Chevrolet Corvette Z06 "Ron Fellows Edition": 6 units go for sale in the UK

    Out of 399 numbered units of which 33 where destined for Europe, the UK will get a… staggering number of 6 Corvette Z06 “Ron Fellows Edition”. The special edition Z06 which was uncovered at the Chicago Show pays tribute to the Canadian race-car driver, Ron Fellows. While retaining the stock 512Hp LS7 V8, the “Ron Fellows Edition” receives unique interior and exterior appointments like front fender graphics, double red body stripes, matching red seats, console, door trims and instrument panel etc. But while in the US you’d pay 77,500 USD (39.535 BP or 58.987 EUR) in the UK the price hikes up to a whopping 135.657 USD (69.185 BP or 101.487 EUR)!. -Click “Read More…” below for the more high-res images and the press release

    PRESS RELEASE: EXCLUSIVE ‘RON FELLOWS EDITION’ CORVETTE AVAILABLE IN UK

    Corvette racing legend Fellows is celebrated with a specially prepared limited edition Corvette Z06

    The Corvette Z06 ‘Ron Fellows edition’ has been introduced to mark the contribution of the Canadian racer to the success of the Corvette racing program and is available in strictly limited numbers in the UK. Just 399 are planned for production, with 33 destined for Europe. The highly exclusive model is distinguished with Ron Fellows’ autograph, the first signature to appear on a Corvette in the brand’s 54-year history, plus unique Arctic White paint accented with a racing-style fender stripe, a full-width racing-type rear spoiler and polished 10-spoke aluminium wheels. Just six of the Corvette Z06 ‘Ron Fellows edition’ will be available in the UK, priced at £69,185.

    The ‘Ron Fellows edition’ is based on the Corvette Z06, which boasts the LS7 V8 engine, generating 512 hp (377kW) at 6300 rpm, and is matched to a rear-mounted six-speed transaxle to provide optimum weight distribution. In first gear, the Z06 delivers a 0-62 mph performance of 3.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 199 mph.

    The exclusive edition is distinguished by unique interior and exterior appointments. The model is only available in Arctic White. The front fender graphics are reminiscent of the identifying detail of the Corvette GT1 race car, which feature double Monterey Red Metallic stripes with Machine Silver borders and Ron Fellows’ autograph in a contrasting Victory Red shade. In recognition of Fellows’ Canadian heritage, a red maple leaf logo motif is incorporated with the graphics. Other exterior cues include a unique windscreen header band.

    Special interior equipment includes red seats, console, door trims and instrument panel. The red leather armrest, featuring the Corvette crossed flags logo, is signed and numbered inside by hand. A final refinement is a carbon-fibre “tech” pattern interior trim plate.

    Fellows is regarded as a key component in the team’s 51 victories since its creation in 1999. He scored Corvette Racing’s first win in 2000 and went on to become a three-time American Le Mans Series GT1 champion, a 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner and an overall winner in the Rolex 24 at Daytona with Corvette Racing. In 2005 and 2006, his efforts supported team-mates Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta on their way to successive ALMS titles.

    “Ron Fellows is part of Corvette’s racing heritage and he has been instrumental in the remarkable success of the Corvette Racing team in the American Le Mans Series,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “The special signature-series Z06 model that bears his name will forever link him to one of the greatest eras in factory racing, which has produced six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers’ championships, and counting.”

    Technorati: Chevrolet+Corvette+Z06, Ron+Fellows, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007, images, pictures


    Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

2008 Volvo S40 & V50: Redesigned and equipped with a more powerful 2.5T

    Receiving its first update since its debut in 2003 (V50: 2004), Volvo’s revised compact-size model stands out thanks to the new set of bumpers, a redesigned grille and the slimmer tail-lights. While subtle, the changes manage to give the S40 /V50 a fresher exterior look. In the inside new design details include the revised instrument panel and air vents along with new trims and upgraded storage bins.

