Words: Devin Langston
Monday, December 5, 2011
Less is More
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The 3
Words: Charlie Austin
Upon first look at the new 2012 BMW 3 Series F30 sedan, it seems to have been decked out by the EPA and punched in the nose by the 5 Series whose butt it stole from. Literally the only thing that sets it apart from BMW's current model range is the headlights kissing the grill, and even that is a controversial subject at first look. However, it is amazing what such a simple change can do, take out that strip of headlight and the F30 becomes a timid coward. Spec-wise, the smallest in the model range has gotten longer, wider, and taller. We just can't wrap our heads around why manufacturers feel as if their cars have to be stretched in all directions with each model year, compared to the classic E30, the F30 is over a half-a-foot longer and wider. Now it may seem as if all has gone wrong in Deutschland, but how important are these nit-picking criticisms people so easily jump to?
With Car & Driver staff buying the BMW 3 Series more than any other car and the 3 Series being the most successful BMW in history, the F30 is truly an important event for the car world and a momentous event for BMW and it goes without saying, BMW probably could have released an exact copy of the E36, E46, or E90 and the BMW cult would give praise. The BMW 3 series has been known for bearing the quintessence of engineering and driver to car communication powerful enough to inform you which tread of the tire passed over a tiny pebble in the road. So what really is new? Has BMW done it again?
Even though the F30 BMW has gained a couple of inches in all directions, it has remarkably managed to drop weight, the incoming 335i is an astonishing 55 pounds lighter than the outgoing one. One thing we hate to see, however, is the straight-sixes being replaced by EPA-friendly turbo fours. Luckily, however, two less cylinders and a turbo seem to cancel out; the new 328i will come in with 14 extra horses, not quite a Scuderia, but quite a jump up to 242 hp. The new 3 Series will come in 3 different lines, "Sport", "Modern", and "Luxury". The differences between the three can be summed up in chrome and matte accents, key fob colors, and interior finishes. All in all, the new F30 BMW is not a drastic change from the E9X, but it begs the question, why change something that is already great? And when you take into account the increases in hp and the weight shedding, the familiar taillights seem to fade away. Another great 3 Series?, we think so.
Upon first look at the new 2012 BMW 3 Series F30 sedan, it seems to have been decked out by the EPA and punched in the nose by the 5 Series whose butt it stole from. Literally the only thing that sets it apart from BMW's current model range is the headlights kissing the grill, and even that is a controversial subject at first look. However, it is amazing what such a simple change can do, take out that strip of headlight and the F30 becomes a timid coward. Spec-wise, the smallest in the model range has gotten longer, wider, and taller. We just can't wrap our heads around why manufacturers feel as if their cars have to be stretched in all directions with each model year, compared to the classic E30, the F30 is over a half-a-foot longer and wider. Now it may seem as if all has gone wrong in Deutschland, but how important are these nit-picking criticisms people so easily jump to?
With Car & Driver staff buying the BMW 3 Series more than any other car and the 3 Series being the most successful BMW in history, the F30 is truly an important event for the car world and a momentous event for BMW and it goes without saying, BMW probably could have released an exact copy of the E36, E46, or E90 and the BMW cult would give praise. The BMW 3 series has been known for bearing the quintessence of engineering and driver to car communication powerful enough to inform you which tread of the tire passed over a tiny pebble in the road. So what really is new? Has BMW done it again?
Even though the F30 BMW has gained a couple of inches in all directions, it has remarkably managed to drop weight, the incoming 335i is an astonishing 55 pounds lighter than the outgoing one. One thing we hate to see, however, is the straight-sixes being replaced by EPA-friendly turbo fours. Luckily, however, two less cylinders and a turbo seem to cancel out; the new 328i will come in with 14 extra horses, not quite a Scuderia, but quite a jump up to 242 hp. The new 3 Series will come in 3 different lines, "Sport", "Modern", and "Luxury". The differences between the three can be summed up in chrome and matte accents, key fob colors, and interior finishes. All in all, the new F30 BMW is not a drastic change from the E9X, but it begs the question, why change something that is already great? And when you take into account the increases in hp and the weight shedding, the familiar taillights seem to fade away. Another great 3 Series?, we think so.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
The Best Looking Cars Of All Time
Words: Charlie Austin
In the world of cars you have sports cars, exotic cars, super cars, and hyper cars. And with the picture of that Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M to the left, you are probably imagining an article filled with the Ferrari 458, the Lamborghini LP670 SV, the Mercedes SLS, and all the other cars that even the average bloke on the side of the road knows, like overplayed songs on the radio; you would be wrong. You see, Ferraris and Lamborghinis are designed to appeal to women and prepubescent kids, they just aren't that macho, but there is a breed of car, a rare breed, reserved for the gazillionaire alpha male. These boxy, alien looking cars were spawned in a time before DVD players and global warming, and they are the head hanchos of the car world, the best looking cars of all time.
