News
Miscellaneous car news and blog posts
- LVVTA News Release: Astro Supremes Wheels
From a number of different sources, LVVTA has become aware of failures of the brand of wheels known as 'Astro Supremes'.
LVVTA Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:24:51 +0000
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posted on 10.12.2011 18:00 written by Kirby
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The run up to one of our favorite auto shows has begun and we’re already getting a few looks at some of the cars that are expected to be in attendance.
One of the early reveals is the Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car, the Korean automaker’s very first B-Spec offering. The car was developed by Kinetic Motorsports and will be unveiled at SEMA in a month’s time.
For their part, Kia may not have the same cache as the likes of Toyota and Honda in B-Spec racing, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they’re not looking at breaking into the scene like gangbusters.
The car itself already comes packed with plenty of technical and mechanical modifications, complete with a fully decked red-and-white racing livery, a new suspension set-up comprising of a MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear axle, a roll cage, and plenty of additional racing safety equipment.
As for the powertrain, the car is expected to carry the same engine set-up as its stock counterpart. What that means is that the Rio B-Spec Race Car will carry a 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine that produces 138 HP and 123 lb-ft of torque. Kinetic Motorsports will also leave open the option of tweaking the output to squeeze in as much extra horsepower as it could within the rules.
"With the rapid development of the Kia Racing program and the launch of the 2012 Rio five-door, we have a unique opportunity to introduce Kia to a new and passionate racing community," said Michael Sprague Kia Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
The car has been penciled in to make its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Show in Las Vegas next month.
Kia Rio B-Spec Race Car originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 18:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 17:00 written by Kirby
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Special edition muscle cars are nothing new in today’s world so you can excuse us if some fall between the cracks every now and then. Sooner or later, though, some special edition muscle cars are just to awesome to let slip by and this particular one from SMS Supercars is one such example.
Unveiled recently during SMS Supercars’ Car Show and Open House event, this special edition Mustang 302 Convertible was built to celebrate the tuning company’s partnership with the Sturgis Mustang Rally. So what makes it stand out from the rest of the pack?
To begin with, the topless piece of American muscle was dressed up in an awesome Lizstick Red chrome bodywork that draws inspiration from the legendary colors of the Saleen. On top of that, SMS added a full body kit to go with an upgraded exhaust, a new S4 suspension system, a set of 20" chrome wheels, 14" front brakes with drilled rotors, and a full leather interior complemented with details of Alcantara.
It will stand out from a mile away, and you’ll also be able to hear it. The Mustang 302 was fitted with an Airaid cold air intake and a Boss 302 intake manifold from Ford Racing. With these new items on tow, the car’s 5.0-liter V8 engine saw an increased output of 500 horsepower, a significant upgrade from the standard model’s 440-horsepower output.
Like we said, there’s plenty to love about this SMS Supercars-tuned Mustang 302, wouldn’t you say?
Ford Mustang 302 Convertible by SMS Supercars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 17:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 17:00 written by Sulthoni , Kirby
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Yamaha has been on quite a roll lately, hasn’t it? After scoring their second AMA Pro Racing American SuperBike Championship in many years, Yamaha wants to build on that momentum by introducing the new YZF-R1.
The model already comes with plenty of MotoGP technology so it’s worth pointing out that with the 2012 model comes all sorts of new updates and innovations that are derived from the company’s rich racing heritage. All bets are off as to how awesome the bike is going to be.
Even better is that the YZF-R1 will also spawn a special World GP 50th Anniversary Edition that will celebrate the company’s aforementioned racing heritage. Only 2000 of these special edition models will be sold and they will come in the company’s race-winning Pearl White/Rapid Red livery with plenty of other unique additions reserved only for the special edition model.
There’s plenty to like about the Yamaha YZF-R1, and there’s no reason for anybody to turn their backs against it, especially when a special edition model is staring right at you at the dealerships.
Find out more about the 2012 Yamaha YZF-R1 after the jump.
