Speed Blogger

Along with a new President, the White House is also getting a new limousine provided by General Motors. When Barack Obama enters the White House next week he will have a different car to that used by his predecessor George W. Bush. Obama has been riding in a ‘greener' Ford Escape Hybrid previously, after getting rid of a less environmentally-friendly Chrysler 300C.
Neither GM nor the Secret Service through spokesman Ed Donovan are divulging much in details relating to the car. Officially what is said is that it covers roughly the same ‘footprint' as the model introduced in 2004. It has run-flat tyres and there are two flags on either front fender side that are illuminated with LED lights at night. Interior is a mix of new tech and old school luxury but features devices that are conducive to a mobile office at the rear. GM previously revealed that a 10-CD player is installed.
Spy shots of the limo have been all over the web for a while now. These have led to several speculative reports regarding the car's engine and other features. Some reckon it runs on a modified GM medium-duty truck platform and is powered by a diesel motor. It's also said that the windows are thicker and made of approximately 5-inch thick bulletproof glass.
Cadillac was commissioned to build this special vehicle for the incoming US President and the GM brand couldn't be happier after completing the job in time.
"This is an assignment we really treasure," said GM spokesman David Caldwell. "We're honoured again to be associated with the U.S. presidency." He uses the word ‘again' because since 1983 GM has manufactured more Presidential limousines than rival Ford.
Source: detnews.com

Automobili Lamborghini Debuts Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder at the Los Angeles Auto Show
Automobili Lamborghini, creator of the world’s most exclusive super sport cars, today held the worldwide debut of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560—4 Spyder at the Los Angeles Auto Show. As the successor to the best-selling Lamborghini of all time, the new LP 560-4 Spyder combines the Coupé’s design, performance and handling characteristics with the open-air pleasure only a soft top super sports car can deliver.
As the brand’s largest global market, the United States – specifically Southern California - was strategically chosen as the perfect location to unveil the new open top super sports car. In 2007, Southern California contributed to approximately 30 percent of all Lamborghini sales in the United States, maintaining its position as the country’s most successful region.
“The LP 560-4 is the best example of the Gallardo to date and will be a great contribution to Lamborghini’s future success,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The entirely new LP 560-4 Spyder adds another dimension to the Gallardo’s lineage with extreme design language and class-leading performance.”
The much anticipated Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder offers a new 5.2 liter engine with 40 additional horsepower than its predecessor; allowing it to sprint from 0-62 mph in only four seconds with a top speed of 201 mph. The car’s agility has also been greatly refined with a new, lighter transmission, which allows increased shift times by 40 percent (Corsa Mode), combined with an all-new chassis, suspension and Lamborghini’s permanent all-wheel drive system. Despite increased performance, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by 18 percent.
Since 2003, more than 8,500 Gallardos have left the production facility in the birth place of all Lamborghinis in Sant’Agata, Bolognese, Italy. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupé was first unveiled to the world at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008 with the dynamic launch taking place in Las Vegas later that spring. Each person who experienced the new Gallardo on the track or the streets unanimously agreed: the Gallardo LP 560-4 is an all-new car that can be enjoyed on any driving surface. Since, the new Gallardo has been critically acclaimed by customers and the media for its extreme performance, aggressive design and increased drivability. The highly anticipated LP 560-4 Spyder is set to continue this legacy. The Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyder is now available to order from dealers worldwide, with customer deliveries commencing Spring 2009.
In 2007, the United States market accounted for 39 percent of total Lamborghini sales worldwide and remains the brand’s largest global market. Since the beginning of 2005, Automobili Lamborghini has strategically increased its global reach from 65 to 119 dealers worldwide; 31 of these dealers are located in the United States. Last year was a record year for the brand with 930 Lamborghinis delivered in the United States and 2,406 delivered worldwide.
[Source: Lamborghini]