DeTomaso Pantera GT5
The first on the list comes from the land of Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini, but no, it's not one of the aforementioned; it comes from the relatively unrecognized auto manufacturer DeTomaso. The DeTomaso Pantera GT5 like the Vector W8 is mean, it's edgy, and it would give the kid with a picture of a Ferrari on his wall nightmares. As the original Pantera's production tapered down to just 100 cars a year, the modified GT5 was introduced (1980). The GT5 used larger everything: brakes, wheels, tires, and body kit and with 330 horses, it didn't just look good, it was fast. With a price that will buy you a Ferrari 328, we wonder why the Pantera GT5 doesn't get as much notoriety, cause after all, it is one of the best looking cars of all time.
Vector W8
The next car, no it's not made out of legos we promise, and star of the movie "The Rising Sun" is the Vector W8. The California based company vector produced road cars from 1989 to uh.. the early 1990's; however, in it's short lived life came the W8 - no it doesn't have a W8 but that's beside the point - one of the most radical cars of all time. Built out of both aircraft and automotive parts, the car retailed for $455,000 and reached a top speed of 242 mph. We imagine at the time one might have considered a Ferrari F50 in the same price range and we admit the Vector W8 is not for the faint hearted, but with the lines that couldn't have been drawn with much more than a ruler and the gauge-less and spacecraft like interior, the W8 is one of the best looking cars of all time.
Lamborghini Countach
The final car on the list might be the one you have actually heard of and contrary to the introduction of this article, yes, it is a Lamborghini. Like the others, its focal point is it's futuristic exterior and massive rear-mounted engine. The Lamborghini Countach was the beginning of a revival for the deteriorating Italian car company, coming before the legendary Diablo that brought Lamborghini back in the game. At first site the Lamborghini Countach has more lines than a sheet of graphing paper and a rather awkward stance and with well over 300 horsepower, it went like a Lamborghini too. We reckon, with it's edges and forward stance, the Lamborghini Countach is one of the best looking cars of all time.
In the world of cars you have sports cars, exotic cars, super cars, and hyper cars. And with the picture of that Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M to the left, you are probably imagining an article filled with the Ferrari 458, the Lamborghini LP670 SV, the Mercedes SLS, and all the other cars that even the average bloke on the side of the road knows, like overplayed songs on the radio; you would be wrong. You see, Ferraris and Lamborghinis are designed to appeal to women and prepubescent kids, they just aren't that macho, but there is a breed of car, a rare breed, reserved for the gazillionaire alpha male. These boxy, alien looking cars were spawned in a time before DVD players and global warming, and they are the head hanchos of the car world, the best looking cars of all time.DeTomaso Pantera GT5
The first on the list comes from the land of Ferrari, Pagani, and Lamborghini, but no, it's not one of the aforementioned; it comes from the relatively unrecognized auto manufacturer DeTomaso. The DeTomaso Pantera GT5 like the Vector W8 is mean, it's edgy, and it would give the kid with a picture of a Ferrari on his wall nightmares. As the original Pantera's production tapered down to just 100 cars a year, the modified GT5 was introduced (1980). The GT5 used larger everything: brakes, wheels, tires, and body kit and with 330 horses, it didn't just look good, it was fast. With a price that will buy you a Ferrari 328, we wonder why the Pantera GT5 doesn't get as much notoriety, cause after all, it is one of the best looking cars of all time.Vector W8
The next car, no it's not made out of legos we promise, and star of the movie "The Rising Sun" is the Vector W8. The California based company vector produced road cars from 1989 to uh.. the early 1990's; however, in it's short lived life came the W8 - no it doesn't have a W8 but that's beside the point - one of the most radical cars of all time. Built out of both aircraft and automotive parts, the car retailed for $455,000 and reached a top speed of 242 mph. We imagine at the time one might have considered a Ferrari F50 in the same price range and we admit the Vector W8 is not for the faint hearted, but with the lines that couldn't have been drawn with much more than a ruler and the gauge-less and spacecraft like interior, the W8 is one of the best looking cars of all time.Lamborghini Countach
