Acura RDX, 2010

The Acura RDX continues to be the compact luxury SUV of choice for drivers with energetic lifestyles who need a responsive and sporty vehicle with plenty of utility and leading edge styling. 2010 marks the first time ever that the Acura RDX is available with a two-wheel-drive option, which is appealing to customers who live in warmer climates and who don't need the all-weather capability all-wheel drive offers. Due to the decreased weight of the two wheel drive model, the Acura RDX gets improved fuel economy over the SH-AWD model- resulting in an improvement of 2 mpg in the city and on the highway.

Externally, the 2010 RDX receives numerous changes resulting in a more aggressive, sporty appearance. Exterior changes include redesigned 18-inch diameter aluminum-alloy wheels, bold new front and rear bumper fascias, Acura's signature design front grille, revised headlights and taillights, new exhaust tips and satin trim accents.

While the Acura RDX's sport-minded chassis remains the same, the 2010 model features revised braking system components that deliver better feel and enhanced durability. Also for 2010, the Acura RDX receives several new standard interior features including a rear view camera system, electronic compass, a pull handle to make closing the rear hatch easier, auto-function headlights, ambient footwell lighting, a center console storage tray, improved cupholders, USB-port connectivity, and Note function for XM Radio. Additionally, the Acura RDX interior gets subtle changes to the leather, resulting in a richer, more premium look to the interior seating surfaces.

True to Acura's leadership in the application of advanced technology, the Acura RDX incorporates a class-leading array of features that keep passengers informed, entertained and in control. Every Acura RDX features as standard Bluetooth Hands Free Link connectivity with new Bluetooth audio capabilities, a 7-speaker Acura Premium Sound System and a new USB port that allows the connection of (and charging of) items such as an iPhone or iPod. For those who want to be even more connected to the world around them, the optional Technology Package includes Acura's signature Navigation System with Voice Recognition which has expanded voice capabilities for 2010. Additionally, the Acura Link Satellite Communication System with Real-Time Traffic now features Traffic Rerouting and AcuraLink Real-Time Weather.

Powertrain
The Acura RDX is equipped with a turbocharged 2.3-liter DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine incorporating computer-controlled "intelligent" i-VTEC intake/exhaust valve actuation that delivers enhanced performance across a broad powerband. The heart of the Acura RDX's performance is its Variable Flow Turbocharger (VFT) that delivers an unusually broad powerband with virtually no lag in throttle response. The turbocharger works in concert with i-VTEC to deliver outstanding acceleration and efficiency while driving at a variety of speeds.

For 2010, the turbo system makes use of a new inlet pipe that is thicker to reduce noise during high boost situations and the Acura RDX incorporate a dual-stage radiator fan to further reduce cabin noise.

Rated output for the 2.3L I-4 engine is 240 horsepower at 6,000 rpm with 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Acura RDX has an EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 19/24 mpg (RDX) and 17/22 mpg (RDX SH-AWD) along with meeting EPA TIER 2 - BIN 5 and CARB LEV-2 ULEV exhaust emissions standards.

A performance-minded Sequential SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Acura RDX and an electronically-controlled Drive-by-Wire throttle system works with the transmission to execute exceptionally quick and smooth gear changes. The Sequential SportShift feature allows the transmission to function in a conventional automatic mode or can be controlled manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Chassis
Acura's exclusive Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system is available on the Acura RDX, helping it to maximize available traction while improving handling balance and responsiveness in a variety of weather conditions. SH-AWD distributes optimum torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels while also being able to overdrive the rear wheels. The system's direct yaw control utilizes torque vectoring to help reduce understeer thus enhancing steering accuracy and adding to total cornering ability.

New for 2010 is a two-wheel-drive version of the Acura RDX that offers a lighter vehicle weight, improved fuel economy and a lower purchase price. The 2WD RDX employs a front wheel drive drivetrain design, but otherwise retains the same exceptional chassis and driving dynamics for which the Acura RDX is known.

Precise and responsive handling is generated by fully independent front and rear suspension. The Mac Pherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension system is tuned for compliant control, and the suspension is assisted by large-diameter front and rear stabilizer bars for flatter cornering. Standard to the Acura RDX is Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control to further enhance vehicle controllability and grip.