    Mechanic wise, the only differentiation is that the Ford Focus ST based 2.5-liter T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10Hp, rising output to 230 hp. Depending in which country you live the S40 / V50 will also be available with another six petrol engines (1.6 100 hp, 1.8 125 hp, 1.8F 125 hp (Flexifuel), 2.0 145 hp, 2.4 140 hp, 2.4i 170 hp) and three diesel motors (1.6D 109 hp, 2.0D 136 hp, D5 180 hp). Sales are expected to start in Europe and the US this summer.
    -Click “Read More…” below to see a high-res image gallery and the press release



    PRESS RELEASE - SCROLL DOWN FOR IMAGE GALLERY

    THE NEW VOLVO S40 AND V50 - MORE DYNAMIC LOOKS AND LIBERATED STORAGE SPACE

    • Increased differentiation between the S40 and V50
    • New S40 front with lower, broader stance
    • Sportier new grille creates a tougher V50 look
    • Slimmer tail lamps and new rear bumper
    • Larger and more practical storage space
    • New real wood inlay - Nordic Light Oak
    • Fresh new Spring Green upholstery

    A number of distinctive design cues take the new Volvo S40 a visual step closer to the new S-range look as first shown on the all-new Volvo S80. At the same time, the V50 approaches the new V-range and the all-new V70 without compromising on its original compact and sporty attributes.

    "When it comes to the exterior, we're aiming for increased differentiation between the two models. The interior refinements have focused on liberating smart storage space," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

    Starting with the new S40, the source of the inspiration can be seen clearly when the compact sedan is viewed from the front.

    The new colour-coordinated soft nose creates a broader, lower stance thanks to a new grille with a larger Volvo iron mark, new headlamps and a lower air intake that sweeps across the entire front unlike the current model's three-part design.

    "The new, lower and more horizontal appearance radiates smooth power. This impression is reinforced when the car is seen from the side. At the rear, it is the shape of the new tail lamps and the new bumper that further boost the dynamic appearance," says Steve Harper, who has been responsible for the design of the new Volvo S40 and V50.

    Sportier V50 grille

    The new black egg-crate grille with its larger Volvo iron mark emphasises a sporty language. The new headlamps and the three sculpted lower air intakes are other details that give the new colour-coordinated soft-nose V50 front an increased impression of solidity.

    "Here, we've created visual vertical elements in order to further emphasise the new grille," says Steve Harper.

    Slimmer tail lamps

    The lower part of the tail lamp panel on both the S40 and V50 is 30 millimetres higher than before and the lamps themselves have an entirely new graphic layout. The brake lights are now of LED type and the position marker lamps emphasise the car's shoulders.

    The new bumper features integrated reflectors in the lower corners and the lower, broader design language is supplemented with the more horizontal lines of the exhaust tailpipe.

    "The improved shape and position of the exhaust tailpipes is a good example of how a little extra visual touch can create a highly potent impression," says Steve Harper.

    Freeing up storage space

    When refining the interior, the design team transformed itself into something of a liberation movement for storage space.

    "The criticism of the current models' limited storage space served as high-octane fuel when the time came to sketch the new interior of the S40 and V50. We weren't entirely satisfied until we felt we had exploited every single available cubic centimetre in an efficient way," relates Steve Harper.

    The team concentrated its efforts on two areas: the door sides and the centre stack.

    The entire lower part of the front door inside panels was redesigned. The audio system loudspeakers were reshaped to free up space for a new, larger storage compartment with space for an A4 format book, an upright soft drinks can or a water bottle lying down.

    As an added bonus, space was also freed up for an extra Dynaudio loudspeaker (only for Premium Sound), which adds even more spice to the audio experience.

    Larger and more intelligent centre console

    The already iconic super-slim centre console is available in additional decor versions such as the Nordic Light Oak real wood inlay, and the theme now flows smoothly with similar elegant soft curvature surfaces all the way to the rear seat.

    The storage space between the seats has also been refined with the help of Scandinavian design tradition's most renowned hallmark - smart functionality.

    The handbrake has a more compact design, which in turn has freed space for more generous storage capacity.