The final car on the list might be the one you have actually heard of and contrary to the introduction of this article, yes, it is a Lamborghini. Like the others, its focal point is it's futuristic exterior and massive rear-mounted engine. The Lamborghini Countach was the beginning of a revival for the deteriorating Italian car company, coming before the legendary Diablo that brought Lamborghini back in the game. At first site the Lamborghini Countach has more lines than a sheet of graphing paper and a rather awkward stance and with well over 300 horsepower, it went like a Lamborghini too. We reckon, with it's edges and forward stance, the Lamborghini Countach is one of the best looking cars of all time.Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Taking The Super Car World By Storm
Words: Devin Langston
Lexus and Bentley are two well known names that aren't often spoken in the same breath, or even thought about at the same time. Lexus being your practical everyday business man car full of wood grain, and Bentley being the ocean-liner on four wheels with more features than a swiss army knife. One thing they do have in common, is that you would never think they would be able to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even Porsche. The Lexus LFA, and Bentley Super Sports have each silenced any noise of each company only appealing to one crowd with these two vehicles.The Lexus LFA is beautifully crafted car unlike no other super car seen before. Some may say it's weird alien exterior makes it ugly, but in actuality it's what makes you fall in love with it. Bentley released their Continental model in 2003, and they loved it so much they decided to dress it up even more. A quick wardrobe change resulted in the staggering Super Sports model. Though it hasn't changed drastically, its pretty evident that it isn't like its younger brother. More scoops, less weight, and the absence of the back seat has totally evolved this car into a mutated beast. With these two cars crossing into the super car world, how can they compete with other established and well known super car makers.
Performance: Both companies really did their homework before stuffing just any engine in their project. Toyota wanted the best engine possible for their first Lexus named super car. They decided to overlook the V8 and V12 engine placement and went with the V10. The V8 didn't rev high enough, and the V12 was to heavy. The 4.8 L V10 chosen produces 560 horse power, creating enough power to launch the LFA from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and to its final speed of a 202 mph. Bentley went with the their turbo charged W12 engine.It also sports an all new ZF 6-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission for faster response and reduced strain on the engine. The Bentley Super sports W12 creates 621 horses resulting in 0-60 in 3.7, then thrusts it all the way to 204 mph. These numbers have solidified the the Super Sport as the fastest and best handling Bentley to date.
Design: The Super Sports design hasn't changed a lot since original Continental.The Changes that were made created a huge difference in the cars overall performance. A body kit featuring several air intakes were installed below the headlights, as well as a larger lip below the grill. At high speeds they ensure that the engine is being cooled reducing over all stress. The original Continental was plagued with the issue of being too heavy, which caused the car to often slide, and over steer at high speeds. The first step in building the Super Sport was trimming as much weight as possible. The combination of new Pirelli Ultra High Performance tires were installed along with lighter ceramic disk brakes. This all tied in with the newly installed Bosch Electronic Stability Program in culmination with the removal of the back seat caused the Super Sports to shed about 200 pounds in weight from its original model. An entirely new AWD system was added to make the car even more agile then before.The AWD system helps the car grip the road and keep it centered during tight cornering. Like most super cars the Super Sports has a retractable wing that deploys at fifty miles an hour to create down force and additional stability. The LFA took years of research and development to create. The bulk of the body is made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.Using this design material enabled the developers to use various shapes, edges, and curves regular metal would be impossible to bend into. The numerous air intakes aren't there just for show. The sharp edges throughout the car ensure that wind will flow directly into the engine, and away from the body when it is moving at high speeds. One of the LFA's most attractive feature is it's sophisticated dashboard only matched by the Lamborghini Reventon. The display panel houses the speedometer, gear indicator, tire pressure, and transmission mode. Though all cars have these settings, not all of them have a gauge that changes depending on the vehicles mode. When 9,000 rpm is reached the gauge turns reds signifying the driver to shift. The dashboard was very essential because it was developed to delivered a high level of information to be user friendly for the person behind the wheel.
