Friday, August 27, 2010
ABT Sportsline Car Tuning
AC Schnitzer car tuning
This is a special tuner of BMW and Mini. But also today expanded its on BMW motorcycles. Been around since 1987, where they make high performance components for BMW include the chassis, custom exhaust system, lightweight racing wheels and aero kits. Many of the parts they are officially distributed at BMW dealerships around the world (738 dealers and 45 branch offices).
Among the BMW mania, AC Schnitzer name spelled Have a glorious prestige. One of the best achievements when they are bearing the "Fastest Street Legal BMW Thew IN The World" for the BMW M6 Tension. This is evidenced in Nardo Italy with power tracks 552 hp maximum speed 331.78 km / hr.
Filsosofi AC Schnitzer is a high performance driving performance, safety and reliability. In addition, the AC Schnitzer also makes interior parts made of carbon or aluminum for quality contol panel, steering wheel, pedals and other interior molding
Among the BMW mania, AC Schnitzer name spelled Have a glorious prestige. One of the best achievements when they are bearing the "Fastest Street Legal BMW Thew IN The World" for the BMW M6 Tension. This is evidenced in Nardo Italy with power tracks 552 hp maximum speed 331.78 km / hr.
Filsosofi AC Schnitzer is a high performance driving performance, safety and reliability. In addition, the AC Schnitzer also makes interior parts made of carbon or aluminum for quality contol panel, steering wheel, pedals and other interior molding
History Of Lexus Car Company (Traces Of Hard work)
Mercedes-Benz takes a century to build a reputation as the largest luxury carmaker in the world. Likewise, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar and a luxury car brands others began building his reputation in the early 20th century.
Lexus only took a decade to climb to the level occupied by Mercedes-Benz and others that.
Lexus was phenomenal. Not just a shining sales figures, but also numerous awards from all corners of the boost his reputation. That's all the result of hard work to create quality products, supported by marketing strategies sniper and first class customer service.
The emergence of the Lexus can not be separated from the automotive business conditions at that time. Where the Japanese car producers felt it was time to get into the luxury car segment after successful mencipatkan quality mass production cars at competitive prices.
In fact, although the Japanese car brands famous for kehandalnya, but for incoming kelingkaran luxury car brands which are held by Germany, England and America, it is very difficult. To get around that obstacle, it was decided to prepare a new brand specifically for luxury car brands.
Lexus trip since the idea of listening to his name flying now coined, many historical milestones that unfortunately missed. Includes a stumbling block that must be passed.
Challenges Eiji Toyoda
August 1983, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda, Toyota to make sure it was time to ascend to a higher level. In the super-secret meeting, attended by high-ranking Toyota officials-including the strategist and engineer, submitted a brief question, Can we create a luxury car to challenge the best? Answer vigorously not only that but the room echoes resonate in the mind of every person, these challenges must be overcome.
Autumn 1984; Project F1 starts. The letter F stands for flagship and most luxurious sedan one depicted. Chief Engineer Shoiji supported Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki all general managers and engineers overseeing the development of all aspects of a car, ranging from the handling, braking, traction control, engine, electronics systems and corrosion.
In its development, Jimbo team conducted a study in the USA (May 1985). They met with the dealers in San Francisco, Houston, Miami, and New York to get an idea about the American consumer. Five members of the team sent to Laguna Beach, California to observe the lifestyle and incorporate design concepts to fit the luxury-car buyers in America. This team spent the summer in Southern California and worked with designers at Calty Design, Toyota's American design studios.
The first prototype unit 450 F1 was made in July 1985 successfully. This is the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, engineers 1.400, 2.300 and 220 technicians supporting people. 11 months later the F1 prototype was tested on Autobahn, Germany. Ten months of extensive testing on the streets USA starting September 1986. This test produces improvements in handling and suspension. Also include an audio system and the long distance test. Tests in Sweden generate traction control improvements. F1 final design is approved, after eight failed presentation to management.
Sued the Lexus brand, the award came
January 1988, the Lexus brand and its logo was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A month later his debut at the Chicago Auto Show, also without a car only images of actual car, an intriguing video show and a pinch of general information. This introduction was continued at Atlanta Auto Show and the New York Auto Show. The blue-presume, Lexis, a legal information network, filed a lawsuit against the use of a Lexus. April 1988 filed a lawsuit to court in New York. Lexus continues to be marked with the laying of road stone for the construction Lexus of Columbus in Ohio in August 1988.
November 1988, F1 prototype named the LS 400. LS mean luxury sedans and 400 showed 4.0-liter V8 engine. Smaller version named 250 ES. ES is an executive sedan with 2.5-liter engine. A month later the Lexus took Nakamichi and Pioneer sound system to produce the LS 400. January 1989; LS 400 and ES 250 to debut at Detroit Auto Show. A day later, the Lexus appeared on the Los Angeles Auto Show.
March 1989, the Court lawsuit stir Lexis and Lexus has the right to use that name. The success was greeted with the first units were produced from the factory Lexus LS 400 in Tahara, Japan in May 1989. In the first four months of sales, 2.919 1.216 units of the LS 400 and ES 250 units sold.
Lexus started a new tradition of customer service standards. Just because a customer complained about the cruise control and several complaints about the stop lamp, Lexus decided to recall LS400 sold 8000 units to be examined in December 1989. Dealers contact the customer personally and make improvements quickly. Instead of criticism, even compliments are obtained. Lexus has created a new standard in personal service.
January 1990, Car & Driver magazine put the LS 400 s in the position of the peak at 1990 New Car Buyer s Study. Since then, endless awards given at the Lexus. Among Best Imported Car of the Year from the Motoring Press Association (February 1990), Best Luxury from Motor Week's Drivers' Choice Awards. Peak, topped the Lexus in JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (July 1990). Award of J.D. Power is very prestigious to be subscribed Lexus for years.