    Sliding cover and flexible armrest

    The sliding cover over the larger storage compartments, in which there are also two holders that provide secure support for large and small cups, is complemented by an improved flexible armrest for the driver. This also has a built-in feature that the design team playfully call the "hamburger table".

    "We've even utilised the small spaces that are usually simply covered over when they're not housing controls for options or accessories. Now instead, the space has been converted into a handy compartment, for instance for a mobile phone. After all, the phone is not something we should be using while driving, anyway," explains Steve Harper, and adds:

    "And on the back of the console there is another little jewel: a flip-up holder for a 1.5-litre bottle within easy reach of passengers in the rear-seat."

    New upholstery and green highlight colour

    New design details in the instrument panel and air vents also contribute to the interior refinement in the new S40 and V50.

    The upholstery range has been expanded both at base level and for the more exclusive options, for instance with a new, finer grained leather. At base level there is a green ‘accent' colour fabric with the poetic name of Spring Green.

    "The green upholstery is entirely in line with the increasing demand for personalised choices by our customers. We started with blue and red upholstery in the new Volvo C30, and now we are introducing green in the new S40 and V50. I'm sure it's going to be very popular," says Steve Harper.

    THE NEW VOLVO S40 AND V50 - REFINED SPORTINESS AND INCREASED PREMIUM FEEL

    • Closer visual links with the larger Volvo models
    • Increasing numbers of younger buyers with high premium demands
    • Improved storage
    • Enhanced driving pleasure
    • New safety features
    • Audio system of world class
    • One-third of total sales volume

    When the current generation of the Volvo S40 and V50 were introduced in 2003, Volvo Cars had its sights firmly set on younger buyers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel.

    The new Volvo S40 and new Volvo V50 are making a joint entry onto the market with considerably refined design. A range of new features further sharpens their competitive edge in the hunt for discerning young car buyers.

    "When the cars were introduced almost four years ago, we emphasised that they gave buyers the properties of the larger Volvo models but in a more compact format. Now we're taking this approach one step further by increasing the ‘grown-up' quality perception even more. At the same time we are accentuating the differences between the two models. The new S40 moves closer to the Volvo S80 while the new V50 is more like the new Volvo V70," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

    Fresh figures from both the US and Europe show that the company's focus on younger target groups has made a significant contribution to sales.

    Buyers under 35 years up by more than 20 percent

    It's the figures for the USA that are most noteworthy:

    • The proportion of S40 buyers under 35 years of age has increased from 23 percent to 45 percent.
    • The proportion of singles has risen by 10 percent, from 30 to 40 percent.
    • The overall average age of S40 customers has dropped by ten years from 50 to 40.

    "What is more, the reasons for choosing the S40 are much more emotional than before. Today's buyers speak enthusiastically of its sporty design and driving pleasure. We're also increasingly winning the image and prestige match against our toughest competitors," reveals Fredrik Arp.

    In Europe, the proportion of V50 buyers whose main alternative was a premium car such as the large German makes is now touching 47 percent - compared with 24 percent for the previous Volvo V40.

    The proportion of customers younger than 44 years has risen by ten percent from 45 to 55 percent. And in Europe too, it is the more emotional reasons for purchase that are gaining ground among V50 buyers, more of whom are families with children than in the case of the S40.

    Improved storage

    Both design and technical refinements in the new Volvo S40 and V50 focused on improving the models' already highly appreciated characteristics and on tackling weaknesses identified by customers, for instance when it comes to interior storage space.

    "The design team exploited every available cubic centimetre in an intelligent way. The all-new design of the centre console and the door inside panels, for instance, has increased storage capacity and added even greater flexibility to the interior," explains Fredrik Arp.

    Sharper driveline range

    The driving characteristics are already among the most renowned strengths of the two models.