Fitting in: The LFA and Super Sports both produce an outstanding amount of power. Though they weren't made by companies that specialize in making super cars, they don't fall short in any category. The Lexus LFA produces 560 horse power, putting it in the same category as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4.The Gallardo has more horse power, but the LFA is slightly faster with it's launch control system. Seeing how this is Lexus's first super car, and Lamborghini is on their tenth Gallardo, Victory goes to the LFA in this match up. The Super Sports produces 621 car horses pitting it against royal super cars such as the SLR McLaren, and Ferrari 599 GTB. What seperates the Super Sports from others in it's class is the fact that your buying a Bentley. Bentley made their name on luxurious interior and beautifully hand crafted interior.The heritage speaks for itself, when you get behind the wheel you still feel the comforts of home.The red and black leather seats with the patent wood grain says it all. For being such a great machine the Bentley is a great bargain for the asking price. What we have learned is that the usual suspects aren't always the only choice. Lexus's first super car is breaking records previously held by the the main crew in the super car world, and the Super Sports is doing the same.New tweaks are already in production for each vehicle.One wonders what new technology will make them even better.
Lexus and Bentley are two well known names that aren't often spoken in the same breath, or even thought about at the same time. Lexus being your practical everyday business man car full of wood grain, and Bentley being the ocean-liner on four wheels with more features than a swiss army knife. One thing they do have in common, is that you would never think they would be able to compete with the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, or even Porsche. The Lexus LFA, and Bentley Super Sports have each silenced any noise of each company only appealing to one crowd with these two vehicles.The Lexus LFA is beautifully crafted car unlike no other super car seen before. Some may say it's weird alien exterior makes it ugly, but in actuality it's what makes you fall in love with it. Bentley released their Continental model in 2003, and they loved it so much they decided to dress it up even more. A quick wardrobe change resulted in the staggering Super Sports model. Though it hasn't changed drastically, its pretty evident that it isn't like its younger brother. More scoops, less weight, and the absence of the back seat has totally evolved this car into a mutated beast. With these two cars crossing into the super car world, how can they compete with other established and well known super car makers. 
Performance: Both companies really did their homework before stuffing just any engine in their project. Toyota wanted the best engine possible for their first Lexus named super car. They decided to overlook the V8 and V12 engine placement and went with the V10. The V8 didn't rev high enough, and the V12 was to heavy. The 4.8 L V10 chosen produces 560 horse power, creating enough power to launch the LFA from 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and to its final speed of a 202 mph. Bentley went with the their turbo charged W12 engine.It also sports an all new ZF 6-speed ‘Quickshift’ automatic transmission for faster response and reduced strain on the engine. The Bentley Super sports W12 creates 621 horses resulting in 0-60 in 3.7, then thrusts it all the way to 204 mph. These numbers have solidified the the Super Sport as the fastest and best handling Bentley to date.
Design: The Super Sports design hasn't changed a lot since original Continental.The Changes that were made created a huge difference in the cars overall performance. A body kit featuring several air intakes were installed below the headlights, as well as a larger lip below the grill. At high speeds they ensure that the engine is being cooled reducing over all stress. The original Continental was plagued with the issue of being too heavy, which caused the car to often slide, and over steer at high speeds. The first step in building the Super Sport was trimming as much weight as possible. The combination of new Pirelli Ultra High Performance tires were installed along with lighter ceramic disk brakes. This all tied in with the newly installed Bosch Electronic Stability Program in culmination with the removal of the back seat caused the Super Sports to shed about 200 pounds in weight from its original model. An entirely new AWD system was added to make the car even more agile then before.The AWD system helps the car grip the road and keep it centered during tight cornering. Like most super cars the Super Sports has a retractable wing that deploys at fifty miles an hour to create down force and additional stability. The LFA took years of research and development to create. The bulk of the body is made out of carbon fiber reinforced plastic.Using this design material enabled the developers to use various shapes, edges, and curves regular metal would be impossible to bend into. The numerous air intakes aren't there just for show. The sharp edges throughout the car ensure that wind will flow directly into the engine, and away from the body when it is moving at high speeds. One of the LFA's most attractive feature is it's sophisticated dashboard only matched by the Lamborghini Reventon. The display panel houses the speedometer, gear indicator, tire pressure, and transmission mode. Though all cars have these settings, not all of them have a gauge that changes depending on the vehicles mode. When 9,000 rpm is reached the gauge turns reds signifying the driver to shift. The dashboard was very essential because it was developed to delivered a high level of information to be user friendly for the person behind the wheel.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Super Car Showdown
Words: Devin Langston
One of the biggest car rivalries of the 2010-2011season has been between McLaren's near perfect MP4-12C, and Ferrari's wild horse the 458 Italia. From a standstill, each car is a beautiful curvacious masterpiece by each automaker. The MP4 was built perfectly to grip the road at high speeds, respond to road obstacles, and remain aerodynamic at the same time. The 458 was built for speed, aerodynamic stability, and to catch the eye of everyone around. Though each car has it's strong points, both of them have been highly criticized. The MP4 stamped with the badge of being a boring super car, because it feels as if it's completely computer fabricated. The first couple months of the 458 release was not very successful. Many customers were experiencing their new toy catching fire due to the high temperatures the car spews. The Issue was so bad that Ferrari had to recall several 458's and replace the heat shields. The 458 had no competitor when it was first released. It took the super car world by storm the day it was released at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009. When the MP4 was released, it almost evident that it was the only formidable contender that could compete with the 458. Every repeatable car website and TV show was eager to test these two untamed beasts against each other. Still today, there is a huge debate on which one is the better car.