May 1991, Lexus SC400 sports coupe launched. In design at Calty Design, California. Starting July Coupe is marketed. Followed by the launch of SC 300 in August and in September 1991menggantikan ES 300 ES 250. This year, Lexus became the biggest-selling imported luxury car in the USA. 71.206 units sold, more than Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
The threat of trade war
January 1993 Lexus introduced the GS 300 luxury sport sedan in Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Show. May 1995, a big threat comes from the U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor will set a 100 percent import duty for certain Japanese luxury cars, including all Lexus models. The proposed new duty for workers in the 7500 Lexus threaten America. 11 hours of negotiations in June 1995 succeeded in reaching an agreement between the USA and Japan as well as an end to the potential trade war.
A month later the Lexus was elected again as the best in JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index for the sixth consecutive. No other brand can equal in the history of this research. Lexus sales in August 1995 to recover from the effects of the new duty plan.
January 1996; LX 450 was introduced and became the first Lexus SUV. Only in the two months immediately grab the top best-selling luxury SUV, the Range Rover shifts. September 1996; Lexus ES 300 introduces a new generation of cheaper, although there are additional features. Three months later, this model won the award Top Car Award from the American Automobile Association.
In February 1997 Lexus introduced the concept of Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) in the 1997 Chicago Auto Show. SLV combining characters mid-size SUV with the comfort of a luxury sedan and Performance on-road that has not been found in other SUVs. A month later, Lexus announced the production version, named SLV RX300. This model was produced from mid 1998.
Lexus introduced the technology Variable Valve Timing-intelligence (VVT-i) to gain more power in September 1997. Starting from the latest generation GS400/300, LS 400 and SC 400 / 300.
Lexus introduces the LX 470 at Los Angeles International Auto Show in December 1997. Using the new V8 engine, more spacious rooms and a sophisticated suspension height can be arranged. Meanwhile, Lexus sales skyrocketed. Sales in 1997 recorded 20% more than in 1996.
January 1998; RX300 was introduced in the North American International Auto Show. March 1998, LX470 and RX300 started to be marketed in 174 dealers throughout the USA. RX 300 sales immediately shot. December 1998; Lexus best annual sales record in history. Sales reached 156.260 units, up 60% compared to 1997.
Sales skyrocketed
A month later introduced the Lexus IS compact sport sedan at the Detroit Auto Show and will ship mid-2000. For the first sale of the first quarter (January March 1999) Lexus beat out Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac.
Lexus introduced the Lexus Sport Coupe concept at the Tokyo International Motor Show in October 1999. December 1999, its fourth annual Lexus sales record ever made. Sales in 1999 reached 185.890 units or an increase of 19% compared to the previous year. Total sales of Lexus in the USA has more than one million units.
January 2000, Lexus introduced the IS 300 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and LS 430 at North American International Auto Show in Detroit. At the 2002 North American International Auto Show, Lexus introduced a third SUV, GX470. This year, Lexus introduced the RX 330, the second generation RX300.
Lexus only took a decade to climb to the level occupied by Mercedes-Benz and others that.
Lexus was phenomenal. Not just a shining sales figures, but also numerous awards from all corners of the boost his reputation. That's all the result of hard work to create quality products, supported by marketing strategies sniper and first class customer service.
The emergence of the Lexus can not be separated from the automotive business conditions at that time. Where the Japanese car producers felt it was time to get into the luxury car segment after successful mencipatkan quality mass production cars at competitive prices.
In fact, although the Japanese car brands famous for kehandalnya, but for incoming kelingkaran luxury car brands which are held by Germany, England and America, it is very difficult. To get around that obstacle, it was decided to prepare a new brand specifically for luxury car brands.
Lexus trip since the idea of listening to his name flying now coined, many historical milestones that unfortunately missed. Includes a stumbling block that must be passed.
Challenges Eiji Toyoda
August 1983, Toyota Chairman Eiji Toyoda, Toyota to make sure it was time to ascend to a higher level. In the super-secret meeting, attended by high-ranking Toyota officials-including the strategist and engineer, submitted a brief question, Can we create a luxury car to challenge the best? Answer vigorously not only that but the room echoes resonate in the mind of every person, these challenges must be overcome.
Autumn 1984; Project F1 starts. The letter F stands for flagship and most luxurious sedan one depicted. Chief Engineer Shoiji supported Jimbo and Ichiro Suzuki all general managers and engineers overseeing the development of all aspects of a car, ranging from the handling, braking, traction control, engine, electronics systems and corrosion.
In its development, Jimbo team conducted a study in the USA (May 1985). They met with the dealers in San Francisco, Houston, Miami, and New York to get an idea about the American consumer. Five members of the team sent to Laguna Beach, California to observe the lifestyle and incorporate design concepts to fit the luxury-car buyers in America. This team spent the summer in Southern California and worked with designers at Calty Design, Toyota's American design studios.
The first prototype unit 450 F1 was made in July 1985 successfully. This is the work of 60 designers, 24 engineering teams, engineers 1.400, 2.300 and 220 technicians supporting people. 11 months later the F1 prototype was tested on Autobahn, Germany. Ten months of extensive testing on the streets USA starting September 1986. This test produces improvements in handling and suspension. Also include an audio system and the long distance test. Tests in Sweden generate traction control improvements. F1 final design is approved, after eight failed presentation to management.
Sued the Lexus brand, the award came
January 1988, the Lexus brand and its logo was introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show. A month later his debut at the Chicago Auto Show, also without a car only images of actual car, an intriguing video show and a pinch of general information. This introduction was continued at Atlanta Auto Show and the New York Auto Show. The blue-presume, Lexis, a legal information network, filed a lawsuit against the use of a Lexus. April 1988 filed a lawsuit to court in New York. Lexus continues to be marked with the laying of road stone for the construction Lexus of Columbus in Ohio in August 1988.
November 1988, F1 prototype named the LS 400. LS mean luxury sedans and 400 showed 4.0-liter V8 engine. Smaller version named 250 ES. ES is an executive sedan with 2.5-liter engine. A month later the Lexus took Nakamichi and Pioneer sound system to produce the LS 400. January 1989; LS 400 and ES 250 to debut at Detroit Auto Show. A day later, the Lexus appeared on the Los Angeles Auto Show.