The year 2009 may very well be remembered as the year in which Jaguar reclaimed its place on the world's most sporting luxury cars list. Very quickly after revealing a whole range of images and specification for the XFR we now have the same for the XK and the supercharged XKR. Jaguar's 2+2 grand tourer has been completely revised and now features the new generation of powerful yet economical engines.
The 5.0-litre V8 is the choice of power for the XK. In its naturally aspirated guise the all-aluminium engine makes 385PS (283kW) and 380lb ft (515Nm) of torque. For the XKR a supercharger has been installed and it helps the car push out 510PS (380kW) and 461lb ft (625Nm) of torque. The XK places 5.2 seconds on the board for its 0 - 60mph time (0 - 100km/h is 5.5 seconds). The XKR runs 0 - 60mph in 4.6 seconds and its 0 - 100km/h time is 4.8 seconds. The XK and XKR's 6-speed automatic gearbox has additional clutch plates and an uprated torque converter added to accommodate the extra power.
Three versions of the car are offered; XK, XK Portfolio and XKR. They are also available in coupe or convertible body styles. The list of exterior improvements is long so a few can be highlighted. These are new rear LED lights incorporating fog lamps plus twin reserve lights, body-coloured side power vents and model-specific differences. King XKR for example features a new lower rear valance and a revised tailpipe design.
The interior is peppered with comforts like leather, seat heating and cooling, three spoke steering wheel and JaguarDrive Selector. An R Performance interior is naturally found in the XKR. Detroit is the place for a live public reveal. Stay put.
Source: netcarshow.com via autoblog.nl

Chrysler LLC has not given up on the sports car dream. With the Dodge Circuit EV the company is starting from scratch in trying to understand what the demands of the future luxury street racer are without entirely letting go of its sporting past. Based on the Lotus Europa the Dodge Circuit EV features styling inspired by the powerful Dodge Viper with its distinctive crosshair grille, wide track and low hood.
But what makes the car very special is its powertrain. "The Dodge Circuit EV offers an extremely fun-to-drive, expressive sports car without fuel consumption and with virtually no impact on the environment," said Ralph Gilles, Vice President - Design, Chrysler LLC.
Gilles' statement is supported by a completely electric ENVI drivetrain. It produces 268hp (200kW) for driving the wheels and utilises an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power the electric-drive motor. A controller then manages energy flow. Zero to 60mph is covered in under 5 seconds, the quarter mile in 13 seconds and top speed is 120mph. All that with no greenhouse gas emissions at all.
The Dodge Circuit EV will be able to cover between 150 - 200 miles (240km - 322km) before needing a recharge. That recharge can be performed at any standard 110-volt household plug and charging time would be cut in half if done at a 220-volt outlet.

Source: autobloggreen

Even as the Detroit Big 3 limp along almost as shadows of their former selves, Steve Saleen wants to keep the magic going on some of the classic models those automakers have recently revived in hopes of recapturing the romance of old.
Last year, Saleen launched SMS Limited and quickly went to work on creating highly-tuned performance versions of the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger and the Chevy Camaro.
The first to go in production this month are two versions of the SMS Dodge Challenger. An SMS 570 Challenger and an SMS 570X Challenger will come with superchargers that can squeeze between 500 and 700 horsepower out of Chrysler's 5.7 liter V8 Hemi engine. SMS Limited will also be tweaking aerodynamics and suspension to go with the additional power flow and also promises more attention to interiors with premium leather and other top-notch components.
The SMS 570 with 500 hp will be priced at 60,000 US dollars. The 570X, with an additional 200 horses, will cost 10,000 more.
Saleen will announce later this year details on the 460 Mustang, based on the 2010 Ford Mustang. According to the Detroit News, the 460 will come with SMS Limited's patented Red Butterfly Induction hood topping the supercharged 4.6 liter V8.
Details on the SMS Chevy Camaro should follow soon afterward.
These SMS Limited vehicles can be ordered through Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge dealers.
Source: detnews.com via motorauthority.com

The folks over at Project Kahn have just sent out some photos of their Project Kahn Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe. Shown in Black Diamond, this version of the two-door was originally introduced back in July.These new photos show the elegance of the DHC. The model already sold by Rolls Royce is meant to completely encompass the passenger in luxury, privacy, and quiet, while the driver is able to focus on the road with no distraction.Project Kahn puts a highlight on the car with their Silver Mist wheel. The large, custom alloy measures 9.5" by 22" making it wider than the stock wheels. This is meant to give "a more sporty and aggressive feel." They also have another, darker grey tone wheel available in the same size. The original Rolls Royce center cap fits in the new wheels.If you buy the car through the tuner company, it will come new with Elm Cluster Veneer Wood paneling and dash, Rolls Royce embossed front headrests, Piano Black steering wheel spokes, iPod connector, and a polished front radiator grille. Lambs wool rugs are also included, but only the lord almighty knows how to get them clean. Make sure you wipe off your patent leather loafers before stepping in.You can buy the Project Kahn Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe for £316.000, including taxes.