Yamaha YZF-R1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 17:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 16:00 written by Simona
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Pininfarina, the epic auto design and coachbuilding company responsible for the likes of Ferrari and Maserati models, is taking its breakdown to the next level by announcing that it will no longer be producing cars. This news comes about two years after the company sold its auto assembly and painting business. From now on, Pininfarina will only be in the automotive design business.
"Unfortunately we are having to stop our production activities, given the way the car market is. So we are focusing on design and engineering," a Pininfarina spokesman said. Since this decision was made, Pininfarina has already begun laying off the first few of the 127 employees that will be losing their jobs, a task that is costing them a total of 2.9 million euro ($3,900,000 at the current exchange rates)
It didn’t seem as though Pininfarina had much choice in the matter considering their business had plummeted since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008. There was a time when Pininfarina produced 40,000 vehicles in one year, and in 2010, that number dwindled down to 7,000. Now that their only focus will be on design, we expect to see great things from the Italian company.
Pininfarina stops producing cars; Will focus on design originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 16:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 15:00 written by Simona
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A couple of years ago, it was rumored that Volvo would be expanding its 30 family with a new crossover version called the XC30. This may still be the case, but it looks like we’ll be getting another addition before the XC30 ever makes it to the table. These recent spy shots show a new V30 model that is being considered a 4 door version of the current C30. The vehicle was caught testing in Holland for its first time and, strangely enough, it was driving around in Amsterdam where it was seen at McDonalds during a break. Hey, the drivers need to eat too.
The XC30 prototype caught testing was wearing heavy camo, but you can easily notice that the front end is sleeker and more like the S60 then the current C30. Rear lights also look very sculptured.
As for the engine line-up, it is rumored that the V30 will be the first car to get Volvo’s new range of modular four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engines, but with capacities no bigger than 2.0 liter.
Expect the V30 to debut in late 2012 or early 2013 as a competitor for models like the Volkswagen Golf.
Volvo V30 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 15:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 15:00 written by Kirby , Sulthoni
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The Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe is one of the most powerful and stylish bikes on the market and the 2012 model comes packed with plenty of new features.
Comfort, convenience and style. Three words that best describe the 2012 Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe casual full dress tourer. The bike’s sleek neo-classic styling lines are only the beginning; it also has a hard fairing with an aggressive mini windshield and color-matched hard saddlebags, plus a handlebar-mounted, audio-controller that allows you to ante up on the volume of your plugged-in iPod. There’s also a a pair of large, color-matched, locking hard sidebags, making the bike an ideal companion for those short and long trips. For the 2012 model, the new features include a Garmin Zumo 665 GPS that comes with plenty of features, including navigation, Bluetooth, Sirius/XM satellite radio capability, real-time weather and traffic, road condition, and warning, among other things.
In terms of performance, the 2012 Stratoliner Deluxe is powered by a 1,854cc air-cooled, pushrod V-twin engine producing great thrust at any speed. The engine also has a twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection that provides optimum engine efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range of conditions. As far as the chassis and suspension are concerned, the bike features a long and low aluminum frame that features light handling unlike any other full-size cruiser. The suspension set-up utilizes 46mm fork tubes to serve up an excellent ride and a sweet appearance, as well as a tucked-out-of-sight single shock with adjustable spring preload that provides a smooth ride.
Find out more about the full specs of the Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe after the jump.
Yamaha Stratoliner Deluxe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 15:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 14:00 written by Kirby
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Lotus has made no bones about its plans to one day tussle with the big boys of the auto industry. One way the company is looking into breaking ground is by promoting its illustrious racing history and inspiring some of their production sports cars with hints and touches of their racing pedigree. One such model is the recently introduced Evora S GP Edition.
Dressed in a black paint scheme with distinctive gold striping, red mirrors, and spanking gold wheels, the Evora S GP Edition is the latest in a slew of special edition Lotus sports cars the company has introduced in the past years. If the colors of the Evora S GP Edition look a little familiar to you, it’s because you’ve seen it in previous Lotus models, most specifically with the Evora Enduro GT Concept earlier this year and the Lotus Renault Formula One race car.