For 2010, changes to the brake booster and servo deliver even better brake pedal feel along with less initial brake "grabbiness". In addition, the brake system makes use of revised rear brake pad actuation that delivers less drag and longer pad life; also added to the mix are Geomet-coated brake rotors for improved looks and added corrosion protection.

The Exterior
Acura RDX exterior styling further emphasizes the crossover SUV's sporty athleticism. Large wheel arches, aggressively raked body sides, steeply raked windscreen and a short rear overhang generate an Acura RDX with a taut and muscular presence. A unique rear hatch allows for a smooth transition of the body to the rear bumper- a transition that delivers a more custom look as well as eases loading and unloading of cargo.

For 2010, the Acura RDX gets a new front fascia, Acura's signature front grille, a hood with a new front edge design and updated HID headlights that are now controlled by a standard Auto on/off function. Looking at the side of the 2010 Acura RDX you'll notice new wheels that team with the vehicle's wide track (61.9-in. front, 62.6-in. rear) to deliver excellent handling. At the rear, a much more aggressive bumper fascia, rectangular exhaust finishers, revised taillights and satin finish trim give the 2010 Acura RDX a fresh new look.

Redesigned high-intensity discharge (HID) low beam headlights command the corners of the Acura RDX's front fascia and fenders. The headlight's new design incorporates a "smoke style" chrome plating treatment and complements the angular pattern set by the Acura grille. Front bumper integrated fog lamps are standard on the Acura RDX, and for 2010 they are mounted within separate side grilles located at the corners of the new front fascia. Both front and rear wheel arches are bold and broad, and new 18x7.5-inch 10-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels further add to the dramatic appearance of the Acura RDX.

The Interior
Inside every Acura RDX, leather trimmed front seats deliver a high outward visibility "eye point" that provides a confident field of view. The 3-passenger rear seat has a 60/40 split-folding capability and, when folded flat, significantly expands the load area and increases the total cargo volume to 60.6 cubic feet.

Multiple storage compartments are positioned throughout the interior, including a lockable dual-level center console (that is large enough to accommodate a briefcase) conveniently located between the front seats. For 2010, two revised interior color themes are available: a darker, richer Ebony and; a lighter, more premium looking Taupe.

Acura interior design has always made intuitive functionality a priority, and in the 2010 Acura RDX all important systems and controls now feature even more intuitive button placement along with easier-to-read markings. The systems used most frequently - audio and cruise control - have switches positioned on the steering wheel, and for 2010 the HVAC buttons have been moved closer to the driver. Technology Package items like Bluetooth Hands Free Link, Multi-Information Display (MID) and the Acura Link Satellite Communications System can be controlled via switches on the steering wheel. Acura Link messages consist of text displayed on the navigation screen, plus full details via Text-To-Speech can be heard over the Acura RDX audio system. For 2010, the RDX has improved Text-To-Speech voice recognition with more words that can be recognized.

Also new for 2010 is a center console tray that is a convenient way to store items such as a wallet, spare keys, or an iPod. In addition, integrated to the underside of the lid is a coin holder and place for holding credit or gate cards. New for 2010 is a USB port (also located in the center console) that allows for the easy connection of items such as an iPod, iPhone or a memory stick storage device. Standard is an Acura Premium Sound System with AM/FM tuner, 6-disc in-dash CD, MP3, WMA, XM Radio, 7 speakers and a 360 watts watt amplifier. The Acura RDX has soothing blue low-level ambient lighting in the ceiling that illuminates the front center console area, and new for 2010 is ambient blue footwell lighting.

For 2010, the available Technology Package adds even more capability, and integrates seamlessly into the Acura RDX's performance-oriented driving environment. The Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition has a revised 8-inch screen, improved navigation system feature use and content, and a faster reacting and more useful rear view camera. Non-Technology Package RDX's now get a standard rear view camera system with a viewing screen that is integrated into the auto-dimming rear view mirror.

With the Acura Link Satellite Communication System and Acura Link Real-Time Traffic, the Acura RDX driver can easily navigate around complex freeways. In addition, the navigation system now includes Traffic Rerouting that allows automatic rerouting around problem areas. Also new for the 2010 Acura RDX is AcuraLink Real-Time Weather with weather radar image maps that provide weather tracking for area-specific, continually-updated weather conditions between your current location and your final destination.