March 1989, the Court lawsuit stir Lexis and Lexus has the right to use that name. The success was greeted with the first units were produced from the factory Lexus LS 400 in Tahara, Japan in May 1989. In the first four months of sales, 2.919 1.216 units of the LS 400 and ES 250 units sold.
Lexus started a new tradition of customer service standards. Just because a customer complained about the cruise control and several complaints about the stop lamp, Lexus decided to recall LS400 sold 8000 units to be examined in December 1989. Dealers contact the customer personally and make improvements quickly. Instead of criticism, even compliments are obtained. Lexus has created a new standard in personal service.
January 1990, Car & Driver magazine put the LS 400 s in the position of the peak at 1990 New Car Buyer s Study. Since then, endless awards given at the Lexus. Among Best Imported Car of the Year from the Motoring Press Association (February 1990), Best Luxury from Motor Week's Drivers' Choice Awards. Peak, topped the Lexus in JD Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (July 1990). Award of J.D. Power is very prestigious to be subscribed Lexus for years.
May 1991, Lexus SC400 sports coupe launched. In design at Calty Design, California. Starting July Coupe is marketed. Followed by the launch of SC 300 in August and in September 1991menggantikan ES 300 ES 250. This year, Lexus became the biggest-selling imported luxury car in the USA. 71.206 units sold, more than Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
The threat of trade war
January 1993 Lexus introduced the GS 300 luxury sport sedan in Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Show. May 1995, a big threat comes from the U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor will set a 100 percent import duty for certain Japanese luxury cars, including all Lexus models. The proposed new duty for workers in the 7500 Lexus threaten America. 11 hours of negotiations in June 1995 succeeded in reaching an agreement between the USA and Japan as well as an end to the potential trade war.
A month later the Lexus was elected again as the best in JD Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Index for the sixth consecutive. No other brand can equal in the history of this research. Lexus sales in August 1995 to recover from the effects of the new duty plan.
January 1996; LX 450 was introduced and became the first Lexus SUV. Only in the two months immediately grab the top best-selling luxury SUV, the Range Rover shifts. September 1996; Lexus ES 300 introduces a new generation of cheaper, although there are additional features. Three months later, this model won the award Top Car Award from the American Automobile Association.
In February 1997 Lexus introduced the concept of Sport Luxury Vehicle (SLV) in the 1997 Chicago Auto Show. SLV combining characters mid-size SUV with the comfort of a luxury sedan and Performance on-road that has not been found in other SUVs. A month later, Lexus announced the production version, named SLV RX300. This model was produced from mid 1998.
Lexus introduced the technology Variable Valve Timing-intelligence (VVT-i) to gain more power in September 1997. Starting from the latest generation GS400/300, LS 400 and SC 400 / 300.
Lexus introduces the LX 470 at Los Angeles International Auto Show in December 1997. Using the new V8 engine, more spacious rooms and a sophisticated suspension height can be arranged. Meanwhile, Lexus sales skyrocketed. Sales in 1997 recorded 20% more than in 1996.
January 1998; RX300 was introduced in the North American International Auto Show. March 1998, LX470 and RX300 started to be marketed in 174 dealers throughout the USA. RX 300 sales immediately shot. December 1998; Lexus best annual sales record in history. Sales reached 156.260 units, up 60% compared to 1997.
Sales skyrocketed
A month later introduced the Lexus IS compact sport sedan at the Detroit Auto Show and will ship mid-2000. For the first sale of the first quarter (January March 1999) Lexus beat out Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lincoln and Cadillac.
January 2000, Lexus introduced the IS 300 at the Los Angeles Auto Show and LS 430 at North American International Auto Show in Detroit. At the 2002 North American International Auto Show, Lexus introduced a third SUV, GX470. This year, Lexus introduced the RX 330, the second generation RX300.
Lexus IS 200d 2011 (New car)
Lexus seems to see the football lunge sultry BMW 3 series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4. That's why Lexus IS can be revised to better compete with the three heroes of European origin.
Lexus claims this change represents a significant change since the IS was released. IS 2011 will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show 2010.
IS 200d IS 220d will be present to replace. The IS 200d is still using the 2200 cc engine of the IS 220d, but it has been imbued DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). In this case Lexus IS200d sacrificing power and torque. Power and 200d IS 148 Nm and 360 Nm, while the IS 220d 175 hp and 400 Nm. In addition, acceleration 0-100 km / h IS 200d is also 1.3 seconds slower than 8.9 seconds.
Focus Lexus IS 200d is to make the engine more economical and environmentally friendly. Fuel consumption to be 19.61 km / liter, more economical 1.77 km / liter. CO2 emissions 14 IS 200 fewer grams / km, to 134 grams / km. Lexus made a few steps to achieve those goals, such as redesigning the combustion room (combustion chamber), put the injector-injector fuel a new generation of piezoelectric.
Another model is the IS 250. The IS 250 will be sold only in the automatic transmission option. Refreshment happens on the machine. Although still using the previous IS 250 engine, V6, 2500 cc, Dual VVT-i, with the same power and torque of 205 hp and 252 Nm, after all, gasoline consumption and gas emission throw better. IS 250 gasoline consumption to be 11.90 km / liter from 11.24 km / l. CO2 emissions fell from 209 g / km to 194 g / km.
Revisions in the kitchen runway also experienced IS 250C (coupé cabriolet). Now, with gas consumption of 10.87 km / liter, before 10.75 km / liter. CO2 down 6 g / km to 213 g / km. The IS 250 is still holding the previous model engine, V6, 2500 cc, 205 hp and 252 Nm.
If the three models above have reset at the touch of the engine, not two F-Sport IS model. F-Sport IS 250 and IS 200d M-Sport received refresher exterior and interior. The front of the IS F-Sport was rewarded with a grille and spoiler, fog lamp, which is new. Rear spoiler brake lights hangout and its redesigned alloy wheels.
Aura sporty F-Sport IS forwarded to the interior through the steering wheel, the transmission lever, pedal-pedal and the front seat of a sporty leather and Alcantara. Touch of titanium effect can be found on the door trim as well.