    One new feature is that the T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10 horsepower, giving an output of 230 hp. There are also five other petrol engine versions available, plus a bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant:

    • 1.6 100 hp
    • 1.8 125 hp
    • 1.8F 125 hp (Flexifuel)
    • 2.0 145 hp
    • 2.4 140 hp
    • 2.4i 170 hp

    Diesel engines, which account for 55 percent of S40 and V50 sales in Europe and 25 percent in total, are available in three versions:

    • 1.6D 109 hp
    • 2.0D 136 hp
    • D5 180 hp

    One change here is that during the second half of 2007 the D5 engine will also be available with a manual gearbox, offering the driver no less than 400 Nm of torque compared with the automatic transmission's 350 Nm. This engine is one of the first to meet the expected Euro 5 European exhaust emission levels.

    The E85-powered (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent petrol) Flexifuel variant producing 125 hp is becoming increasingly competitive. The Volvo S40 and V50 Flexifuel are sold in nine European countries and in 2007 account for 8 percent of these models' total sales.

    Now with active headlights

    When it comes to safety, the new S40 and V50 come with several new features:

    • Optional Active Bi-Xenon headlamps that swivel the light beam in the direction of the road when the driver turns the steering wheel.
    • The car's hazard warning flashers are automatically activated when the airbags are deployed, a feature that helps attract the attention of other motorists in the event of a single-vehicle accident in the dark, for instance.
    • The brake lights now have the EBL (Emergency Brake Lights) function, which causes them to flash rapidly when the driver stamps hard on the brake pedal, so as to effectively alert traffic behind the car.

    Audio system of world class

    The new Volvo S40 and V50 can be specified with an audio system of absolute world class.

    The most advanced of the three systems, Premium Sound, has a digital amplifier from Alpine, Dolby® Pro Logic II Surround and loudspeakers from Dynaudio of Denmark.

    In the High Performance and Premium Sound systems it is possible to play CD discs with music in MP3 or WMA format. This means that the CD changer can store several hundred music tracks and give the owner access to his or her own private home music library even while on the move.

    What is more, all the audio systems now come with an extra socket (AUX) for connection of other equipment such as a portable MP3 player. USB and iPod connectors are available as accessories.

    One-third of total Volvo Cars sales

    The sales target for the new Volvo S40 is 75,000 cars per year.

    The USA is the largest single market with one-third of total sales, while in 2007 China will advance to second place owing to local production of about 8,000 Volvo S40s. The United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and Sweden are the largest S40 markets in Europe.

    The target for the new Volvo V50 is 70,000 cars annually. Here 85 percent of sales are in Europe, with Germany, Sweden, Britain,Italy and the Netherlands being the largest individual markets.

    "The Volvo S40 and V50 not only account for one-third of our total sales volume in 2007; they also play a vital role in reinforcing the Volvo brand. The new models sharpen their competitiveness in every important area and I am convinced that together with the new C30, they will attract even more new and younger buyers," says Fredrik Arp.

    Descriptions and facts in this press material relate to Volvo Cars' international car range. Described features might be optional.Vehicle specifications may vary from one country to another and may be altered without prior notification.

    Technorati: Volvo+S40, Volvo+V50, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007, images, pictures









    Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Mercedes-Benz SLR Roadster Scooped

    Nearly a decade after Mercedes premiered the coupe & roadster Vision SLR Concepts which was followed by the production version of the SLR McLaren Coupe, the German company has finally decided to put the roadster into production. Mercedes has already confirmed that the SLR McLaren Roadster will be unveiled this summer with the first cars being delivered to their owners in early 2008 and these are the first production-ready pictures of the car, courtesy of Caranddriver.

