GM issues service bulletins for 2010 Chevy Camaro

by John Neff

Owners of the 2010 Chevy Camaro may want to swing by their local dealer between stop light drags. General Motors has issued a service bulletin for its reborn pony cars that affects three issues that may become problems for some owners. The first issue involves reprogramming the HVAC module, which will reportedly prevent HVAC evaporator freeze-up after long highway drives. The second issue involves tightening the nuts that affix the rear spoiler to the trunk lid, but only applies to vehicles with VIN numbers A9126194 or lower. The third and final issue involves inspecting the engine harness of all V8-equipped models to ensure that the heater hose clamps aren't touching the harness bracket.

It should be noted that this is not a recall, just a service bulletin and Camaro owners are encouraged to have these items addressed the next time they visit a dealer for service.

2009 Sport Car Renault Megane Trophy

The 2009 Megane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of kit after the completion of its development programme which will enable existing cars to be upgraded.
The 2009 Renault Megane Trophy is based on the new Megane Coupe which is powered by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s mid-rear 3.5-liter V6 24V engine that produces 360 hp.
The front and rear light units and windscreen are from the Megane Coupe road car while flowing lines of the bodywork was designed from digital simulation technology to improve the aerodynamic.
The Renault Megane Trophy features front splitter which channel air flow to the extractors and rear diffuser and wing that generated downforce. Downforce has improved by 20 % with the refinements to the set-up and drag was reduced by 15 % , which together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car’s aerodynamic performance over the previous generation vehicle.

Apart from that, the Megane Trophy also features butterfly doors reminiscent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing. The V6 3.5 24V engine is mated to a semi-automatic gearbox with the same mechanical features as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
The power of the standard 330 hp engine was boosted to 360 hp with the help from the new inlet manifold. Rebuild is still at every 5,500 km for the car’s reliability. According to Renault, with the new aerodynamic gains, the extra power from the engine will enable the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy to lap in similar times to those of a Porsche GT3.

2009 Sport Car Audi R8 GT3

Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16” within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

Sport Car Ferrari F430

Ferrari F430 is a sports car manufactured by Ferrari. The F430's brakes were collaboratively designed with Brembo. The F430 features E-Diff, a computer-controlled limited slip differential which enables to vary torque distribution based on inputs such as steering angle and lateral acceleration.

2009 Sport Car Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. donated a police version of the company’s newest super sports car to Prefect Antonio Manganelli, the head of the Italian State Police with a private ceremony was held at the Viminale Palace.
The new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, which replaces the previous Lamborghini Gallardo Police Car in use by the Italian police force since 2004 has a 560 horsepower engine that can reach speeds of up to 203 mph. The car will begin service with the Lazio Highway Police Department in order to continue accident and crime prevention to sustain security on the Italian roads.
Its predecessor is proof of Lamborghini’s outstanding product quality. Since 2004, Rome’s police force has had the first-generation Lamborghini Gallardo in regular police service. The sports car has clocked nearly 87,000 miles of patrol duty on the motorways of central and southern Italy, as well as on emergency medical transport detail.

555 Subaru

555

Solberg Mills Subaru,acrylic on canvas 30x40"!

post nr 555

what else but a Subaru in those famous 555 colors...

SSC Ultimate Aero - Most Costly Cars - Latest Luxury Cars

SSC Ultimate Aero - Most Costly Cars - Latest Luxury Cars

SSC Ultimate Aero

Price: $740,000, plus $31,200 for the carbon ceramic brakes

Horsepower: 1,287 bhp

0-60 mph: 2.7 seconds

Engine: Twin-turbocharged SSC billet aluminum block V8

Top Speed: 270 mph

The Aero owns the title of Guinness-certified world's fastest production car, which it set in 2007. The Guinness record is for 256.15 mph, held by the 2008 Ultimate Aero.

After increasing power in the engine and adding carbon fiber louvers to brace the side intakes, SSC says the 2009 Ultimate Aero will be able to hit 270 miles per hour. Only 50 models will be made from 2007 to 2010.