In the UK, the price of the Lexus IS begins to U.S. $ 37,830 (IS 200d SE)
Lexus claims this change represents a significant change since the IS was released. IS 2011 will be exhibited at the Paris Motor Show 2010.
IS 200d IS 220d will be present to replace. The IS 200d is still using the 2200 cc engine of the IS 220d, but it has been imbued DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). In this case Lexus IS200d sacrificing power and torque. Power and 200d IS 148 Nm and 360 Nm, while the IS 220d 175 hp and 400 Nm. In addition, acceleration 0-100 km / h IS 200d is also 1.3 seconds slower than 8.9 seconds.
Focus Lexus IS 200d is to make the engine more economical and environmentally friendly. Fuel consumption to be 19.61 km / liter, more economical 1.77 km / liter. CO2 emissions 14 IS 200 fewer grams / km, to 134 grams / km. Lexus made a few steps to achieve those goals, such as redesigning the combustion room (combustion chamber), put the injector-injector fuel a new generation of piezoelectric.
Another model is the IS 250. The IS 250 will be sold only in the automatic transmission option. Refreshment happens on the machine. Although still using the previous IS 250 engine, V6, 2500 cc, Dual VVT-i, with the same power and torque of 205 hp and 252 Nm, after all, gasoline consumption and gas emission throw better. IS 250 gasoline consumption to be 11.90 km / liter from 11.24 km / l. CO2 emissions fell from 209 g / km to 194 g / km.
Revisions in the kitchen runway also experienced IS 250C (coupé cabriolet). Now, with gas consumption of 10.87 km / liter, before 10.75 km / liter. CO2 down 6 g / km to 213 g / km. The IS 250 is still holding the previous model engine, V6, 2500 cc, 205 hp and 252 Nm.
If the three models above have reset at the touch of the engine, not two F-Sport IS model. F-Sport IS 250 and IS 200d M-Sport received refresher exterior and interior. The front of the IS F-Sport was rewarded with a grille and spoiler, fog lamp, which is new. Rear spoiler brake lights hangout and its redesigned alloy wheels.
Aura sporty F-Sport IS forwarded to the interior through the steering wheel, the transmission lever, pedal-pedal and the front seat of a sporty leather and Alcantara. Touch of titanium effect can be found on the door trim as well.
In the UK, the price of the Lexus IS begins to U.S. $ 37,830 (IS 200d SE)
Anti Bullet Car Jaguar XJ Sentinel
If you are looking for anti-bullet car and the best anti-bomb, please come to the Moscow International Motor in 2010. In the event that was held August 25 to 29 that will be used Jaguar xj Sentinel as a place of self-display.
Jaguar xj Sentinel is the ballistic protection level of B7 saloon. Level B7 - bulletproof 12.7 mm - is the highest grade in the protection against bullets, the lowest is B2. So if there is an enemy of your business you are showered with AK-47 rifles, AK-74AP, M16, or M61, just ignore. Even the Sentinel xj body and floor are also anti-bomb 15 kg of TNT. Jaguar guarantee 80 000 km for Jaguar xj Sentinel.
Jaguar xj Sentinel construction made of super strong steel with Kevlar as supporters. Jaguar took Centigon, one of the specialist anti-ballistic car maker, in making the defense. To ensure that xj Sentinel international protection standards, Jaguar xj Sentinel has obtained a certificate from QinetiQ, an independent organization that tests and ballistic bombs.
Jaguar V8 engine wear, 5000 cc, 385 hp, with six-speed automatic transmission. Saloon is capable of weighing 3.8 tons accelerates 0-100 km / h in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 195 km / hr.
Jaguar has not released a price. However, Jaguar offers a range of individual choices.
Jaguar xj Sentinel is the ballistic protection level of B7 saloon. Level B7 - bulletproof 12.7 mm - is the highest grade in the protection against bullets, the lowest is B2. So if there is an enemy of your business you are showered with AK-47 rifles, AK-74AP, M16, or M61, just ignore. Even the Sentinel xj body and floor are also anti-bomb 15 kg of TNT. Jaguar guarantee 80 000 km for Jaguar xj Sentinel.
Jaguar xj Sentinel construction made of super strong steel with Kevlar as supporters. Jaguar took Centigon, one of the specialist anti-ballistic car maker, in making the defense. To ensure that xj Sentinel international protection standards, Jaguar xj Sentinel has obtained a certificate from QinetiQ, an independent organization that tests and ballistic bombs.
Jaguar V8 engine wear, 5000 cc, 385 hp, with six-speed automatic transmission. Saloon is capable of weighing 3.8 tons accelerates 0-100 km / h in 9.7 seconds with a top speed of 195 km / hr.
Jaguar has not released a price. However, Jaguar offers a range of individual choices.
Monday, August 16, 2010
All About VW Beetle ( Volkswagen Story Part 2 )
Post-war production
In occupied Germany, the Allies followed the Morgenthau plan to remove all German war potential by complete or partial pastoralization. As part of this, in the Industrial plans for Germany, the rules for which industry Germany was to be allowed to retain were set out. German car production was set at a maximum of 10% of the 1936 car production numbers.
The Volkswagen factory at Wolfsburg was handed over by the Americans to British control in 1945, it was to be dismantled and shipped to Britain. Thankfully for Volkswagen, no British car manufacturer was interested in the factory; “the vehicle does not meet the fundamental technical requirement of a motor-car … it is quite unattractive to the average buyer … To build the car commercially would be a completely uneconomic enterprise.” The factory survived by producing cars for the British Army instead.Allied dismantling policy changed in late 1946 to mid 1947, although heavy industry continued to be dismantled until 1951. In March 1947 Herbert Hoover helped change policy by stating
“There is the illusion that the New Germany left after the annexations can be reduced to a ‘pastoral state’. It cannot be done unless we exterminate or move 25,000,000 people out of it.”
The re-opening of the factory is largely accredited to British Army officer Major Ivan Hirst (1916–2000). Hirst was ordered to take control of the heavily bombed factory, which the Americans had captured. His first task was to remove an unexploded bomb which had fallen through the roof and lodged itself between some pieces of irreplaceable production equipment; if the bomb had exploded, the Beetle’s fate would have been sealed. Hirst persuaded the British military to order 20,000 of the cars,and by 1946 the factory was producing 1,000 cars a month. During this period the car and its town changed their Nazi-era names to Volkswagen (people’s car) and Wolfsburg, respectively. The first 1,785 Beetles were made in a factory near Wolfsburg in 1945.