The 458 Italia is the replacement to Ferrari's five year model F430. Released in 2010, the 458 is powered by a 4.5 liter V8 engine made by Ferrari. It's massive engine produces 562 horses launching the 458 to 202 mph, six miles an hour faster than the F430. Ferrari built the 458 to be one of their most aerodynamic super cars. It's huge lower grill, and gill-like openings under the headlights force air into the engine developing 570 horse power when the car is at top speed. Inside the grill you will find two black winglets that deform at high speeds to create downforce and reduce excess drag. Direct fuel injection was a first for Ferrari with this project. Before the 458, no other mid engine road going Ferrari had an engine set up of this sort. A huge problem for the F430 was that it felt stiff, and it's handling was not adequate. A new double wishbone design was implemented to the front of the vehicle, and new traction control system at the rear to improve cornering. This new system of suspension increased acceleration and handling by 32% compared to other vehicles Ferrari released. The overall design is pure poetry to the eyes. Being one of Pinifarnia most radical designs, the 458 was inspired by the Enzo was well as it's original concept car. The Italia has everything going for it with it's performance and drop dead looks to compete with any other car on the market right now. The question is, can it compete with the fine British craftsmanship of the MP4.
We all know McLaren for releasing the 240 mile an hour F1 back in 1992. Since then, they haven't really given us any thing with such magnitude until now. Though McLaren faded into the limelight, they still spent years developing the MP4-12C. The time taken to develop this beauty has paid dividends with the final model. McLaren has quite possibly concocted all the right ingredients to make the best handling super car in history. McLaren's F1 racing background has caused them to build a sophisticated suspension system like no other.The revolutionary system spawns from it's light carbon fiber chassis. The frame is just a single monocoque that weights only 80 pounds making the center of gravity low, resulting in better cornering in the process. Not only is the suspension staggering, the performance is not to far behind. Producing 592 horse power, the MP4-12C gets it's strength from the M838T 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, McLaren's first ever engine design. McLaren have stated the MP4 can accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h in just 8.9 seconds with the stock engine setup. McLaren has once again worked magic to perfectly fuse performance and suspension to create this $231,400 goliath. From the outside and specs given the MP4 is the ideal car for any car collector to add to his garage. This may be true, but the MP4 has been criticized for lacking the soul any great automobile needs.
Each car is a huge compliment to their respected automaker. Both vehicles are extremely powerful, head turners, and good conversation starters. McLaren has submitted data proving that their car is statistically better than the 458 in every way, yet the 458 is still the more popular car.With the 458 you feel all 570 horses fighting against you bringing enjoyment to the overall driving process.The MP4's computers are so responsive and sophisticated that you don't have to be as aggressive behind the wheel. This one fact leads to some people choosing the 458 over the MP4. The 458's playful mentality can be a burden sometimes. The issue it had when it was originally released was fixed, but not forever solved. Yes, you are able to dance around corners, but with risk of overheating your prancing horse. Ferrari went a step beyond by releasing a spyder version of the 458 for further enjoyment. Ferrari wants their consumers to have the best time possible while behind the wheel of one of their greatest creations yet. No specs have been released for the spyder version, but if its anything like its coupe counterpart there will be no disappointment. The MP4's may have a serious demeanor leaving one saying it lacks soul, but McLaren plans to rectify those issues. The British team went back to add a lighter feel to the wheel paddles to reduce the heavy mechanical feel the car has. They also plan to tweak the turbo system so that you can hear the roar of the beloved V8 equipped with the car. Further issues will be addressed to give the car a more rugged feel to the road. These changes from each company shows us that each side is fully committed to their projects. Their is no clear winner in this battle of super car greatness. It is solely up to the consumer to choose what car they will partner up with.We can hope that more rivalries of this sort will continue, because this one has resulted in two of the finest cars to hit the road.