Part of the Acura RDX Technology Package is a spectacular Acura/ELS Surroundpremium audio system with 6-disc DVD-audio, CD/MP3/WMA player, DTS, AM/FM tuner, XM Radio, Dolby Pro Logic II 10 speakers and a 410 watt amplifier. The Acura/ELS audio system was designed by 6-time Grammy award winning sound engineer Elliot Scheiner. When playing DVD-Audio discs (DVD-Audio is 500 times clearer than traditional CD), this advanced system delivers eight discreet audio channels (up from the usual two channels) to create an exceptionally accurate listening experience. For 2010, the Acura/ELS Surround audio system receives a Note function for XMRadio that allows the driver to later recall the song title, artist, a short excerpt of the actual song along with the XM channel that played the song.

The Technology Package also includes a GPS-linked, solar-sensing, dual-zone, automatic climate control system. In total, these advanced technologies put the Acura RDX at the cutting edge of the Entry Premium SUV segment.

Safety and Security
The Acura RDX's technology leadership also extends to safety, where a long list of advanced features, including an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure allow the Acura RDX to achieve NHTSA's top rating (5-Stars) for both frontal and side impact crash tests

The ACE body structure employs a network of interconnected front frame structures that work to absorb and redirect collision forces away from the passenger cabin while helping improve crash compatibility with vehicles of different sizes in a frontal collision. A special frame member located below the Acura RDX's front bumper is designed to engage the front bumper of a lower vehicle, allowing the bumper systems of both vehicles to attenuate crash energy more efficiently.

In addition, a specially engineered hood, collapsible hood hinges, breakaway wiper pivots and other features help reduce the chance of pedestrian injury in the event of a collision with the vehicle.

Inside, the Acura RDX has a full complement of passive safety features. Key technologies include the latest generation of dual-stage, multiple-threshold airbags for the driver and front passenger, plus side airbags for the driver and front passenger along with side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor for all outboard occupants. The front passenger's side airbag features an Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) to prevent airbag deployment if a child or small-stature adult leans into the deployment path. LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) child seat mounting systems allow the quick and secure installation of a child seats.

NST-Maybank Car of The Year 2010: COTY 2U CARnival

A COTY 2U CARnival will be one of the highlights of the New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year Awards 2010.

This was announced by New Straits Times Sdn Bhd Group Editor Datuk Syed Nadzri Syed Harun at the media launch of the New Straits Times/Maybank �Car of the Year� (COTY) 2010 held at the Peugeot Blue Box Showroom in Glenmarie recently.

�This inaugural event, to be held from November 20 � 21, is to present to the public the full line-up of all the 60 nominated vehicles for this year�s Car of the Year Awards."

�It is also targeted to bring Malaysian motorists, car models launched in Malaysia for Malaysian roads and car manufacturers together in a celebration of passion for motoring,� said Datuk Syed Nadzri.

�There will also be test drives, a defensive driving course, mini workshops on car safety, In-Car Entertainment (ICE) and Security Rating Awards at this fun-filled family CARnival,� Datuk Syed Nadzri said.

Maybank, Malaysia�s premier banking group and a leading player in automobile financing, is the official title sponsor for the COTY Awards for the fourth consecutive year.

�The Malaysian automotive industry is heading for a record breaking year in sales. With improved confidence of both consumers and businesses, automobile manufacturers are already experiencing greater demand for even better models in the coming year,� said Ashraf Ali Abdul Kadir, Head, Consumer Finance Maybank.

�As an automobile financier, Maybank too benefits from this growth as demand for financing will increase in tandem with the industry. This has already been obvious over the last year, in which we registered automobile loan growth of 12% for the year ended June 2010. This is the fourth consecutive year of double digit growth which incidentally parallels the period we have been title sponsor of the NST-Maybank Car of the Year Awards,� said Ashraf Ali.

Now in its ninth year, COTY is the country�s first motoring award started in 2002 by Cars, Bikes & Trucks, the motoring section of the New Sunday Times, to acknowledge achievements within the motoring industry.