By: Zack Newmark

Source: www.germancarfans.com

A car made out of wood? Sounds crazy until you realize that they used to make airplanes out of wood and they flew just fine. Although, on second thought (or are we at the third thought here?) think of grainy WWI footage of those bi-plane fighters coming down in flames over Alsace.
Okay, so a collection of graduate students from North Carolina State University have created this aptly named Splinter car, made mostly out of wood. Their objective? Just to see if it will work.
But, of course, it's not entirely made out of wood. This Splinter is supposed to be a supercar and supercars...well, you can't run any car on an engine made of wood, let alone a supercar. The Splinter's extreme wood finish will be complimented by a twin-supercharged V8 from Cadillac married to a six-speed transmission with a rear trans-axle from a Chevy Corvette. 600 horses will be spinning the rear wheels made of laminated wood.
The man responsible for all of this is named Joe Harmon and Joe is anything but an average guy.
It awaits to be seen if this thing will fly.
Source: joeharmondesign.com via autoblog.com

Hamann, the developer / tuner, is foraging in territories previously unknown to it. Famous for enhancing performance machines from the likes of BMW, Porsche and Lamborghini, Hamann has on the odd occasion, branched off into Mercedes McLaren and Aston Martin.
Soon Bentley will join this list of Hamann-tuned cars with a Continental GT Speed. The GT Speed isn't exactly short on spark, having been bombarded with a 600hp / 447kW Volkswagen Group W12 engine at factory level in Crew, England. No doubt Hamann has the know-how; the McLaren SLR they tuned went from similar levels of go as the GT Speed to 700hp, so that number is the least that can be expected.
Billed as the fastest Bentley ever to be built for public usage, the GT Speed already weighs as little as any car of its nature can, so it is clear that Hamann will had their work cut out increasing power, adding much sportier body kit and reducing weight at the same time.

by Thami Masemola

Building on standing but unspoken tradition, Ford is to unveil the most powerful Ford SVT-tuned performance Mustang ever in Detroit. The 2010 Shelby GT500 has had its power hiked to 540hp / 402kW and some 510 foot-pounds of torque.
"We're proud of the many enhancements that were developed jointly by the Ford and Shelby Automobiles team last year that we've now incorporated into the new 2010 Shelby GT500," said Carroll Shelby, founder of Shelby Automobiles. "Building on what we learned to create the Shelby GT500KR, this new car offers a great combination of power, handling and braking. It is truly a special car that is a great deal of fun to drive."
The GT500 uses a 5.4-litre V8 engine with a supercharger to make its 540hp while redline is pegged at 6,250 rpm. That power dome on the hood is not only for bragging rights but serves to scoop up cool air to keep the engine at its best peak performance level. A manual transmission was upgraded and fitted, and it makes use of a twin-disc clutch. Engineers spend a lot of time making sure the car's exhaust note was audible, yet not overpowering, so you still know you are driving something special but without excessive interior intrusion.
Inside it features lots of "GT500" and "SHELBY" logos, leather fittings, voice-activated satellite navigation and custom interior lighting fitments.

by Thami Masemola

Ever since it became a concern that we needed to find an alternative to oil and gas way back in the 1970s and ‘80s during two oil embargoes, the focus was to develop alternative fuels from sources grown from the soil.
But with the latest energy crisis more and more of the techies have been turning to sea based sources like algae to play around with. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California in San Diego has been researching the use of marine algae as a source for biofuels. Actually the Institution has been involved in algae research as an alternative energy source since 1987. Researchers say that algae are “the most efficient organisms on Earth for absorbing light energy and converting it into a natural biomass oil product.” They say that algae actually yields five to 10 times more bioenergy molecules per area and per time than any plant. Our take? Imagine a series of energy production plants all across the U.S. with ponds beside them that grow algae. Man, back when we were kids, that green stuff that rested on the surface of ponds was kind of icky. Now they’re kind of cool.
via Underwater Times