Leblanc Mirabeau - Most Expensive Cars - Latest Luxury Cars

Leblanc Mirabeau - Most Expensive Cars - Latest Luxury Cars

Leblanc Mirabeau Cars

Price: $861,798 (including $76,000 semi-automatic shifting option)

Engine: 4.7-liter V8 Supercharged

Horsepower: 700

Top Speed: 230 mph

The layout uses carbon fiber monocoques for ultra-high rigidity and security. Other parts of the chassis are made with titanium or magnesium.

Some would argue that the fact that this Swiss stunner is street-legal makes the price tag worth it--most cars of its caliber are ready only for the racetrack. But be prepared for a sparse interior

Pagani Zonda F Coupe - Most Expensive Cars - Luxury Cars

Pagani Zonda F Coupe - Most Expensive Cars - Luxury Cars

Pagani Zonda F Coupe

Price: $1,375,980

Horsepower: 602

0-100 km/h: 3.6 seconds

Top Speed: 345 km/h

Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 mechanical 6-speed with twin plate clutch

When the car debuted, Horacio Pagani dedicated it to Juan Manuel Fangio, a record-setting Formula One driver known as "El Maestro."

It has Bosch ABS/traction control, a central carbon fiber safety cell with steel and carbon fiber roll bar; and a front- and rear-impact energy-absorbing structure made from carbon fiber.

Maybach Landaulet - Expensive Cars - Latest Car

Maybach Landaulet - Expensive Cars - Latest Car

Maybach Landaulet

Price: $1,380,000

Horsepower: 604

0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds

Top Speed: 155 mph

Engine: V12 biturbo gasoline engine with 5-speed automatic transmission

The roof can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur's compartment remains completely enclosed. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds.

Each armchair is encased in white leather. Partition screen with clear glass and curtains, reclining rear seats with leg and footrests, and a Dunhill umbrella are included.

Pagani Zonda F Roadster - Costly Car - Latest Luxury Car

Pagani Zonda F Roadster - Costly Car - Latest Luxury Car

Pagani Zonda F Roadster

Price: $1,448,000

Horsepower: 602

0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

Top Speed: 214 mph

Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 mechanical 6-speed with twin plate clutch

About Pagani Zonda F Roadster top model and a tribute to five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

It's made largely of carbon fiber and titanium. Production of the Roadster F is limited to 25 units.

World Most Expensive Cars - Lamborghini Reventon - Luxury Cars

World Most Expensive Cars - Lamborghini Reventon - Luxury Cars

Lamborghini Reventon

Price: $1,454,400

Horsepower: 650

0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds

Top Speed: 211 mph

Engine: 6.5-liter aluminum V12, 6-speed mechanical gearbox

The Reventon was inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet and named after one of history's most famous fighting bulls.

The entire body, excluding the roof and steel external door panels, is encased with carbon fiber. Introduced with the 2007 model year, just 20 of them will be made.

Pagani Zonda Cinque Coupe 2009 - Most Expensive Cars - Price of Cars

Pagani Zonda Cinque Coupe 2009 - Most Expensive Cars - Price of Cars

Pagani Zonda Cinque Coupe 2009

The Cinque borrows traits from the upcoming Zonda R track-day supercar, but with an upholstered interior and no roll cage.

It's likely to be the final Zonda variant before the model's replacement in a few years. There were only five of these sold for the 2009 model year; the car is currently sold out.

Price: $1,738,080

Horsepower: 678

0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds

Top Speed: 217

Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 engine

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - Luxury Car - Most Expensive Cars

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - Luxury Car - Most Expensive Cars

Bugatti Veyron 16.4

The Veyron has three diving modes that allow it conserve power, even at the highest speeds.

It needs only 270-280 horsepower to maintain speeds of 250 km/h, Like the Grand Sport, the Veyron's ceramic brakes slow it down faster than it can accelerate: it takes only 2.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h but it takes 2.3 seconds to come to a standstill from 100 km/h.

The car is made of titanium, carbon, magnesium and aluminum--the lightest metals available, and some of the most expensive.