Following the Army-led restart of production, Heinz Nordhoff was appointed director of the Volkswagen factory, under whom production increased dramatically over the following decade, with the one-millionth car coming off the assembly line by 1955. During this Post-war period, the Beetle had superior performance in its category with a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph) and 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 27.5 seconds on 7.6 l/100 km (31mpg) for the standard 25 kilowatts (34 hp) engine. This was far superior to the Citroën 2CV and Morris Minor, and even competitive with more modern small cars like the Mini of the 1960s and later.
The engine fired up immediately without a choke, and could only be heard in the car when idling. It had excellent road-handling and was economical to maintain. Although a small car, the engine has great elasticity and gave the feeling of better output than its small nominal size. However, the opinion of people in the United States was not as flattering due to the characteristic differences between the American car market and European car market at the time. Henry Ford II once described the car as ‘A little box’.[citation needed]
During the 1950s, the car was modified progressively: the obvious visual changes mostly concerned the windows. In March 1953, the small oval two piece rear window was replaced by a slightly larger single piece oval rear window. More dramatically, in August 1957 a much larger full width rear window replaced the oval one. 1962 saw the introduction of a widened cover for the light over the rear licence plate. Towards the end of 1964, the height of the side windows and windscreen was slightly increased giving the cabin a less pinched look: this coincided with a the introduction of a very slightly curved windscreen, though the curve was barely noticeable. The same body appeared during 1966, with a 1300 cc engine on place of the 1200 cc engine: it was only in the 1973 model Super Beetle that the beetle acquired an obviously curved windscreen. The flat windshield remained on the standard beetle.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, innovative advertising campaigns and a reputation for reliability and sturdiness helped production figures to surpass the levels of the previous record holder, the Ford Model T, when Beetle No. 15,007,034 was produced on 17 February 1972. By 1973, total production was over 16 million, and by 23 June 1992, there had been over 21 million produced.
The Beetle is the world’s best-selling car design; though more units of the Toyota Corolla brand have been sold, there have been many total redesigns of the Corolla, each amounting to a new car design with the same name.
VW Beetle 1967
The Volkswagen Beetle underwent significant changes for the 1967 model. While the car appeared similar to earlier models, much of the drivetrain was noticeably upgraded. Some of the changes to the Beetle included a bigger engine for the second year in a row. Horsepower had been increased to 37 kilowatts (50 hp) the previous year, and for 1967 it was increased even more, to 40 kilowatts (54 hp).
On US models, the output of the electrical generator was increased from 180 to 360 watts, and upgraded from a 6-volt to a 12-volt system. The clutch disc also increased in size, and changes were made to the flywheel, braking system, and rear axle. New standard equipment included two-speed windscreen wipers, reversing lights, a driver’s armrest on the door, locking buttons on the doors, sealed-beam headlights, and a driver’s side exterior mirror.
It weighed 840 kg (1852 lb), which was a typical weight for a European car at this time. Top speed was 130 km/h (81 mph).
Declines And Fail
Though extremely successful in the 1960s, the Beetle was faced with stiff competition from more modern designs. The Japanese had refined rear-wheel-drive, water-cooled, front-engine small cars to where they sold well in the North American market, and Americans introduced their own similarly sized rear-wheel-drive Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, and AMC Gremlin in the 1970s.
The superminis in Europe adopted even more efficient transverse-engine front-wheel-drive layouts, and sales began dropping off in the mid 1970s. There had been several unsuccessful attempts to replace the Beetle throughout the 1960s; the Type 3, Type 4, and the NSU-based K70 were all failures.
The over-reliance on the Beetle meant that Volkswagen was in financial crisis by 1974. It needed German government funding to produce the Beetle’s replacement. Only when production lines at Wolfsburg switched to the new watercooled, front-engined, front-wheel drive Golf designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1974, (sold in North America as the “Rabbit”) did Volkswagen produce a car as successful as the Beetle.
The Golf would be periodically redesigned over its lifetime with only a few components carried over between models, while the Beetle used only minor refinements of its original design.
The Golf did not kill Beetle production, which continued in smaller numbers at other German factories until January 19, 1978, when mainstream production shifted to Brazil and Mexico, markets where low operating cost was more important. The last Beetle was produced in Puebla, Mexico, in mid-2003. The final batch of 3,000 Beetles were sold as 2004 models and badged as the Última Edición,
with whitewall tires, a host of previously-discontinued chrome trim, and the choice of two special paint colors taken from the New Beetle. Production in Brazil ended in 1986, then restarted in 1993 and continued until 1996. Volkswagen sold Beetle sedans in the United States until August 1977 (the Beetle convertible a.k.a. Cabriolet was sold until January 1980) and in Europe until 1985, with private companies continuing to import cars produced in Mexico even after production of the beetle had ended.
The Beetle outlasted most other automobiles which had copied the rear air-cooled engine layout such as those by Subaru, Fiat, Renault, General Motors and Tatra’s limousines, which ended production in 1999. Porsche’s sport coupes which were originally based on Volkswagen parts and platforms continue to use the classic rear engine layout (but water-cooled and moved forwards) in the Porsche 911 series, which remains competitive in the 2000s.
The Volkswagen factory at Wolfsburg was handed over by the Americans to British control in 1945, it was to be dismantled and shipped to Britain. Thankfully for Volkswagen, no British car manufacturer was interested in the factory; “the vehicle does not meet the fundamental technical requirement of a motor-car … it is quite unattractive to the average buyer … To build the car commercially would be a completely uneconomic enterprise.” The factory survived by producing cars for the British Army instead.Allied dismantling policy changed in late 1946 to mid 1947, although heavy industry continued to be dismantled until 1951. In March 1947 Herbert Hoover helped change policy by stating
“There is the illusion that the New Germany left after the annexations can be reduced to a ‘pastoral state’. It cannot be done unless we exterminate or move 25,000,000 people out of it.”
