Ford is giving a European welcome at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show to a special motorsport counterpart – the race-tweaked, production-based Ford Focus ST-R. The all-new Ford Focus ST-R has been crafted by engineers at Ford Racing to allow it to compete in a huge variety of series, including Grand-Am ST, World Challenge TC and Canadian Touring Car Series. Ford also hopes teams will race the car in key European motorsport series and major national events such as the 24 Hours of Nürburgring.Despite its close resemblance to the Focus ST road car, the Ford Focus ST-R is purpose-built for the track by Ford Racing in North America as a fully-prepared competition car. It features a powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, FIA regulation roll cage, uprated brakes and track-tuned suspension.

Steve Saleen and his company SMS Supercars have released the new 302 Ford Mustang to the Signature Series line after the success of the 570 Challenger. These custom built Mustangs will be the only authorized vehicles to bear the Saleen name, benefiting from the heritage and high performance innovations over the years. At the exterior, the impressive 302 Mustang received new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and rear diffuser with an integrated F1 rain light. Chrome alloy wheels measuring 20×9 in the front, and 20×10 in the rear were installed with high performance tires to improve handling and complete the styling.wo separate tuning packages for the 302 Ford Mustang will be available fromSMS Supercars. The first version boosts the 5.0-liter V8 to produce 440 bhp and 542 Nm of torque. This allowed the Mustang to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and post a quarter mile time of 13.5 seconds at the track. Both tuning kits offer the TR3560 six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission for the customer to choose from.SMS Supercars 302 Ford Mustang
April 27th, 2010 by By Carvegasus # Ford, Mustang

sms supercars 302 ford mustang SMS Supercars 302 Ford Mustang

Steve Saleen and his company SMS Supercars have released the new 302 Ford Mustang to the Signature Series line after the success of the 570 Challenger. These custom built Mustangs will be the only authorized vehicles to bear the Saleen name, benefiting from the heritage and high performance innovations over the years. At the exterior, the impressive 302 Mustang received new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and rear diffuser with an integrated F1 rain light. Chrome alloy wheels measuring 20×9 in the front, and 20×10 in the rear were installed with high performance tires to improve handling and complete the styling.

sms supercars 302 ford mustang 2 SMS Supercars 302 Ford Mustang

Two separate tuning packages for the 302 Ford Mustang will be available fromSMS Supercars. The first version boosts the 5.0-liter V8 to produce 440 bhp and 542 Nm of torque. This allowed the Mustang to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and post a quarter mile time of 13.5 seconds at the track. Both tuning kits offer the TR3560 six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission for the customer to choose from.

sms supercars 302 ford mustang 4 SMS Supercars 302 Ford Mustang

The second tuning kit from SMS Supercars is even more powerful, bringing the horsepower numbers beyond 500 for the Ford Mustang. With the addition of a supercharger, the 302 Mustang now delivers 535 hp and 609 Nm of torque to improve the track times. The 0 to 60 mph was shaved 0.2 seconds, while the quarter mile time reaped a 1.4 second improvement

The Escape can be had with three drivetrain choices, two gas engines and one hybrid drivetrain. The smallest SUV in Ford’s range, and the only hybrid SUV, the Escape has withstood the test of time as it approaches the end of its generation lifespan. The third engine option comes in the form of a hybrid drivetrain that pairs a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-four-cylinder engine with a permanent-magnet electric motor. This advanced powertrain pumps out a combined 177 horsepower and returns the best-in-class city fuel economy of 34 miles per gallon, with a 31 highway rating on the FWD model.The Escape has grown both in terms of physical dimensions, but also content and trim levels. Just a few years ago the Escape was available in just three trim levels: XLS, XLT and Limited. Now you can add to that list Hybrid, and Hybird Limited, for a total of five trim levels (In addition to the ability to add all-wheel drive to each trim level).