Price: $1,738,080

Horsepower: 1,001

0-100 km/h: 2.5 seconds

Top Speed: 400 km per hour

Engine: 16-cylinder four-wheel drive

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster - World's Most Expensive Car

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster - World's Most Expensive Car

Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

There will be only five of these sold. The roof can be stored in the front trunk.

Different drive modes of the sequential robotic gearbox and an adjustable suspension will make the car fun either on the road or on the racetrack.

Price: $1,882,920

Horsepower: 678

0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds

Top Speed: 355 mph

Engine: Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 engine

Koenigsegg CCXR - Price - Rates Speed - Most Expensive Cars

Koenigsegg CCXR - Price - Rates Speed - Most Expensive Cars

About Koenigsegg CCXR

Detachable storable hardtop with glass roof, rear wing, carbon ceramic brakes, hydraulic lifting system, navigation system, rear-view camera, DVD, CD, iPod, satellite radio, climate control, tire-monitoring system, leather carpets, roof stowage bag, car cover comes standard.

Buyers can request custom leather interior and color options. You'll need the right connections to get one of these last March, production plans were cut from six cars to four.

Price: $2,173,950

Horsepower: 1,018 bhp

0-100 km/h: 2.9 seconds

Top Speed: 250 mph

Engine: 4.7 liter aluminum V8

Most Expensive Cars - Cheap New Cars - Costly Cars

Most Expensive Cars - Cheap New Cars - Costly Cars

Here is the list of the most expensive cars this year, we reviewed price lists from all the ultra-luxe automakers who might have produced a contender this year for the top spot.

Bentley,
Bugatti,
Ferrari,
Koenigsegg,
Lamborghini,
Leblanc,
Maserati,
Maybach,
Mercedes-Benz,
Pagani,
Porsche,
Rolls-Royce,
Saleen,
Spyker

2010 Nissan Altima leaked online, internet almost fails to notice

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

The image you see above is the updated 2010 Nissan Altima. No, really... it may look eerily similar to the mid-size sedan currently on dealer lots across the country wearing window stickers that say 2009, but the 2010 model is in fact slightly restyled.

Especially noticeable is the reworked front fascia, which now features a slightly more prominent upper grille and a lower intake that's molded in body color plastic instead of black. Flanking that lower opening are new foglights that sit inside boomerang-shaped recesses. We can't make out much of the car's hind quarters, but it seems the tail lamps have grown a in size.

The story of how this image was leaked is also at least mildly interesting. As we reported earlier today, all Altimas and Maximas from the 2009 and 2010 model years were recalled due to faulty upper front strut insulators, despite the fact that a total of zero 2010 Altimas have so far been sold. Automotive News used the image above of the 2010 Altima for its story, but nearly everyone – save the eagle-eyed chaps at Motor Trend

554

acrylic on paper 7x10" sold

Sir Stirling Moss is 80!
happy birthday
and have fun at Goodwood.
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Monza GP 09

553
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acrylic on paper 8x12"

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brilliant Brawn Boys got it in the bag,

it's between Button and Barichello now...

Isn't Monza amazing?

it makes me paint just that bit faster...

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ciao flabbio

Yes, we made fun of the GT3 RS's pink lips when we saw the PR shots. But in person the Guards Red accents look, well, Guards Red. However, even in the

by Jeremy Korzeniewski

According to a report from earth2tech.com, Ray Lane, an investor with Kleiner Perkins, has let slip news that Fisker is developing a new plug-in hybrid automobile to slot below its planned Karma sedan with a base price of just $39,000. No indication is made whether that price would be before or after the $7,500 federal tax rebate it would likely qualify for.

Kleiner Perkins is one of the major investors in Fisker Automotive, so there's reason to believe Lane has knowledge of the inner workings at the young automaker. Earlier, company CEO Henrik Fisker said that the automaker was looking to the Department of Energy for a loan of an undetermined amount in order to build a lower-cost plug-in automobile.