In addition to its striking colors, the Evora S GP Edition also comes equipped with a rearview camera, as well as Lotus’ premium and technology packages.
Under the hood of the Evora S GP Edition, you’ll find a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine that produces 350 horsepower and 295 lb/ft of torque. The performance numbers translate to a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 172 mph.
Only three units of the Evora S GP Edition will be made available, each priced at £69,950, which is $109,155 based on current exchange rates.
Lotus Evora S GP Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 14:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 14:00 written by Kirby , Sulthoni
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The 2012 Yamaha Roadliner S doesn’t come with a whole lot of changes compared to the previous models, and that might be a good thing. It still has that unmistakable neo-streamline design that gives it a completely distinctive look. Add a long and low aluminum frame that provides great looks and light handling with one of the biggest engines on the market, and you have a bike that’s definitely worth your hard-earned money. Speaking about a few features of the bike, the sculpted seat provides an excellent place to sit on long rides. The Roadliner S also gets plenty of chrome treatment, including the chrome switchgear, front brake and clutch master cylinders and levers, the belt guard, fork and fork covers, handlebar clamps, a shifter, a front pulley cover, various engine covers, a rear fender stay, and polished wheels.
The Roadliner S will also be carrying a 1,854cc air-cooled, pushrod V-twin engine that produces great thrust at any speed. That’s added to a twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection, providing optimum engine efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range of conditions. Despite the monster engine, Roadliner S achieves an estimated fuel economy of 42 mpg with a fuel tank that holds 4.5 gallons of gas.
Handling is also aces with the Roadliner S. We already talked about the lightweight aluminum frame, but the bike also has a light, controlled-Fill die-cast swingarm that complements the bike’s streamline style and reduces unsprung weight for great handling. Add 46mm fork tubes that serve up an excellent ride and a tucked-out-of-sight single shock with adjustable spring preload and there’s no mistaking what the Roadliner S has to offer.
Find out more about the full specs of the Yamaha Roadliner S after the jump.
Yamaha Roadliner S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 14:00 EST.
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posted on 10.12.2011 13:00 written by Kirby , Sulthoni
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Class leading performance, a lightweight aluminum chassis, and today’s most popular quick detachable casual touring amenities. All that and more is what awaits you with the 2012 Yamaha Stratoliner S. With just about every bike manufacturer promising you these things, very few actually live up to it. The Stratoliner S does so with flying colors.
The Stratoliner S takes V-twin performance and character to the next level, setting the standards by which all casual touring machines are judged. The bike comes with all the necessary amenities, including a lockable quick release windshield, a passenger backrest, and lockable sidebags that have been covered in leather. The bike also gets plenty of chrome, highlighted by the switchgear, chrome master and clutch cylinders and levers, chrome wheels, chrome belt guard, chrome engine covers, and chrome front end. Yes, there’s a chrome overload with the Stratoliner S. Just the way we like it.
All that shiny chrome notwithstanding, the Stratoliner S is also a picture of aggression and superb handling. The bike is powered by a 1854cc air-cooled, pushrod 48-degree V-twin engine that produces great thrust at any speed. The bike’s twin-bore downdraft electronic fuel injection system provides optimum engine efficiency and throttle response in the widest possible range of conditions. At 3,300 rpm, the bike can hit 75 mph with maximum torque reached at only 2,500 rpm, giving us a clear idea of the bike’s unbridled power.
In terms of handling, the Stratoliner S also comes ready for action, thanks in large part to a long and low aluminum frame provides great looks and light handling unlike any other full-size cruiser. To go with the frame, the bike also carries 46mm fork tubes and a tucked-out-of-sight single shock with adjustable spring preload out back that provides a smooth ride under varying loads.
Find out more about the full specs of the Yamaha Stratoliner S after the jump.
Yamaha Stratoliner S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 12 October 2011 13:00 EST.