A panel of 9 judges comprising of motoring journalists and other distinguished personalities will be testing over 60 new and substantially facelifted models classified into 13 categories.

New cars launched between November 2009 and October 2010 qualify for COTY.

The evaluation criteria includes styling, value for money, comfort and ergonomics, performance, driving characteristics, safety, emotional appeal and after sales service.

The highest scoring vehicle in each category wins the award for �Best in Class�. The Overall Car of the Year will then be selected from the list of 13 category winners.

The annual award is endorsed and supported by the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

The COTY Gala Awards Night will be held on November 26 at The Saujana, Kuala Lumpur. More than 150 top automotive figures are expected to grace the event.

BMW divulga novo v�deo de S�rie 1 M

O S�rie 1 M Cup� chega em no primeiro semestre do pr�ximo ano e o seu nome ainda n�o est� definido, mas o �M� estar� em seu nome.

Veja o v�deo abaixo que revela um pouco do novo BMW.

Recall no Agile

A partir de hoje, os 59.714 donos do Chevrolet Agile poder�o agendar sua visita � rede Chevrolet.

Segundo a GM, um defeito pode ocorrer na mangueira de combust�vel, podendo provocar vazamento do mesmo e conseq�ente inc�ndio.

O defeito pode aparecer devido a problemas no processo produtivo. O servi�o de corre��o vai come�ar a partir de 13 de setembro.

Os chassis envolvidos v�o de AR1000003 a AR191692 no modelo 2010. J� o 2011 vai de BR1000008 a BR143441.

A GM disponibiliza o telefone 0800 702 4200 ou o site da Chevrolet para esclarecimento de d�vidas e agendamento.

A melhor ultrapassagem de todos os tempos

Digna de ultrapassagens de desenho animado.


Via jalopnik Brasil

Volkswagen Amarok Trendline uma op��o mais em conta

A Amarok Trendline na verdade � uma vers�o intermediaria, porem com a vers�o mais barata ainda n�o chegou ela fica como sendo a vers�o de entrada.

Seu valor parte de R$ 102 990 e traz de s�rie ar, dire��o, vidros, travas e retrovisores el�tricos,sistema multim�dia, ABS e airbags. Bancos em couro sistema de controle para subidas e descidas �ngremes, aros 17 polegadas.

Vem com motor biturbo 2.0 com 163 cv e c�mbio manual de seis marchas.

Gincana 3 com Ken Block , primeira parte

Desta vez, o Gincana, esta um pouco diferente das outras edi��es. Nos outros v�deos Ken Block fazia manobras que deixavam a gente de boca aberta pensando como o cara consegue fazer isto.

No Gincana 3, para quem gosta de Rap esta perfeito, mas para quem gosta de a��o ficou meio frustrante, a parte boa � que tem uma gatinhas fazendo desenho no corpo. Ficamos no aguardo para a segunda parte que chega em setembro.

Volkswagen apresenta a Amarok na 55� Festa do Pe�o de Barretos

A Volkswagen do Brasil marca presen�a na 55� edi��o da Festa do Pe�o de Boiadeiro, que se realiza entre os dias 19 e 29 de agosto, na cidade de Barretos, norte do estado de S�o Paulo. Trata-se da maior festa do pe�o da Am�rica Latina. A Volkswagen, mostra em seu estande a moderna Amarok, modelo de estreia da marca no segmento de pick-ups m�dias, que est� � venda na rede de concession�rias Volkswagen. Duas unidades do novo modelo entrar�o na arena para uma apresenta��o especial.

A Volkswagen tamb�m vai expor pela primeira vez no Brasil, duas unidades da Amarok que participaram como ve�culo oficial de apoio no Rally Dakar, al�m do utilit�rio esportivo Tiguan e da picape Saveiro. O Tiguan vem agora com Park Assist, sistema que torna extremamente f�cil estacionar em vagas paralelas, com interfer�ncia do motorista apenas no controle do freio, j� que um sensor posicionado na lateral do para-choques dianteiro verifica se o espa�o � suficiente para o tamanho do carro. A Saveiro leva sua tradi��o e beleza da nova gera��o ao evento.