The 458 Italia is the replacement to Ferrari's five year model F430. Released in 2010, the 458 is powered by a 4.5 liter V8 engine made by Ferrari. It's massive engine produces 562 horses launching the 458 to 202 mph, six miles an hour faster than the F430. Ferrari built the 458 to be one of their most aerodynamic super cars. It's huge lower grill, and gill-like openings under the headlights force air into the engine developing 570 horse power when the car is at top speed. Inside the grill you will find two black winglets that deform at high speeds to create downforce and reduce excess drag. Direct fuel injection was a first for Ferrari with this project. Before the 458, no other mid engine road going Ferrari had an engine set up of this sort. A huge problem for the F430 was that it felt stiff, and it's handling was not adequate. A new double wishbone design was implemented to the front of the vehicle, and new traction control system at the rear to improve cornering. This new system of suspension increased acceleration and handling by 32% compared to other vehicles Ferrari released. The overall design is pure poetry to the eyes. Being one of Pinifarnia most radical designs, the 458 was inspired by the Enzo was well as it's original concept car. The Italia has everything going for it with it's performance and drop dead looks to compete with any other car on the market right now. The question is, can it compete with the fine British craftsmanship of the MP4.
We all know McLaren for releasing the 240 mile an hour F1 back in 1992. Since then, they haven't really given us any thing with such magnitude until now. Though McLaren faded into the limelight, they still spent years developing the MP4-12C. The time taken to develop this beauty has paid dividends with the final model. McLaren has quite possibly concocted all the right ingredients to make the best handling super car in history. McLaren's F1 racing background has caused them to build a sophisticated suspension system like no other.The revolutionary system spawns from it's light carbon fiber chassis. The frame is just a single monocoque that weights only 80 pounds making the center of gravity low, resulting in better cornering in the process. Not only is the suspension staggering, the performance is not to far behind. Producing 592 horse power, the MP4-12C gets it's strength from the M838T 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 engine, McLaren's first ever engine design. McLaren have stated the MP4 can accelerate from 0 to 200 km/h in just 8.9 seconds with the stock engine setup. McLaren has once again worked magic to perfectly fuse performance and suspension to create this $231,400 goliath. From the outside and specs given the MP4 is the ideal car for any car collector to add to his garage. This may be true, but the MP4 has been criticized for lacking the soul any great automobile needs.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Odd One
Words: Charlie Austin
When people envision a Ferrari they picture a low slung exotic hunkered down to the tarmac with paint redder than blood and an exhaust louder than a rock concert and well, they picture a coupe, maybe even a convertible. Although the new Ferrari fits the first two criteria, when one follows it past the driver's side door everything gets a little, weird. Is this even the right car? We weren't the only ones to notice its odd looking butt. The biggest criticism plaguing the new Ferrari Four is its rather large rear end and if you ask me, i kinda like it. See, criticizing the Ferrari Four for it's body style is about the most bland, obvious, and uncreative criticism you could possible make, you might as well criticize the Ferrari 458 for being a coupe. And it's not as if Ferrari has released a tractor (sorry Lamborghini) or a minivan. It's called a shooting brake, and once again it's no GTI or station wagon. Manufactures from the likes of Aston Martin and BMW have both released brutal shooting brakes and it goes without saying; the new FF is one of the slickest shooting brakes in existence, and boy does it go like none other.
The Ferrari FF - F for Ferrari and F for four wheel drive, yes, it's the Ferrari Ferrari Four - came into the world as the also rather odd-looking 612's replacement in the Luxury Coupe segment of Ferrari's legendary lineup. The Ferrari Ferrari Four is also unique in the way it puts its power down. It's Ferrari's first four wheel drive car - an answer to the reputation of Ferrari's being clear-weather cars - and it's no Subaru Legacy. Coined 4RM, the FF's transmission is completely engineered and patented by Ferrari and comes in 50% lighter than your average system; it works by precariously choosing what tire to send power to at what moment - thanks to two gearboxes, trust us, it's complicated. Because of this, the FF's 651 horsepower twelve cylinder can put power down to just about any surface the earth has to offer, but with all of this talk about a Ferrari that can conquer the elements, we wonder, who on earth is going to drive their $300,000 Ferrari through a sand dune, and on top of that why on earth would you need to?
