2009 Ford Shelby GT500


In early 1960’s Ford form an alliance with Carrol Shelby to build the what they say the high performance version of Ford Mustang, the Shelby Mustang. The 1965, 1966, and 1967 model were the only three series of Ford Mustang that Caroll Shelby specially modified and sold under the name Shelby GT with identification badges Shelby Cobra.

In 1967, Shelby GT500, equipped with 360 horsepower was the most powerful Mustang ever built, it has a distinctive body stripes and strip-style tail lights which was based from Mercury Cougar. Due to its performace and power the GT500 was used in a movie remake Gone in Sixty Seconds in which the lead actor Nicolas Cage name the Shelby GT500 as Eleanor.



Now after Forty years, after the first Shelby GT500 was produced the GT500 is making a come back but this time it is meaner, badder and is powered by a 500 horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 Racing Power. The GT500 can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.6 second and can go quarter of a mile in 12.8 seconds. The Shelby GT500 was a real deal when it comes to speed and power but all those speed and power has to payoff, due to its weight in the front that was added by the GT500’s motor it resulted in using a chassis that is not entirely suited for carving up twisty roads, but other than that the GT500 covers everything that a certain owner would ever wanted.
Specification

Engine ................................ 5.4L V8 supercharged SOHC 32-valve
HP (hp@rpm) ...................... 500 @ 6000
Torque (lb.ft@rpm) .............. 480 @ 4500
Drivetrain ........................... Rear-wheel drive
Transmission ....................... 6-speed manual
Brakes ................................ 4-wheel disc
Front Suspension ................. Independent
Rear Suspension .................. Solid Axle

TATA NANO - World's Cheapest Car


Owning a car is definitely one of the ultimate dreams of everyone. But with the high cost of vehicle ownership, meaning not only the car itself but the cost of maintaining a car, one can only wish for the invention of the world’s cheapest car, a unit that is affordable yet never lacking on the excellent features and the admirable details. Thankfully, that wish is now granted – welcome the Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car.


Comfortably small, with the convenience of a four-door design supported by tiny wheels, the Tata Nano instantly induced oohhs and aahhs when it recently debuted at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, India. The cute little thing is manufactured by Tata Motors.
Spacious interiors, sensibly-designed hood and driver’s diagnostic panel (speedometer, tachometer) conveniently in the middle of the dashboard affords pleasant driving experience. Despite the affordable price tag, car owners are assured of the strength and power of a regular-priced compact car. It has tow cylinders for fuel efficiency, 624cc and 33 horsepower, all neatly packaged in the back of this spacious car model. But the question ultimately boils down to the price tag? And the ultimate answer - $2,000, more or less. Yup, less than what you would pay for an exclusive dinner of Angus beef, caviar and champagne in one of those certified Hollywood celebrity den in New York City. During the launching, it has a $1,980 dealer price.



Tata Nano cars are set to be exported in Southeast Asia and Africa in a few years, and possibly the United States given the poorer state of Americans these days. The first 100,000 units have been already booked for April in earnest first-come, first-served markets.

Summer Car Care Safety Tips

It’s summer once again. The merciless sun is hovering not only on our skins and pores, but the sun’s wrath is also affecting our beaten and battered cars. Much as we would care for ourselves this summer, our vehicles should also receive the same protection from the sun. Here are basic summer car safety tips to help our vehicles weather it out through the cruel summer months.

1. Don’t leave your car under the sweltering sun. This is especially important from 10 am to 3 pm, when the sun is at its shining peak. Much like a human being, excessive sun exposure will took a toll on both the inner workings of the car, especially the engine. Too much heat also seeps into the wind shields, generating heat in the car’s exteriors and lending the peripherals vulnerable to damage caused by change in humidity. Always park under the shade and try to position your car where the sun shines on your passenger side.

2. Invest in a good window taint or shade. This is to mitigate the effects of harsh sunlight not only on your car but also on you and your passengers. Just be sure that the heaviness of the tint complies with the laws your state has. Tinted windows primarily protect your car’s dashboard, which is very sensitive to heat. You can use window shades and light blockers instead of window tint to protect the interior of your car.