Desenvolvida na Alemanha e produzida na f�brica de Pacheco, na Argentina, a Amarok, diferencia-se pela tecnologia e seguran�a em seu segmento. O modelo tem pre�o de R$119.490. A Amarok vem equipada com motor TDI biturbo de �ltima gera��o, com sistema de inje��o direta de combust�vel, que estabelece novos padr�es no que se refere a consumo e garante um excelente desempenho. O modelo tamb�m oferece os mais altos n�veis de seguran�a ativa e passiva.

Apresentada primeiramente na vers�o cabine dupla Highline, a pick-up carrega em seu estilo e conceito o novo DNA de design da Volkswagen, refletido, sobretudo, no destaque das linhas horizontais, na clara defini��o das superf�cies da carroceria e na alta precis�o na montagem. O conjunto composto pelos far�is horizontais e a grade do radiador, com aletas e frisos decorativos cromados � uma das caracter�sticas mais marcantes da pick-up.

Amarok

A Amarok vem equipada com um motor de alta tecnologia: o TDI de 2,0 litros, 4 cilindros e 16 v�lvulas, com 163 cv, dotado de sistema de inje��o direta common-rail e alimentado por dois turbocompressores, com torque m�ximo de 40,8 kgfm a apenas 1.750 rpm. A Amarok � oferecida com tra��o 4x4 selecion�vel (4Motion) que proporciona um excelente desempenho em qualquer condi��o de piso, principalmente fora de estrada.

A pick-up tamb�m traz as maiores medidas em seu segmento tanto nas dimens�es do habit�culo quanto na ca�amba. Internamente, o espa�o para os joelhos no banco traseiro permite � Amarok transportar cinco ocupantes com o m�ximo conforto. Com apenas duas pessoas a bordo, � poss�vel rebater o banco traseiro para aumentar a �rea de carga no interior.

55� Festa do Pe�o de Boiadeiro de Barretos
Data: 19 a 29 de agosto
Hor�rio: Segunda a sexta, a partir das 20h. Finais de semana, desde 18h.
Local: Parque do Pe�o Mussa Calil Neto, km 428 da Rodovia Brigadeiro Faria Lima (SP-326), Barretos, S�o Paulo

Fonte Volkswagen

Hyundai Tucson Awarded 5-Star EURO NCAP Rating

Euro NCAP, the independent vehicle safety organization, has announced that Hyundai�s new ix35 (also known as Tucson) compact SUV has been awarded the maximum five-star safety rating in its rigorous crash-test assessment program. The result places the ix35 (Tucson) as one of the safest vehicles in its class, and included a segment-best score for the �child occupant protection� category.

The ix35 (Tucson) is the third Hyundai vehicle in a row to achieve a five-star rating from Euro NCAP, following on from the top ratings achieved by i20 supermini and i30 hatchback.

The C-segment SUV received a class-leading score of 88% for child occupants, scoring well in tests with both 18-month-old and three�year-old dummies. The test score for adult occupants was 90%, and the safety assist features earned a score of 71%.

Electronic stability control, which is standard on all models, and a seatbelt reminder system played a key role in the ix35�s (Tucson) score in the safety assist category. Hyundai�s focus on occupant safety was highlighted with high scores in the front and rear impact tests, with a stable compartment providing good protection in the event of a crash.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe said, �Receiving a five star crash test rating is testament to our commitment to providing customers with vehicles of superior quality and top-class safety. European drivers have very high demands, and our design and engineering teams at our European R&D centre have created a car, which matches such expectations.

Special Hari Raya Service Promotion for Hyundai car owners in Malaysia

Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd (HSDM) is offering its customers a �Special Hari Raya Service Promotion� in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. This service promotion is available at participating Hyundai service centers from 20^th August to 9^th September, 2010.

With an emphasis on �safety first� for the �balik kampung� rush this Hari Raya festivity, Hyundai wants to ensure Hyundai car owners a peace of mind during their long drive home. The promotion is also part of Hyundai�s commitment in providing value for money after-sales service to its valued customers. Customers can enjoy up to 20% discount on selected parts with 10% to 15% discount on labour depending on amount spent on parts purchase.