The re-opening of the factory is largely accredited to British Army officer Major Ivan Hirst (1916–2000). Hirst was ordered to take control of the heavily bombed factory, which the Americans had captured. His first task was to remove an unexploded bomb which had fallen through the roof and lodged itself between some pieces of irreplaceable production equipment; if the bomb had exploded, the Beetle’s fate would have been sealed. Hirst persuaded the British military to order 20,000 of the cars,and by 1946 the factory was producing 1,000 cars a month. During this period the car and its town changed their Nazi-era names to Volkswagen (people’s car) and Wolfsburg, respectively. The first 1,785 Beetles were made in a factory near Wolfsburg in 1945.
Following the Army-led restart of production, Heinz Nordhoff was appointed director of the Volkswagen factory, under whom production increased dramatically over the following decade, with the one-millionth car coming off the assembly line by 1955. During this Post-war period, the Beetle had superior performance in its category with a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph) and 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 27.5 seconds on 7.6 l/100 km (31mpg) for the standard 25 kilowatts (34 hp) engine. This was far superior to the Citroën 2CV and Morris Minor, and even competitive with more modern small cars like the Mini of the 1960s and later.
The engine fired up immediately without a choke, and could only be heard in the car when idling. It had excellent road-handling and was economical to maintain. Although a small car, the engine has great elasticity and gave the feeling of better output than its small nominal size. However, the opinion of people in the United States was not as flattering due to the characteristic differences between the American car market and European car market at the time. Henry Ford II once described the car as ‘A little box’.[citation needed]
During the 1950s, the car was modified progressively: the obvious visual changes mostly concerned the windows. In March 1953, the small oval two piece rear window was replaced by a slightly larger single piece oval rear window. More dramatically, in August 1957 a much larger full width rear window replaced the oval one. 1962 saw the introduction of a widened cover for the light over the rear licence plate. Towards the end of 1964, the height of the side windows and windscreen was slightly increased giving the cabin a less pinched look: this coincided with a the introduction of a very slightly curved windscreen, though the curve was barely noticeable. The same body appeared during 1966, with a 1300 cc engine on place of the 1200 cc engine: it was only in the 1973 model Super Beetle that the beetle acquired an obviously curved windscreen. The flat windshield remained on the standard beetle.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, innovative advertising campaigns and a reputation for reliability and sturdiness helped production figures to surpass the levels of the previous record holder, the Ford Model T, when Beetle No. 15,007,034 was produced on 17 February 1972. By 1973, total production was over 16 million, and by 23 June 1992, there had been over 21 million produced.
The Beetle is the world’s best-selling car design; though more units of the Toyota Corolla brand have been sold, there have been many total redesigns of the Corolla, each amounting to a new car design with the same name.
VW Beetle 1967
The Volkswagen Beetle underwent significant changes for the 1967 model. While the car appeared similar to earlier models, much of the drivetrain was noticeably upgraded. Some of the changes to the Beetle included a bigger engine for the second year in a row. Horsepower had been increased to 37 kilowatts (50 hp) the previous year, and for 1967 it was increased even more, to 40 kilowatts (54 hp).
On US models, the output of the electrical generator was increased from 180 to 360 watts, and upgraded from a 6-volt to a 12-volt system. The clutch disc also increased in size, and changes were made to the flywheel, braking system, and rear axle. New standard equipment included two-speed windscreen wipers, reversing lights, a driver’s armrest on the door, locking buttons on the doors, sealed-beam headlights, and a driver’s side exterior mirror.
It weighed 840 kg (1852 lb), which was a typical weight for a European car at this time. Top speed was 130 km/h (81 mph).
Declines And Fail
Though extremely successful in the 1960s, the Beetle was faced with stiff competition from more modern designs. The Japanese had refined rear-wheel-drive, water-cooled, front-engine small cars to where they sold well in the North American market, and Americans introduced their own similarly sized rear-wheel-drive Ford Pinto, Chevrolet Vega, and AMC Gremlin in the 1970s.
The superminis in Europe adopted even more efficient transverse-engine front-wheel-drive layouts, and sales began dropping off in the mid 1970s. There had been several unsuccessful attempts to replace the Beetle throughout the 1960s; the Type 3, Type 4, and the NSU-based K70 were all failures.
The over-reliance on the Beetle meant that Volkswagen was in financial crisis by 1974. It needed German government funding to produce the Beetle’s replacement. Only when production lines at Wolfsburg switched to the new watercooled, front-engined, front-wheel drive Golf designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro in 1974, (sold in North America as the “Rabbit”) did Volkswagen produce a car as successful as the Beetle.
The Golf would be periodically redesigned over its lifetime with only a few components carried over between models, while the Beetle used only minor refinements of its original design.
The Golf did not kill Beetle production, which continued in smaller numbers at other German factories until January 19, 1978, when mainstream production shifted to Brazil and Mexico, markets where low operating cost was more important. The last Beetle was produced in Puebla, Mexico, in mid-2003. The final batch of 3,000 Beetles were sold as 2004 models and badged as the Última Edición,
with whitewall tires, a host of previously-discontinued chrome trim, and the choice of two special paint colors taken from the New Beetle. Production in Brazil ended in 1986, then restarted in 1993 and continued until 1996. Volkswagen sold Beetle sedans in the United States until August 1977 (the Beetle convertible a.k.a. Cabriolet was sold until January 1980) and in Europe until 1985, with private companies continuing to import cars produced in Mexico even after production of the beetle had ended.
The Beetle outlasted most other automobiles which had copied the rear air-cooled engine layout such as those by Subaru, Fiat, Renault, General Motors and Tatra’s limousines, which ended production in 1999. Porsche’s sport coupes which were originally based on Volkswagen parts and platforms continue to use the classic rear engine layout (but water-cooled and moved forwards) in the Porsche 911 series, which remains competitive in the 2000s.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
All About VW Beetle (Volkswagen Story Part 1 )
In Britain, VW never used the name Beetle officially. It had only been known only as either the “Type I” or as the 1100 (eleven-hundred), 1200 (twelve-hundred), 1300 (thirteen-hundred) or 1500 (fifteen-hundred), which had been the names under which the vehicle was marketed in Europe; the numbers denoted the vehicle’s engine size in cubic centimetres. In 1998, many years after the original model had been dropped from the lineup in most of the world (production continued in Mexico until 2003), VW introduced the “New Beetle” (built on a Volkswagen Golf Mk4 platform) which bore a cosmetic resemblance to the original.