And that 651 hp twelve cylinder mentioned above is well, frankly massive. Mounted a few inches in front of your very foot that will launch the coupe-hatchback concoction to 100 kmh in just 3.7 seconds - the same time it takes the 599 - is the largest engine ever to be placed on a Ferrari chassis. All of that amounts to almost one-hundred more horses than the 458 and a 0-60 time faster than the Nurburgring-titan Nissan GTR. Find a road long enough and the FF will do 208 mph, faster than just about all of it's direct competitors. Follow the FF to the interior and you are greeted to a sea of leather and an interior similar to the California, a proper luxury coupe. The Ferrari Four not only has four wheel drive, it also has four seats. Certainly not a first for Ferrari's grand touring cars, the 2+2 setup is claimed by Ferrari to be the fastest four-seater in the world, and we believe it.
In a company where no change is even necessary, Ferrari has taken the initiative to release a innovative and revolutionary shooting brake which shocked the world. And if only the world could look past it's trunk, they would see undoubtedly one of the fastest and most technologically advanced Ferraris there is. But we just can't help to notice, are those headlights from a 458?
When people envision a Ferrari they picture a low slung exotic hunkered down to the tarmac with paint redder than blood and an exhaust louder than a rock concert and well, they picture a coupe, maybe even a convertible. Although the new Ferrari fits the first two criteria, when one follows it past the driver's side door everything gets a little, weird. Is this even the right car? We weren't the only ones to notice its odd looking butt. The biggest criticism plaguing the new Ferrari Four is its rather large rear end and if you ask me, i kinda like it. See, criticizing the Ferrari Four for it's body style is about the most bland, obvious, and uncreative criticism you could possible make, you might as well criticize the Ferrari 458 for being a coupe. And it's not as if Ferrari has released a tractor (sorry Lamborghini) or a minivan. It's called a shooting brake, and once again it's no GTI or station wagon. Manufactures from the likes of Aston Martin and BMW have both released brutal shooting brakes and it goes without saying; the new FF is one of the slickest shooting brakes in existence, and boy does it go like none other.
And that 651 hp twelve cylinder mentioned above is well, frankly massive. Mounted a few inches in front of your very foot that will launch the coupe-hatchback concoction to 100 kmh in just 3.7 seconds - the same time it takes the 599 - is the largest engine ever to be placed on a Ferrari chassis. All of that amounts to almost one-hundred more horses than the 458 and a 0-60 time faster than the Nurburgring-titan Nissan GTR. Find a road long enough and the FF will do 208 mph, faster than just about all of it's direct competitors. Follow the FF to the interior and you are greeted to a sea of leather and an interior similar to the California, a proper luxury coupe. The Ferrari Four not only has four wheel drive, it also has four seats. Certainly not a first for Ferrari's grand touring cars, the 2+2 setup is claimed by Ferrari to be the fastest four-seater in the world, and we believe it.In a company where no change is even necessary, Ferrari has taken the initiative to release a innovative and revolutionary shooting brake which shocked the world. And if only the world could look past it's trunk, they would see undoubtedly one of the fastest and most technologically advanced Ferraris there is. But we just can't help to notice, are those headlights from a 458?
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Can Lamborghini Keep Striking Gold?
Words: Devin Langston
Lamborghini has always given consumers quality every time a new model is released. From the 350GT to the Aventador each model has been a quality piece of machinery. Though we have seen Lamborghini at it's pinnacle, things weren't always as smooth as they are today. Lamborghini was taken over by Audi to resurrect the company from the lack of sales and serious plunge in the car world. After Audi took over, the Diablo emerged in 1990. The Diablo was the first Lamborghini capable of reaching speeds of 200 mph! It's design was originally set out to shock the world, and that's exactly what it did. From the pop up lights, its radical design, and scissor like doors set the Diablo out from any other car out on the market at the time. The Diablo was also considered the car of the century by Du Pont Registry Magazine. After the Diablo was discontinued in 2001, the question was "What will Lamborghini do next?"
