launched

Premier Motors(the company that originally had a joint venture with Fiat) has now forayed again into the automobile segement with their latest launch the Rio. The Rio is India's first small SUV to be scaled at 3.9 m in length, 1.5m in width and 1.6m in height. This SUV is being tipped to be the SUV that India has been waiting for.

It sports a Peugeot TUD5 1.5 L diesel engine that generates 65bhp of power and 140Nm of torque. The Rio has 3 variants priced between Rs 5.25 lakhs to Rs 5.95 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Pune).

2011 Honda CB1000R Specifications

Look at the new CB1000R and you see a motorcycle with an enduring correctness of design. Credit its clean, essentials-only styling, a fuel-injected four-cylinder 998cc powerplant tuned for loads of right-now power, single-sided swingarm with single-shock rear suspension, plus a wealth of new features that give it its own unique identity. Whether you choose to call it a “naked bike,” or a Superbike in Clark Kent clothing, the 2011 CB1000R is the most modern iteration of a long line of much-respected high-performance unfaired four-cylinder bikes—the classic hot-rod Hondas.

2011 Honda CB1000R Specifications

Model:	CB1000R
Engine Type:	998cc liquid-cooled inline four-cylinder
Bore and Stroke:	75mm x 56.5mm
Compression ratio:	11.2:1
Valve Train:	DOHC; four valves per cylinder
Induction:	PGM-FI Fuel Injection with automaticenrichment circuit and 36mm throttle bodies
Ignition:	Computer-controlled digital transistorized with 3-D mapping
Transmission:	Close-ratio six-speed
Final Drive:	#530 O-ring chain
Suspension	Front: 43mm inverted HMAS cartridge fork with spring preload, rebound and compression damping adjustability; 4.3 inches travel Rear: Single gas-charged HMAS shock with spring preload and rebound damping adjustability; 5.0 inches travel
Brakes	Front: Dual radial-mounted four-piston calipers with 310mm discs Rear: Single 256mm disc
Tires	Front: 120/70ZR-17 radial Rear: 180/55ZR-17 radial
Wheelbase:	56.9 inches
Rake (Caster Angle):	25.0°
Trail:	99mm (3.9 inches)
Seat Height:	32.5 inches
Fuel Capacity:	4.5 gallons, including 1.0-gallon reserve
Color:	Pearl Black

2011 Honda CB1000R features

* The CB1000R powerplant features a sport/racing heritage in the form of a compact, lightweight and powerful 998cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected inline four-cylinder engine that has been specifically retuned for a street-savvy ride with impressive amounts of low-end and midrange power.
* The crankshaft, main shaft and countershaft are situated in a triangulated configuration, with the countershaft located below the main shaft, to dramatically shorten the overall engine dimensions from front to back.
* Racing-derived 16-valve cylinder head delivers outstanding flow for optimum combustion characteristics and power production.
* Aluminum composite cylinder sleeves are high-pressure formed from sintered aluminum powder impregnated with ceramic and graphite. The lightweight composite sleeves provide enhanced wear resistance and superior heat dissipation compared to conventional sleeves.
* Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) continuously monitors several variables to ensure the correct fuel mixture for the existing riding and atmospheric conditions, thereby delivering optimal performance and remarkably crisp throttle response over a wide range of operating conditions.
* Sophisticated Gravity Die-Cast technology creates a mono-backbone aluminum frame that is strong yet features thin-wall construction for light weight. This innovative technology forms the basis of a well-integrated chassis package that yields superb handling.
* Distinctively styled single-sided aluminum swingarm with single HMAS shock featuring spring preload and rebound-damping adjustability provides excellent rear suspension action along with a unique look.
* Up front, a fully adjustable 43mm inverted fork with radial-mount dual 310mm disc brakes sourced from the CBR1000RR offers leading-edge sport bike performance.
* Standard seating position delivers excellent rider comfort and tremendous versatility for long-distance travel and two-up riding.
* Short, compact and lightweight seat and tail cowl are both attractive and functional.
* Compact and stylish three-section LCD instrument panel features a multi-segment LCD tachometer.
* Distinctive triangular multi-reflector headlight, with unique LED position light.
* Distinctive cast aluminum wheels feature a swept four-spoke design.

2011 Honda CB1000R accessories

• Rear Cowl (Black),


• 3D Logo,


• Under Fender Cover,


• Chain Guide Bracket,


• Outdoor Cover

All-New 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Revealed Ahead of Frankfurt Show

The most powerful version of Mercedes-Benz's small hardtop roadster, the 2012 SLK 55 AMG, will receive its world premiere at this year's edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, but the first photos of the V8-powered model have already sprung up on the German car site Autobild.
Visually, the AMG treatment adds a new aero kit with bespoke parts up front and at the back along with a smoked out lights and larger set of light alloy wheels finished in black. Inside, you'll find a pair of sports seats and plenty of surfaces covered in stitched leather
And while this is the first time we get to see the new SLK 55 AMG in the flesh and without camouflage, Mercedes-Benz recently shared details on the roadster model's mechanical hardware.
Power for the roadster comes from a new naturally-aspirated AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 62 more horses and 30Nm more torque than the previous model's eight-cylinder unit, at 422-horses and 540Nm in European-spec, and 415-horses at 6,800 rpm and 398 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm in North American-flavor.
The aluminum V8 engine also features the AMG Cylinder Management system that can shut off four-cylinders from 800 to 3,600 rpm to improve fuel efficiency.
A 7-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission featuring three modes (sport, manual and efficiency) transfers power to the rear wheels.
According to the Mercedes, the new SLK 55 AMG completes the standard 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.6 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
The roadster returns a combined fuel consumption of 8.5 lt/100 km, which is 3.5lt or 30% less than that of the preceding model with the 360HP V8.

Toyota unveil EV racing prototype

Toyota has released new details about their attempt to set an electric vehicle speed record at the Nürburgring on August 29th.

Seen here for the first time, the unnamed racing prototype has a 41.5 kWh lithium-ceramic battery which powers two electric motors that produce 381 PS (280 kW / 375 hp) and 800 Nm (590 Nm) of torque. This setup will enable the 970 kg (2,138 lb) sports car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 260 km/h (162 mph).

If everything goes according to plan, Toyota will be beat the current EV record of 9 minutes and 1.338 seconds which was set by the Peugeot EX1 concept.