Its peculiar styling, underpowered motor, rough ride, and high noise levels compared to modern vehicles might have made it a market failure.
In its day, though, it was more comfortable and powerful than most European small cars, and ultimately the longest-running and most-produced automobile of a single design (a record that will not take long to be beaten by its younger “cousin” the Type-2 Bus or Kombi, which is still in production in Brazil, with the same basic characteristics of the first series). It remained a top seller in the US, even as rear-wheel drive conventional subcompacts were refined, and eventually replaced by front-wheel drive models.
The Beetle car was the benchmark for both generations of American compact cars such as the Chevrolet Corvair, and subcompact cars such as the Ford Pinto and Chevrolet Vega. In the international poll for the award of the world’s most influential car of the twentieth century the Beetle came fourth after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroën DS.
Beetle derivatives
While production of the standard Beetle continued, a Type 1 variant called the Super Beetle, produced from model year 1971 to 1979 (1302s from 1971 to 1972, and 1303s from 1973 onwards), offered MacPherson strut front suspension, better turning radius (despite having a 20 mm (3/4 in) longer wheelbase), and approximately double the usable space in the front luggage compartment, due to the stretched “nose” of the vehicle and relocation of the spare tire from a vertical to a horizontal position.
1972 Super Beetles had a slightly larger rear window, larger front brakes, and four rows of vents on the engine lid. The tail lights now incorporated reversing lights. The front seats incorporated headrests, and the steering wheel was changed to four spokes for safety reasons. A socket for the VW Dealer Diagnosis was fitted inside the engine compartment.
In 1973, a padded dashboard, 2-speed heater fan, higher rear mudguards, a more aerodynamically curved windscreen and larger tail lights (nicknamed ‘elephant’s feet’) were added.
1975 and later Super Beetles had rack and pinion steering, and a larger license plate lamp housing below the engine lid. The front indicators were moved into the bumper bars on European models. Carburetors were replaced by Air Flow Control (AFC) Fuel Injection on U. S. and Canadian Beetles, a derivative of the more complex Bosch fuel injection system used in the Volkswagen Type III.
In 1976, the Super Beetle and 1300 were discontinued (though convertibles remained Super Beetles) and replaced with an ‘improved’ standard Beetle with 1600cc engine, IRS rear suspension, front disc brakes, blinkers in the front bumpers, elephant’s foot tail lights and rubber inserts in the bumper bars.
The Super Beetle (VW 1302 and 1303 series, also called Type 113) is not the only Type 1 variant; other VWs under the Type 1 nomenclature include the Karmann Ghia and the VW 181 utility vehicle, as well as the Brasilia and the Australian Country Buggy (locally produced in Australia using VW parts).
The Type 2 transporter (“bus”) is based on the Beetle T1 platform with very similar mechanicals, but with a box shaped body and driver placed over the front wheels. This variant would inspire a generation of compact vans, and later minivans in capacity and size.
Also, as mentioned below, Type 3 and Type 4 were all developments of the original Porsche design.
Conflict with Tatra
Much of the Beetle’s design was inspired by the advanced Tatra cars of Hans Ledwinka, particularly the T97. This car also had a streamlined body and a rear-mounted 4 cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine. The Tatra V570, a prototype for a smaller car, also shows quite a resemblance to the later Volkswagens. According to the book Car Wars, Adolf Hitler called the Tatra ‘the kind of car I want for my highways’.
In the same book, it is said that Ferdinand Porsche admitted ‘to have looked over Ledwinka’s shoulders’ while designing the Volkswagen. Tatra launched a lawsuit, but this was stopped when Germany invaded Czechoslovakia. At the same time, Tatra was forced to stop producing the T97.
The matter was re-opened after WW2 and in 1961 Volkswagen paid Tatra 3,000,000 Deutsche Marks in compensation. These damages meant that Volkswagen had little money for the development of new models and the Beetle’s production life was necessarily extended. Tatra ceased producing passenger cars in 1950, then resumed again in 1954 as a manufacturer of large luxurious cars and limousines under various Communist governments in Czechoslovakia. Even its last limousines showed similarities to the Beetle, as they were rear-engined and air cooled. Tatra is now a truck manufacturer.
VW Diesel
In 1951, Volkswagen prototyped a 1.3 litre diesel engine. Volkswagen made only 2 air-cooled boxer diesel engines that were not turbocharged, and installed one engine in a Type 1 and another in a Type 2. Just for fun, the diesel Beetle was time tested on the Nürburgring and achieved a 0-60 mph in one minute.
To Be Continued,.... :-)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Unique Cars Most Expensive (Cupcake Cars)
One car was created with a cargo of luxury certainly would have, like Henry Ford who made a highlight is always a luxury car. But unlike Lisa Pongrace which can create the idea that the custom of making cars outside of the bowl-shaped cake (cupcake). Weird, unique and interesting. But do not think this car cheap, otherwise they're expensive!
Pongrace did not have a big factory to make cupcakes every year, but designers from Berkeley has one idea to the needs of the modern auto industry. Cupcake cars are now made for the purpose of the tour along the coast to coast.
Unique Cars cupcakes are sold at a price very expensive, even according to Forbes, the most expensive car may be said that approximately $ 25,000. Pongrace there are no plans to mass produce these cupcakes for a car, even though the car was not quite difficult to make.
Cupcake cars Pongrace had exhibited on the West Coast events in the Burning Man festival held each year in Nevada.
Pongrace cupcake cars are considered safe because it does not run with gasoline ingredients. At the same exterior look hard materials electric chair in it and can not be shifted. There is also a modification, such as a cupholder and top speed is only about 7 miles per hour.