We haven't recieved word that Fisker's DOE loan was approved, so we're not really sure where the funds to develop the new machine will come from. In any case, the Fisker Karma isn't slated to go on sale until late 2010, so the lower-cost PHEV very likely has quite a ways to go before it hits the pavement to do battle with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Thanks for the tip, Jon!

Salut Gilles

552

acrylic on paper 8x12" sold

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Gilles Villeneuve,Ferrari 312t4.Monza 1979

Concept Car :Chevy Volt 2010

Genius in theory. In reality? We might know by 2010.

For decades, American automakers, Washington politicos, oil companies and consumers alike have been caught up in the lure of cheap gasoline. It’s led to fuel inefficient vehicles, lax legislation, and even more lax energy innovation. But in the end, the root of all these behaviors comes back to the American consumer. The American consumer has always wanted and purchased gasoline-powered products, so that’s what the market delivers. But like repeatedly putting one’s hand on a burning stove, at what point do American consumers conclude the financial pain at the pump has gotten too great? And when do their automobile choices start changing the behavior of automakers, politicians and oil companies? The Hybrid craze is the first step in this new direction. Although Hybrids get a lot of well-deserved grief from some industry experts, there is one undeniable merit to them - Hybrid popularity is producing more alternatively-powered choices for American consumers.

full story

Concept Car : Honda Fuzo

The 2068 Fuzo concept comes from designer John Mahieddine, and is intended to be a sci-fi VTOL flying car. As it takes to the air, the wheels on the car retract, and the four turbines move into action, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 400 mph. The three-seat concept is kept lightweight by the use of materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar and carbon nanotubes.

The controls are joystick based, the left allows the car to spin on its axis, while the right handles tilt and direction. There are two foot pedals to control power and brakes. The car can be fully controlled by a fly-by-wire system using GPS; safety will mainly be handled by parachutes and airbags.

Concept Car : Alfa Romeo Spix

What you're looking at could be the 2056 Alfa Brera with the optional hover package. Called the Alfa Romeo Spix flying concept car, it was designed by a 2-D/3-D artist from Belgium (we think) who posted pics of his creation along with an absolutely stunning video on CGfolks.com. Can you believe he does this for fun? (Actually, it appears he's begun a small design firm, but we can't confirm that due to the language barrier.) Known as Creatix on the CGFolks forum, the artist explains his attempt to fuse an impression of power and robustness in a design that reflects what Alfa Romeos might look like in 50 years.

via Born Rich

Concept Car : Peugeot Three Wheeled Hybrid

Ecofriend has an interesting post about the three-wheeled vehicle above that is called a Peugeot plus. Econfriend says the car runs on an electric motor and aims to have almost no carbon footprint.

it's a hybrid, between a scooter and a car. This combination allows using a smaller electric engine, saving energy. This saving generates less pollution and a major autonomy of the batteries. Besides the small size gives more agility into the traffic and makes easier to find parking.

Concept Car : Chevy Orlando 2010

This is the 2010 Chevy Orlando which is a prototype vehicle that will be displayed at the Paris Motor Show next week. Gizmodo says that blue lights give the Orlando a Tron-like feel.
It's pretty similar to the 2010 Chevy Cruze, but as you can see, it's got some pretty dramatic blue lighting on its exterior. I'm not quite sure if its completely ridiculous or totally awesome; it probably falls somewhere between the two. I mean, Tron lights are awesome, but Tron lights on a glorified minivan?

The blue lights are cool but are they real or is it just a trick of the lighting. There are many more pics here on Jalopnik.

Concept Car : BMW Snug

The concept vehicle by Hungarian designer David Raffai is called the BMW Sngu. Dvice says Raffai considers the vehicle a "social space with wheels." The concept car would have changeable side graphics and use green technologies including hydrogen fuel cells. The vehicle has a unique seating arrangement in the back, which is meant to allow more room and comfort for passengers.

Concept Car : Pontiac G8 ST 2010

When General Motors announced that some models were going to be postponed, I thought for sure the niche market G8 ST would be on the short list. It’s just such an oddball vehicle in the grand scheme of things, cool, but not a mainstream model like the Chevy Cruze that was pushed back a year due to cost cutting restraints. Fortunately for car-based pickup truck fans, or utes as they’re known in Australia where GM’s Holden division makes a version of this very truck, it’s on schedule for a 2010 model year launch later in 2009.