    To keep the weight down Mercedes seems to have decided to fit its super-roadster with a soft-top but it’s still unclear whether it’ll get scissor-type doors. As for performance, although nothings sure yet, rumors have it that the Roadster will get the revised 5.4-liter supercharged V8 of the 722 Special Edition that delivers 650Hp (vs 626Hp of the stock version). Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Caranddriver


    Technorati: Mercedes-Benz+SLR+McLaren, Roadster, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007, images, pictures

    Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Mazda MX-5 / Miata: Mazdaspeed M’z Tune up for sale in Japan

    Like its predecessors, the third-generation Mazda MX-5 / Miata Roadster is offered in a wide variety of special versions. The latest one comes from Japan and it gets the special-treatment form Mazdaspeed. Based on the 170Hp 2.0-liter version, the M’z Tune features a subtle bodykit with front/rear end spoilers, sport bucket seats, revised suspension (includes height-adjustable Bilstein shocks and sport springs) and brake system. Moreover, Mazdaspeed engineers fiddled around with the 2.0-litre engine’s ECU management adding along the way a new sport exhaust system. The M’z Tune is offered in Japan exclusively in one colour, metallic silver and according to Mazda, prices start from 3.150.00 YEN (19 760 EUR – 26.500 USD). Via: Leblogauto , Source: Autoblog


    Technorati: Mazda+MX-5, Mazda+Miata, Mazdaspeed, M’z+Tune, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007

    Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Un cappuccino per favore: Super Sexy Lamborghini coffee maker

    For all you high test caffeine lovers out there Lamborghini offers us the Torino coffee machine. The hand built machine goes for about $1750 USD (1.350 EUR or 895 BP) and only about 1,000 are available. Moreover, as in all Lamborghini fashion, there is exquisite attention to detail with the iconic bull logo on the stainless steel front panel and a stick shift lever so you can muck around until the coffee’s ready.... Of course, no Lamborghini coffee machine would be complete without its own coffee beans and ceramic espresso cups which go for about 62 Euros for a set of four. If the Espada Espressos don’t wake you up in the morning, the reminder of what you paid for this legal addictive stimulant maker will! Via:WindingRoad , Source Lamborghini
    Posted by Dani


    Technorati: Lamborghini, Coffee, Gadgets, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007

    Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Hyundai readies aggressive TV Spots pitting against the likes of Lexus & BMW


    Get ready for a surprise towards the end of April cause Hyundai’s going to air a new set of TV ads comparing its cars against the likes of Lexus's and BMW's. According to Automotive News the idea behind the TV spots is to push the idea -in an amusing but deadly serious way, that a Hyundai offers the same or maybe more amenities than double-priced “rival” models.

    One of the candidate agencies for the job, Siltanen & Partners has already created a few spots and characteristically, in one of them the Sonata is put against the BMW 525i touting the advantages of Hyundai’s mid-sized sedan in power (235Hp vs 215Hp), interior space and pricing levels. The spot closes with the phrase “Sonata - Smart Move”.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below

    Likewise in another ad, the Azera is compared with the Lexus LS 460L concentrating on the fact that the Lexus has a self-parking system while the Korean top-range sedan doesn’t. Due to the price different though, the Azera owner can… afford to pay someone to park the car so the ad ends with the phrase –you guessed it, “ Azera – Smart Move”. You can imagine what’s going to happen next year when Hyundai launches the sub-30.000 USD V8 powered GenesisVia (sub. Req): Automotive News

    Technorati : Advertisement, Hyundai, +news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Red-dye nightmare spilled all-over highway

    Looks like someone had a huge mess to clean up earlier this week on interstate 495 in Massachusetts when a tractor trailer loaded with containers of red dye used to color bark mulch ruptured and spilled covering 1500 feet of roadway. Something like this, although hellish, would definitely make your morning commute interesting. That is, until you get to work and see that your car is covered in red mulch dye. The coloring adhered to bumpers, tires, fenders and doors. Needless to say, people were pissed but apparently the mulch dye company is offering a phone number for insurance claims. If you’re lucky, they’ll reimburse you for a lousy carwash. Via: Lowellsun
    Posted by Dani

    Technorati: Accidents, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, rezza foournito, blogs, 2007

    Source URL: http://sparesomeribs.blogspot.com/2007/04/
    Visit Spare Some Ribs for Daily Updated Hairstyles Collection

Video: Skilled powersliding with a Nissan Silvia

Believe it or not, someone walked away from this with minor abrasions!

Blog Archive

My Ping in TotalPing.com