Pongrace did not have a big factory to make cupcakes every year, but designers from Berkeley has one idea to the needs of the modern auto industry. Cupcake cars are now made for the purpose of the tour along the coast to coast.
Unique Cars cupcakes are sold at a price very expensive, even according to Forbes, the most expensive car may be said that approximately $ 25,000. Pongrace there are no plans to mass produce these cupcakes for a car, even though the car was not quite difficult to make.
Cupcake cars Pongrace had exhibited on the West Coast events in the Burning Man festival held each year in Nevada.
Pongrace cupcake cars are considered safe because it does not run with gasoline ingredients. At the same exterior look hard materials electric chair in it and can not be shifted. There is also a modification, such as a cupholder and top speed is only about 7 miles per hour.
Latest & Cheapest Volkswagen 2010 Made in China
VW car one passenger who is a new type of car and are among the most expensive in the world. If you go on holiday to go to Shanghai, can buy two or more cars, one for his wife and one for yourselves, and each child is given one, then the cars are shipped to Canada, then all the cost is still cheaper than if you buy a new car in Canada.
But for shipping to the United States may still be difficult. This is not a toy car or a car experiment. This is a passenger car with the latest design in oval shape aerodynamically who really can be driven on the highway. This car is ready to be marketed as a single passenger car diShanghai year 2010 at a price of about RMB 4.000 (U.S. $ 600/Rp.5, 6juta)! Interested? Wait until you know that this car can go the way of highway with a speed of 100-120 km / hour with fantastic fuel consumption who 110 km / liter (258 miles / gallon)!
This car is the cheapest kind of VW passenger car one time required for the production concept: three years. Company headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. VW type this cheapest car priced at 4000 yuan, or equal to U.S. $ 600 (Rp 5.6 million)
VW specifications cheapest Chinese-made this:
Fuel tank capacity = 6.5 liters
Speed = 100-120 km / h
Fuel efficiency = 110 km / liter
Mileage with a full tank = 650 miles
This car is the cheapest kind of VW passenger car one time required for the production concept: three years. Company headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. VW type this cheapest car priced at 4000 yuan, or equal to U.S. $ 600 (Rp 5.6 million)
VW specifications cheapest Chinese-made this:
Fuel tank capacity = 6.5 liters
Speed = 100-120 km / h
Fuel efficiency = 110 km / liter
Mileage with a full tank = 650 miles
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Why You Should Decide Carefully In Getting Your Car Insurance Coverage
It is very important for you to know how much car insurance you really need to carry. This article might help you get the finest coverage at the lowest price.
As a customer, you are thinking that you should be adequately covered and at the same time you still like to spend less. If you have already spent thousands into your insurer just because of your questionable credit rating or even traffic violations, then you should shop for another policy provider.
Keep in mind that you can and should still save money on something that you have desired for a long time. Not because you have aspired for it for a long time that it will no longer be possible to have it in a cheaper price.
If you like to have right protection, then decide on the amount of your car insurance coverage that you need. Take time in finding out what coverage is required for you to have as you live and drive. After knowing what are the required coverages, look also on what are the optional ones that you can have. It is good if you can have a list of different types of coverage to help you achieve the right decision.
Take note that these optional coverages are supposed to be used by you in the future and not just an additional coverage that will just make insurers wealthy.
Note also that you should purchase a coverage that is beyond your state's minimum. Experts heavily recommended that consumers like you should purchase enough liability coverage to protect you and your huge assets.
Car insurance companies give, for example, a liability limit with the amount of $50,000 bodily injury for one person hurt in an accident and $100,000 for all the people injured in an accident, and $25,000 property damage. Also remember that when it comes to the limits of uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you buy cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage.
Consider also your driving habits. If you have a lot of accidents then consider getting more comprehensive coverage. But if your car is already old and have a good driving record, do not buy collision and comprehensive coverage at the same time.
Before doing car insurance comparison, always check the status of your driving record. Pay attention also to your current coverage and the premiums you are paying to avoid committing mistakes when doing your shopping for insurance. Check with your state's DMV how long is your speeding ticket to be exact with the information you provide.
Do not forget to contact your insurance provider so that you can pull out if there are some recent bills you need to pay. Remember to take down the amount of policy you are paying, so that you will know what exactly you are paying for. Know the yearly and monthly cost of online car insurance, since many of your quotes will be given both ways.
With these suggestions, you can reward yourself by saving so much money on your auto insurance.
Keep in mind that you can and should still save money on something that you have desired for a long time. Not because you have aspired for it for a long time that it will no longer be possible to have it in a cheaper price.
If you like to have right protection, then decide on the amount of your car insurance coverage that you need. Take time in finding out what coverage is required for you to have as you live and drive. After knowing what are the required coverages, look also on what are the optional ones that you can have. It is good if you can have a list of different types of coverage to help you achieve the right decision.
Take note that these optional coverages are supposed to be used by you in the future and not just an additional coverage that will just make insurers wealthy.
Note also that you should purchase a coverage that is beyond your state's minimum. Experts heavily recommended that consumers like you should purchase enough liability coverage to protect you and your huge assets.
Car insurance companies give, for example, a liability limit with the amount of $50,000 bodily injury for one person hurt in an accident and $100,000 for all the people injured in an accident, and $25,000 property damage. Also remember that when it comes to the limits of uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage that you buy cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage.
Consider also your driving habits. If you have a lot of accidents then consider getting more comprehensive coverage. But if your car is already old and have a good driving record, do not buy collision and comprehensive coverage at the same time.
Before doing car insurance comparison, always check the status of your driving record. Pay attention also to your current coverage and the premiums you are paying to avoid committing mistakes when doing your shopping for insurance. Check with your state's DMV how long is your speeding ticket to be exact with the information you provide.
Do not forget to contact your insurance provider so that you can pull out if there are some recent bills you need to pay. Remember to take down the amount of policy you are paying, so that you will know what exactly you are paying for. Know the yearly and monthly cost of online car insurance, since many of your quotes will be given both ways.
With these suggestions, you can reward yourself by saving so much money on your auto insurance.
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