“There are no efforts to delay the truck,” commented Pontiac spokesman Jim Hopson to PickupTrucks.com. “Construction is scheduled to start in July 2009, and the first G8 STs are expected to go on sale here in the fall of 2009.”

The point of its origins is the main reason why it’s not being held back. After all, Holden has done all the ground work for a vehicle that will sell in massive quantities, so why not revise it and rebrand it for the North American market? A sort of reborn El Camino, of sorts.

El Camino in mind, GM had a little marketing fun coming up with the new pickup’s name, creating some buzz about the product in the process. It only took 18,000 submissions, with most playing the “Tame the Name” game wanting the new sport truck to be dubbed El Camino, despite it being a Pontiac rather than a Chevy, and the winning submission was… ST. Yes, that’s the same name GM used when introducing the truck at the New York International Auto Show last March, and to be fair, it was popular among nominators too.

Full Story

Concept Car : New Eco Volkswagen 2010

Long six years have passed since the moment we were able to enjoy the first pictures of highly-awaited VW ‘one liter’ concept car. This car was predicted to go into production in 2012. But, everything turned to be better than manufacturers expected and we would see the car in 2010.



The concept was said to use JUST 0.83 liters per 100km, and it weights just 300kg. The final version will be a bit heavier due to additional safety components. Most likely the car will have a two cylinder turbo-diesel engine.



Love the style of this super hot vehicle and its aircraft-style canopy door, BTW, there will be two people in this car and the passenger will sit right behind the driver. Unfortunately, we still don’t know the price.

Concept Car : Tesla Model S

Tesla has unveiled the Tesla Model S - as the company says the "world's first mass-produced, highway-capable EV". The Tesla Model S sedan has a range of 300 miles, a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The company say the electric Tesla Model S can be re-charged from any 120V, 240V or 480V outlet, a full re-charge taking 45 minutes from the 480V outlet.

The powertrain of the Tesla Model S is mounted under the floor which offers extra luggage space under the hood. The storage space offers the possibility to carry a 50-inch television, a mountain bike and a surfboard simultaneously. The company offers a range of batteries for the Tesla Model S, with an autonomy of 160, 230 or 300 miles per charge.

Full Story

Monza 82

551

acrylic on paper 8x12" sold

a beautiful spring day in Italy 1982
two Lancia LC1's are leading the bunch at the start
and life is bellissimo!

this painting is available as a print

just contact rijbema@hotmail.com for details

Dirty Stratos

550

acrylic on paper 10x14"

even dirty,it's beautiful

Lancia Stratos

Gunnar Nilsson

549

acrylic on paper 7x10"

...this had to be painted...Belgium 1977

and Gunnar Nilsson,JPS Lotus 78,

wins his first and only Grand Prix at Zolder,

about the only positive thing to have ever come from this gloomy place...

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Porsche to offer proper paddle shifters on all models?

by Sam Abuelsamid

The new Porsche 911 Turbo is packed with sports car goodness, primarily with the inclusion of a new steering wheel with proper paddles for tapping your way through the gearbox. The replacement of the silly up-down switches on the spokes will be an option on the Turbo and it seems like the wiring from the wheel to the column is the same regardless of which style you choose.

That means the new wheel can plug into the connection on any new Porsche steering column including the 911, Boxster or Cayman. So if you aren't content with Porsche's admonishment that the two-switch setup is technically superior, you will soon have another way to pay an absurd premium for an option on your Porsche.

GP SPA Francorchamps 09

548

acrylic on paper 7x10"sold

in the end

it was Forza Ferrari

instead of Force India...

Kimi was mega fast again#

with a little help from his kers

can't wait for Monza!

Force India - Fisichella

547

acrylic on paper 10x7"

Fantastico!

Forza India

pole and second place for

Fisichella and Force India in Spa

where did that come from!?

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