3. Equip your car with a handy car summer kit. Just like ladies have their personal effects kit, cars should also have some kind of a kit that will make them ready and able to take you through endless summer roads. Ensure that you have these car summer essentials when you go on a long summer drive: water supply, steering wheel cover, extra rugs and utility swathes, a cooler or insulated bag, extra fan, spritzer, and of course, a first-aid kit for you and your passengers. Just make sure you don’t overload your car!

4. For the best summer car care this season, have your car thoroughly checked by a professional mechanic to ensure engines, body and peripherals are at par with the prevailing summer temperature.

2009 Nissan Skyline GT-R

2009 Skyline GT-R: The most awaited new performance car of the century. The 2009 Skyline GT-R is a legend before it even enters production.


There were three Skyline GT-Rs generation which started in 1969, the latest version that was added to the family was "R35" promises to pack more horse power, better all-wheel-drive technology and more speed than any Japanese car introduced in the American market.


Even though the Nissan Skyline GT-R was already existing in the year 1969, it was only in the year 1990 that the Nissan Skyline GT-R was introduced in the Japanese market. The Skyline GT-R never make its debut to the United States, but because of its popularity the Skyline GT-R still brings awareness into America's automotive.



Due to its popularity this car was used in the 2 Fast 2 Furious movie, in which it was driven by Paul Walker "Brian O'Conner. After the movie Paul Walker was so impress in its performance and decide to bought Skyline GT-R.


In 2001 Nissan introduced the next GT-R concept in Tokyo Motor Show that will follow the foot step of the R34. Then after four years Nissan introduced another GT-R which they called GT-R Proto, this GT-R will used a turbo charged edition of the VQ V6 which has a 7 speed all wheel drive and transmission.


In 2006 Nissan announced that the new Skyline GT-R R35 would be sold in the American market as well as worldwide under the name of Nissan, and not Infinity. And the new GT-R will only be called GT-R R35 and not Skyline GT-R R35.

2009 Nissan GT-R Specifications

Drivetrain

Transmission ......................... 6 Speed DSG Manual
Layout ................................. Front Engine, AWD
Final Drive ............................ Ratio 3.70:1
Differential ........................... 1.5 Way Mechanical Limited Slip
Brakes ................................. Brembo 4 Wheel Disc - 15 in. Front and Rear

Engine

Horsepower .......................... 480 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque ................................ 430 ft-lbs. @ 3200 rpm
Displacement ........................ 3.8 liters
Engine Type ......................... Twin Turbo 24V V6

Performance

Acceleration ......................... 0-60 mph 3.3 sec
Drag Coefficient .................... 0.27

2009 Jaguar XK-Series


Enjoy more than commanding presence on the road - rule it! That's the enhanced power that the new 2009 Jaguar XK Series, which comes in Coupe and Convertible designs.

The same power but definitely more gorgeous than its predecessors, automotive enthusiasts agree that it is the most fitting predecessor of the well-received Jaguar E-series. Welcome changes have been incorporated primarily to streamline the collection and modernize the appearance, without compromising power and performance that Jaguar is known for.


The 2009 Jaguar XK Series is a rear-wheel drive and now boasts of an aluminum body shell across the chassis. There's a power-fold side mirror for attention-grabbing effects. New tail-lights are also showcased featuring red lens LED. Both the Coupe and the Convertible also sport a new polished look on its bumpers, making this high-end portfolio sexy to the hilt.

This sleek appearance is matched by an equally irresistible mix of trappings in its interiors The XK Series is truly a tech-driven car of the future, with touchscreen navigation, driver memory Bluetooth, six-CD-MP3 player with in-dash changer complemented by six speakers and premium Surround Sound System. It's a real party-on-the-go whenever you and your 200 jaguar XK are.

Perhaps, more than the outside, the innards would matter more for performance-centric drivers. A 300 horsepower, 4.2 liter V8 engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts manually. The best in fuel efficiency among high-end cars with 16 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway capacity.