�Hyundai cars will be serviced by certified Hyundai technicians who use the latest diagnostic and service equipment. They also have immediate access to up-to-date technical and repair information which allows quicker diagnosis and repairs to any problem,� said Mr Dennis Ho, Managing Director of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors Sdn Bhd.

He added that all certified Hyundai service outlets use only genuine parts manufactured according to Hyundai specifications. This is to ensure top performance and a maximum life span of Hyundai cars.

�Hyundai car owners should take advantage of this promotion as it does not only mean savings on selected parts and labour, but also a better and safer drive home,� said Mr Ho.

Customers who participate in this campaign will also receive free mystery gifts. For their own convenience, customers are advised to make prior appointments with the respective service centers or dealers.

V�deo do Novo Mercedes-Benz CLS 2012

Fonte

Volkswagen alem� promove concurso internacional de design pela 8� vez

A Volkswagen mundial patrocina pela oitava vez consecutiva o Interior Motives Design Award, concurso destinado a estudantes de arquitetura e design de todo o mundo, cuja cerim�nia de premia��o est� marcada para outubro, em Paris. O tema deste ano � Conduzindo a Revolu��o Interior, e, em uma das categorias, os inscritos trabalharam o conceito criado pela Volkswagen �Aumente o Volume�, cujo objetivo � pensar novas formas de dividir e construir o interior de um autom�vel. Os finalistas ser�o conhecidos no in�cio de setembro e a premia��o est� marcada para 1� de outubro.

Patrocinando o concurso desde 2003, a Volkswagen considera-o essencial para promover jovens talentos. �Queremos conhecer suas ideias e os integrar a projetos atuais ou futuros da nossa empresa. Estamos sempre em busca de tend�ncias�, explica Wolfsgang M�ller-Pietralla, Chefe de Pesquisas de Tend�ncias da Volkswagen e um dos jurados.

O Interior Motives Design Award 2010 recebeu trabalhos de estudantes arquitetura e design que se graduaram no �ltimo ano acad�mico ou ingressaram na faculdade de design em 2010. Os vencedores nas dez categorias, que incluem Melhor Inova��o e Melhor Uso da Tecnologia, receber�o um cheque de 5 mil euros.

Visite o site do evento: http://www.interiormotivesawards.com/

Fonte Volkswagen

Volkswagen Race Touareg 3

O Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 foi apresentado. Ele ir� participar do Rally Dakar, prova que a Volkswagen levou em 2009 e 2010.

A vers�o para o pr�ximo Dakar ter� o chassis feito em fibra de carbono, far�is em LED, o motor � o 2.5 TDI com 300 cv que o leva de 0 a 100 km/h em 6,1 segundos com m�xima de 188 km/h.

A pr�xima edi��o do Rally Dakar acontece de 1 a 16 de janeiro de 2011.

BMW Isetta, 1955

BMW Isetta, 1955

BMW made the Isetta its own. They redesigned the powerplant around a more reliable BMW one-cylinder, four-stroke, 247 cc motorcycle engine making 13 hp. Though the major elements of the Italian design remained intact, BMW re-engineered much of the car, so much so that none of the parts between a BMW Isetta Moto Coupe and an Iso Isetta are interchangeable. The first BMW Isetta appeared in April, 1955.

BMW Isetta 250
While it retained the "Bubble Window" styling, it differed from the Italian model in that its headlamps were fixed separately to the sides of the bodywork and it carried the BMW badge below the windscreen. The car was also redesigned to take a modified version of the 250 cc 4-stroke engine from the BMW R25/3 motorcycle and the front suspension was changed. The single-cylinder generated 12 hp at 5800 rpm. The crankcase and cylinder were made of cast iron, the cylinder head of aluminium. However, the head was rotated by 180 degrees compared with the motorcycle engine. The twin-bearing crankshaft was also different in the Isetta power unit, being larger and featuring reinforced bearings. One of the reasons for this was the heavy Dynastart unit which combined the dynamo and self-starter. The fuel mixture was provided by a Bing sliding throttle side draft motorcycle carburettor. In addition to further changes of detail, the BMW engineers enlarged the sump for installation in the car and cooled the engine by means of a radial fan and shrouded ducting.