After saying bye-bye to their beloved Diablo, Lamborghini forever changed the face of their company by releasing what is now the flagship of the company, the Murcielago. The Murcielago got its name from a bull that survived a brutal fight with famous bull fighter Rafael Molina Sanchez. Lamborghini went back to their roots by going with the famous V12 engine they often went to in the 1960's. Lamborghini really went to the tool shed with this one. Their aim was to make a sophisticated machine in all aspects while remaining a beautiful work of art. To reduce weight the car consisted of carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum parts. The cars spoiler and the active air intakes integrated into the car's shoulders are electromechanically controlled. Each shoulder deploys automatically at high speeds to stabilize the car and maximize both aerodynamic and cooling efficiency. The success of the Murcielago automatically launched the company back to the top of the super car world. To date there has been 4,099 Murcielagos and other special edition models made, and just as many sold. The Murcielago will always be at the forefront of the Lamborghini family and will go down as one of the most legendary super cars in automotive history.
To put the icing on the cake, we got the Gallardo two years later. Considered the "baby" of the company the Gallardo is by no means in shadows of any other car. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production. One may ask what makes this car so successful? The Gallardo is offered in a coupe and more popular spyder model, each coming with an array of features. With each model you have the choice of a a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, or an electro-hydraulically controlled semi automatic robotized manual, easily abbreviated as the "E-gear" With this model, Lamborghini really listened to what its consumers wanted. Due to some criticism and press reviews bashing the car Lamborghini went back to the drawing board to rectify some of the complaints and issues concerning the Gallardo. A new exhaust system, suspension, and a gearing issue was installed to further improve the cars performance. These changes made the Gallardo quicker, more nimble, and added to the overall handling. Backed by a three-year warranty, Lamborghini has total confidence in their "little one" The Gallardo is a durable sports car that you can drive everyday, yet still feel the comforts of home while behind the wheel. Though the Gallardo isn't the most flashy Lamborghini, it will still catch the eye of the soccer mom hauling her kids to the game in the family Odyssey.
Lamborghini has had major success from 2000-2011, but what is next for our beloved Italian friend? Now that the Murcielago has ran it's course, and the Gallardo successor is due to arrive in 2013, we are left asking ourselves "can Lamborghini do it again?" Will it keep Lamborghini in the limelight, or bring such renown success as the Countach? Maybe the car will be a total fluke. Only time, consumers, and of course the media will tell. We all know that the top gear crew will have their crack at the new bull when the time is right.
Lamborghini has always given consumers quality every time a new model is released. From the 350GT to the Aventador each model has been a quality piece of machinery. Though we have seen Lamborghini at it's pinnacle, things weren't always as smooth as they are today. Lamborghini was taken over by Audi to resurrect the company from the lack of sales and serious plunge in the car world. After Audi took over, the Diablo emerged in 1990. The Diablo was the first Lamborghini capable of reaching speeds of 200 mph! It's design was originally set out to shock the world, and that's exactly what it did. From the pop up lights, its radical design, and scissor like doors set the Diablo out from any other car out on the market at the time. The Diablo was also considered the car of the century by Du Pont Registry Magazine. After the Diablo was discontinued in 2001, the question was "What will Lamborghini do next?"
To put the icing on the cake, we got the Gallardo two years later. Considered the "baby" of the company the Gallardo is by no means in shadows of any other car. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production. One may ask what makes this car so successful? The Gallardo is offered in a coupe and more popular spyder model, each coming with an array of features. With each model you have the choice of a a conventional (H-Box) six-speed manual transmission, or an electro-hydraulically controlled semi automatic robotized manual, easily abbreviated as the "E-gear" With this model, Lamborghini really listened to what its consumers wanted. Due to some criticism and press reviews bashing the car Lamborghini went back to the drawing board to rectify some of the complaints and issues concerning the Gallardo. A new exhaust system, suspension, and a gearing issue was installed to further improve the cars performance. These changes made the Gallardo quicker, more nimble, and added to the overall handling. Backed by a three-year warranty, Lamborghini has total confidence in their "little one" The Gallardo is a durable sports car that you can drive everyday, yet still feel the comforts of home while behind the wheel. Though the Gallardo isn't the most flashy Lamborghini, it will still catch the eye of the soccer mom hauling her kids to the game in the family Odyssey.
Lamborghini has had major success from 2000-2011, but what is next for our beloved Italian friend? Now that the Murcielago has ran it's course, and the Gallardo successor is due to arrive in 2013, we are left asking ourselves "can Lamborghini do it again?" Will it keep Lamborghini in the limelight, or bring such renown success as the Countach? Maybe the car will be a total fluke. Only time, consumers, and of course the media will tell. We all know that the top gear crew will have their crack at the new bull when the time is right.
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