As with most hybrid vehicles, Ford adds many features to the “standard” list for its hybrid Escape to help increase the profit margin that can offset the expensive manufacturing costs of hybrid drivetrains. Checking the four-wheel drive option box will bring the fuel economy to 30 city, 27 highway. Six airbags along with Ford’s Safety Canopy system, AdvanceTrac with RSC, as well as a tire pressure monitoring system are all standard safety features common to all trims.A new standard feature for the latest generation is a speed-sensitive Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system that replaces the old hydraulic system. EPAS helps the new SUV get better fuel economy than the prior generation. Using sensors, EPAS constantly measures the steering input applied by the driver to maintain the vehicle’s path; it continually resets to adapt to changing road conditions or the vehicle turning a corner. Ford’s pull-drift software technology gives the EPAS system the added ability to compensate for slight steering torque changes caused by environmental factors such as road crowning or steady crosswinds.

Standard interior features on the Escape Hybrid include: Six-way power driver’s seat, Eco-Friendly Seats, AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with Sync and Sirius satellite radio, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, Ice Blue interior lighting, dash display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls.

Over the next six years after the second-generation Sportage was introduced in 2004, now, under the direction of Kia’s Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, Kia have created a third-generation Sportage incorporating Kia’s new design DNA and many features from tThe all-new Kia Sportage will be available in Europe with new diesel and petrol engines. At launch this summer, the engine line-up will comprise 2-litre diesel and 2-litre petrol engines – with a 1.7-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre GDI petrol unit to follow lThe ‘R’ family diesel engine was first introduced in 2.2-litre and 197 PS form in the new Kia Sorento. Now at the 80th Geneva Motor Show, a 2.0-litre version of Kia’s next-generation ‘R’ family diesel engine is making its premiere in the new Sportage. Later this year, a new 1.7-litre version of Kia’s ‘U2’ diesel will become availablFor the petrol engine, the new Kia Sporttage introduces four-cylinder 1998 cc powerunit with dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) for both the intake and exhaust valves, four valves per cylinder and features weight-saving, all-aluminum construction with a cast aluminum block, cylinder head and sump. Later this year, new Sportage buyers will be able to order Kia’s 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine fitted with GDI (petrol direct injection) technology.

Buyers of the all-new Kia Sportage in Europe will be offered a choice 2WD or AWD drivetrains, five-speed or six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. For diesel Sportage models, the standard gearbox is a six-speed manual. Both the larger petrol and diesel engines can be specified with the optional six-speed automatic.

Consumers ordering a new Sportage will be able to select from five models with 2WD and four with AWD employing advanced drivetrain systems similar to those introduced with the new Sorento in 2009 (depending on individual markets).

In most European countries, the new Kia Sportage will be fitted with six airbags as standard. Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.e.ater this year.he 2007 Kia Kue concept car.

Not many models can credit their success to anthropomorphic hamsters with an eclectic playlist, but that’s exactly what has happened with the Kia Soul. Kias, for once, are actually kinda cool. Introduced as a 2010 model, the Soul sells almost as well as the Kia Sorento.  That would be like the Scion xB landing in the number two spot for Toyota, right after theAlthough the Soul has been on the market for only two years, Kia saw fit to refresh it for 2012. Aesthetic changes include new side mirrors with turn signals, plus a sculpted hood, revised head and taillights and new bumpers. The center vent on the front bumper now shares visual cues with the Optima sedan. Overall length has grown by a smidge, by 0.6 in., but all other dimensions remain. Three trims are available—Soul, Soul+ and Soul! (Soul Sport has been dropped)—of which the premium Soul!The interior also sees a few tweaks. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel is now standard, as is Vehicle Stability Management, Hill-start Assist Control and additional sound insulation. The center stack and shifter area have been polished, and a new 4.3-in. UVO voice-activated touchscreen system (powered by Microsoft) is now standard on the Soul!, as is a 350-watt 7-speaker Infinity sound system. comes with projector headlights with LED lighting and

as released a new performance package for Alfa Romeo 8C Spider. Power output of the Alfa Romeo 8C, Coupe and Spider, jumps to 600 hp thanks to a high-tech supercharger system. Top speed grows to 190 mph. In addition, the tuner offers a stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system, a custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with 21- and 22-inch diameters and a height-adjustable sport suspension.

2011 Novitec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider Front Side 2011 NovThe limited-edition sports car is based on the technology of the Maserati GT. For this reason NOVITEC adapted a development by sister company NOVITEC TRIDENTE, which specializes in tuning the models carrying the trident emblem, to the 8C. The high-tech supercharger conversion for the 4.7-liter V8 was modified to fit into the space under the hood of the Alfa Romeo 8C.