The power train from the four-speed gearbox to the two rear wheels was also unusual: fixed to the gearbox output drive was something called a Hardy disc, which was a cardan joint made of rubber. On the other side of it was a cardan shaft, and finally a second Hardy disc, which in turn was located at the entrance to a chain case. A duplex chain running in an oil bath led finally to a rigid shaft, at each end of which were the two rear wheels.

In Germany the Isetta could even be driven with a motorcycle licence. The top speed of the Isetta 250 was rated as 85 km/h.

The first BMW Isetta rolled off the line in April of 1955 and in the next eight months, some 10,000 of the "bubblecars" were produced.
BMW Isetta 300
In October 1956 the Isetta Moto Coupe DeLuxe (sliding-window Isetta) was introduced. The bubble windows were replaced by longer, sliding side windows. The engineers had enlarged the single cylinder to a 72 mm bore and 73 mm stroke, which gave a displacement of exactly 298 cc, and at the same time they raised the compression ratio from 6.8 to 7.0:1. In this way the engine now generated 13 hp (10 kW) at 5200 rpm, and the torque rose to 18.4 N�m at 4600 rpm. The maximum speed remained at 85 km/h, yet there was a marked increase in flexibility, chiefly noticeable on gradients.

In addition to the quest for better performance, there was another reason for the change: it was then still possible to drive the 250 cc Isetta with the old Class IV driving licence. Quite a number of Isettas were lovingly maintained by their owners for years and even decades, precisely because they possessed no other licence. On the other hand, from 1956 onwards, first-time drivers had to pass the test for Class III if they wanted to drive a car. True, the Class IV licence continued to be issued, but it was only valid for small motorcycles.
A second, similar reason for fitting the larger engine was the prevailing tax regime. The 250 cc engine did not take full advantage of the tax class, which then went up to 300 cc.

BMW Isetta 600
The BMW 600 was intended as an enlarged Isetta three-wheeler with more power and a more conventional four-wheel configuration.

The front end of the 600 was virtually unchanged from the Isetta, but the 600's wheelbase was stretched to accommodate four seats. A conventional rear axle was added. BMW introduced the semi-trailing arm independent suspension on the 600. This suspension would be used on almost every new model for the next four decades. Because of extra size and weight, the 600 had a more powerful engine than the Isetta. The 600 had the 582 cc twin engine from the R67 motorcycle. Top speed was 64 mph.

In two years only 34,000 600s were produced, partly due to price competition with the entry-level VW Beetle. In the late 1950s consumers wanted cars that looked like cars, and they had lost interest in economy models. Sales of the 600 were, however, aided by the energy crisis of 1956�1957.

In May 1962 BMW ceased production of the Isetta. A total of 161,728 units had been built.

BMW Roadster, 1954

BMW Roadster, 1954

BMW Roadster, 1954

BMW 502 V8, 1954

BMW 502 V8, 1954

BMW 502 V8, 1954

BMW 502 Coupe, 1954

BMW 502 Coupe, 1954

BMW 502 Coupe, 1954

video -Carros Tuning

moto fest ara�atuba 2009

As loucuras de Travis Pastrana

Para quem ainda n�o conhece Travis Pastrana, segundo a Wikip�dia, � um �competidor estadunidense de esportes motorizados, como supercross, motocross, freestyle e rali, e vencedor dos X Gamesnessas modalidades.

Pastrana inventou v�rias manobras de motocross como "travis lazy boy" e se tornou campe�o mundial aos 14 anos. No dia 4 de agosto de 2006, nos X Games de Los Angeles, ele se tornou a primeira pessoa a realizar um Duplo backflip em uma competi��o, ganhando sua primeira medalha de ouro no Moto X Best Trick.�

Para mim ele � um �maluco�. Porem n�o � qualquer �maluco�, ele � um �maluco� com um incr�vel talento, coragem, per�cia, destreza, etc, etc, etc...

Voc� pode ver um pouco do que eu estou falando assistindo alguns v�deos dele, nestes v�deos ele mostra tudo o que gostar�amos de fazer com carros, motos, bicicletas e tudo que tem rodas, se tiv�ssemos talento e coragem suficiente.

Travis com monster


Travis com carro de rally


Travis com as motos (Duplo backflip 2:10)


Mas nem tudo s�o flores quando se escolhe um esporte como estes.