Surviving the Top 10 Driving Emergencies

Every year, driving emergencies cost millions in properties and priceless value in terms of lost lives. Here are the 10 best survival maneuvers you can make when you find yourself caught in a driving emergency:


1. Tire Blowout - Squeeze the gas pedal for half a minute to gain back control of the car and lead it straight on the road. Once you get your grip back, release the accelerator pedal. Keep off the clutch or pedal, and stick to your lane then toward a road shoulder.



2. Tread Separation - This happens when the tread rubber and underlying steel belt come off the tire. Check the tires immediately if you hear unusual noises or pounding on it. Immediately replace with your spare tire before continuing to drive.


3. Stuck Throttle - The sign is an engine that starts to race uncontrollably. When this happens, release the brake to check if you are pushing the gas instead. Have the transmission in neutral mode or reverse. Turn off the ignition and use the reserve braking power to completely stop the car.


4. Sudden Acceleration - This happens when the driver presses on the gas by mistake. When this happens, your instinct should simply push the brakes.


5. Emergency Stopping Without Antilock Brake System (ABS) - Push the brake pedal hard but not reaching skid level, only to the point that the car nearly stops rolling. Then release the brake pressure until the tires start rolling again. Apply pressure back.


6. Emergency Stopping With ABS - Kick the brake pedal until the car comes to a complete stop, maintaining your hold on it until the car stops fully.


7. Avoiding Accidents with ABS - ABS allows the driver to steer even while on the brake. But do not overdo steering with ABS, if you do not want to jam into traffic or off the road. Remember that once you releases the brake pedal, the front tires lose their brakes.


8. Dropping Two Wheels off the Road - Remember that at most terrains, you only need grip from two tires to keep your car on the ground. With that in mind, remove pressure off the gas pedal and stay away from it as much as you can. Use the ABS if you have one. Carefully drive to the road slowly.


9. Front-Tire Slide - Remove your foot from the gas pedal and keep normal steering while you wait for the traction to return.


10: Rear-Tire Slide - This is a bit harder to manage than a front-tire slide because of the tire's location. The best thing to do is anticipate it and then deal with it by counter-steering.

2009 Volkswagen GTI


The 2009 Volkswagen GTI is hailed as the best among the newly-issued UPC or Upscale Small Cars in the automotive market today. In terms of cost, fuel economy and outstanding features, this latest Volks edition inspired by the previous VW Rabbit sweeps the competition, whether you are cruising around town in its 2-door model or charting the roads less traveled in its 4-door design.

Its most outstanding feature is its fuel efficiency - 21 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Coupled with a low maintenance cost, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI is clearly the best pick for those who cruise on a compact premium model.

The surprising thing about compact cars is the strength that comes with the package, and the 2009 Volkswagen GTI is no exception. It ranks high in the fun-to-drive metrics credited to its turbo-charged powertrain - 200 horsepower packed in a tension-resistant chassis. Performance boosters also include agility of handling and precise-control braking systems.

While some Volks loyals may find the new GTI exterior design a bit off their nostalgic notions as it veered away from the conventional squarish Volks body contours, some features like the front grille makes the more aggressive appearance a welcome change. This is matched by a posh 5-seater interiors and a spacious cargo area.

Any great compact car must not fall short on the safety features, and the 2009 Volkswagen GT 4-door model passed government crash tests with flying colors and both models rate high in the automotive industry insurance tests.

Safety Tips How To Drive In The Snow

No one in his or her right mind would like to drive in the snow. It's a mean and tough job, not to mention dangerous especially when you have children onboard. However, there is nothing much the driver can do when caught in the middle of a snowy road. As such, it is always a practical thing to be able to learn how to drive in the snow.

1. Just like regular driving, cruising on your car in the snow entails the basic driver tip: Always have your vehicle in tip-top shape. This is especially true during wintertime, where you should install snow tires or chains to prepare for icy bumps ahead.

2. Reduce your speed. Slippery road requires cautionary driving, how much more with runny, snowy road? Watch out for corners or areas that are slide spots, and avoid them. Lock and control car mechanisms won't work if your car is already in sliding motion.