The compressor conversion, which sells for EUR 19,900, boosts power output of the 450-hp stock V8 by 150 hp. The maximum rated power output of 600 hp is available at 7,300 rpm. Peak torque jumps to 434 lb/ft torque at 5,400 rpm. The sprint from rest to 62 mph is shortened to just 3.9 seconds. Top speed increases from standard 180 mph to 190 mph.

While the body of the 8C Coupe or Spider remains untouched, NOVITEC adds some thrilling highlights to the appearance of the two-seater with three-piece NA3 wheels. To further emphasize the wedge-shape design of the 8C, the specialists chose a staggered combination with 21-inch diameter in front and 22 inches on the rear axle. The alloy wheels feature five double spokes and are available in any desired color. In sizes 9×21” and 11.5×22” they fill out the available space in the wheel wells perfectly. The matching high-performance tires are supplied by Formula 1 supplier Pirelli in sizes itec Alfa Romeo 8C Spider

Hummer is a name known by all. Also called the ‘Humvee’, this car is associated with America, and is a mark of elegance and strength combined. Hummers were developed for the US Army, which is why when one looks at this car, they think of how much force it can withstand. Initially they were meant only for the army, till 1991, after which they were introduced to civilians as well. After this, many modifications were made to the pre-existing vehicle, to meet the needs and wants of different people. One of these was to cater to the people who need to travel with a unique sense of style. And hence the Hummer Limousine was

To look at the history of the Hummer we have to look to its military beginnings to get the complete story. That is right it did not start out just being a car but an HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) with 4-wheel drive for the military. This vehicle was nicknamed the Humvee. It was developed by the AM General Company. Later after the military using it the Hummer vehicle for consumer use came out. This history will look at both the military and the consumer versions.The U.S. Army discovered, during the 1970s, it needed more than civilian trucks converted for military use. By 1979, the Army had drawn up specifications for a HMMWV. In July, 1979 AM General (owned by American Motors Coporation) started to work on a preliminary design, had its first prototype in less than one year, the M998 and began testing. By 1980 more than 500 vehicles weThe Army, in June of 1981 awarded a contract to AM General to develop some more prototypes for delivery to the government of the United States for testing, which led to the company getting a production contract for the initial 55,000 HMMWVs for delivery in 1985. There was more testing done on these and finally in 1989 the HMMWVs finally saw combat in the United States’ invasion of the country of Panama in the Operation Just Cause.re produced which iThis vehicle quickly became the backbone, vehicle wise that is, for the United States’ forces throughout the world. During the Operation Iraqi Freedom more than 10,000 of them were used by the coalition forces, in the invasion of Iraq in 2003. In 2004 though, the HMMWVs came under criticism for not having enough armor to provide soldiers with enough protection (found out in Iraq invasion) for guerilla warfare. Now the U.S military is in the process of In 1992 though, AM General started selling the first of the commercial M998s for consumers calling the brand Hummer. General Motors (GM) then took over the Hummer brand in 1998 and called its first models H1 and later on the H1 Alpha. In 2003, AM General and GM collaborated to make the Hummer H2 which had improved road ability. AM General still performed the final assembly. This model had a 6.0-liter GM V-8 engine and a Chevy Tahoe modified chassis among other features.replacing the HMMWVs.ncluded other models too.In 2006 a cheaper, lighter and smaller Hummer the H3 came out. GM manufactured the H3 in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Hummers were export to 33 countries around the world. Then in 2008 trouble hit because the U.S. fuel prices soared. The Hummer being a fuel guzzler was put under review to see if the franchise was going to be canceled or if it would be sold.A deal was in negotiations in 2009 with the Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery, a Chinese company, but when funding could not be found by the company to purchase the Hummer brand, the deal fell through. The Chinese government would not approve it either, because of its own reputation for the company being a top polluter and leading consumer of natural resources.

2012 hummer 8 2011 HummerGM, in April 2010, offered large rebates to help the remaining Hummers to be sold. Also GM told the dealers to close up their franchises. The Hummers just became a bad investment and failed for that reason in civilian use. Over 355,000 Hummers were sold to the general consumer though.