3. Double the distance from the car ahead from what regular driving entails, at least four cars distance for every 10 mph you travel. Always look ahead and anticipate movements of fellow motorists you encounter.

4. Your brakes will be working doubly hard when driving in the snow, since you should brake before entering any corner to maintain grip and control in case there is some snowy surprise waiting. Do this smoothly and then accelerate when the coast is clear.

5. If you find yourself in the middle of the snow with your car wheels doing an oversteer or turning too much, too fast, here is an expert's advice: Do not panic. Turn into the skid by releasing the brakes gently, then accelerate to transfer weight from the front to the rear wheels to enable you to turn into the skid. This way, you get back your car control and continue to drive ahead.

2009 Nissan 370Z

Nissan understands the risk in redesigning a popular car. Since 1990s they enhanced their Z-car model until 300ZX take nearly none of the appeal of the 240Z model. Nissan returned the line to its earlier stardom with 350Z, and was very pleased with an excellent six year run. And now that 2009 370Z was making its first appearance in Los Angeles auto show, Nissan had shown that it finally learned to build on success.

The new 370Z deals with each and every major grievance about the outgoing car, specifically with its weight and with its interior quality, without sacrificing the basic Z-car formula.

Powertrain

The 370Z has a 3.7liter VQ series V6 engine with 332hp and 270lb-ft of torque. One of the most appealing update in the drivetrain was in manual transmission. In which most sports car manufacturers of late have tried to build their slushboxes to perform more like manuals, while with 370Z its old-fashioned 6-speed was restructured with an automatic-like feature: downshift rev-matching. 370Z will automatically respond with a blip of the throttle when the driver selects a lower gear and lifts up on the clutch. The outcome is a perfect heel-to-toe shift - every time. With this update the driver has option to shut off this feature for those who can’t stand even this bit of modern intrusion. And for those want to skip the clutch pedal there is a new 7-speed automatic with manual mode for the first time in a Z-cars, paddle shifter. With either transmission it both promises better fuel economy compared to the 350Z.

Suspension

The 370Z is about 90lbs lighter compared to 350Z and despite being lighter the 370Z is more rigid throughout and meeting tighter safety standard. The secret to this success is aluminum. Nissan engineers used it extensively, including on the hood, rear hatch, and door skins. The control arm front suspension has been redesigned, and the multi-link rear is now stiffer and lighter than before. The 370Z also measures nearly four inches shorter than its predecessor, while gaining an inch in width.

Interior

The 370Z’s interior was based in the interior of the Infinity G37. 370Z has optional navigation system. Anti-slip cloth seats come standard, eight-speaker Bose audio was also standard. Nissan establish to make some space in the trunk by relocating the rear stabilizer brace. The only mistake we can see is Nissan's decision to make iPod compatibility only available in cars equipped with navigation, although all cars have an auxiliary input.


Specifications 2009 370Z (Z34)
Engine 3.7-litre V6 (VQ37VHR)
Max. Power 246kW @ 7000RPM
Max. Torque 366Nm @ 5200RPM
Bore & Stroke 95.5 x 86.0
Compression ratio 11:1
Transmission 6-speed manual with automatic rev matching

7-speed auto w/ manual mode and paddle shifters
Brakes Standard:
Front: 12.6 x 1.10-inch vented discs.
Rear: 12.13 x 1.10-inch vented discs.
Optional:
Front: 14.0 x 1.26-inch vented discs.
Rear: 13.8 x 0.79-inch vented discs.
Suspension Front
• Double wishbone aluminum suspension
• High vacuum diecast aluminum alloy
• Subframe construction
• Stabilizer bar
• Shock absorbers
Rear
• Independent multi-link aluminum suspension
• Steel
• Subframe construction
• Shock absorbers
• Stabilizer bar
Wheels Standard:
Aluminum-alloy
Front: 18×8 inches
Rear: 18×9 inches
Optional:
RAYS light weight forged alloy
Front: 19×9 inches
Rear: 19×10 inches
Tyres Standard:
Yokohama ADVAN Sport
Front: P225/50R18
Rear: P245/45R18
Optional:
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A
Front: P245/40R19
Rear: P275/35R19