2008 Dodge Viper with 600HP

Rob Good: The 2008 Dodge Viper has gained an extra 90hp over the 2006 model thanks to a nicely revised V10 engine.

The V10 aluminum engine block was revised for a 1 millimeter larger bore, raising the displacement to 8.4 liters from 8.3 liters. This car is not going to be the most economical out there, but hey it has 600hp. Larger valves and Variable Valve Timing (VVT)helps increase the output. It has new cylinder heads as well, equipped with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)-shaped combustion chambers.

The snake gets a new transmission which is the latest evolution of the Tremec T56 six-speed manual, known as the TR6060.

According to Damiler Chrysler, 0-60 mph comes in under 4 seconds and 0-100-0 mph shoots through in just over 12 seconds (braking in under 100 feet). Other changes include a new hood with a larger hood scoop for air induction and distinctive hood louvers.

Good thing that Chevrolet is bringing out the super Corvette soon, or Dodge will be getting all the limelight.

Burn some rubber.

Mercedes Benz Ocean Drive convertible.

Rob Good: At the North American Auto Show in Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a design trendsetter with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible.

The Concept Ocean Drive is an interesting look. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by, this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile culture at its most attractive and desirable.

The one-off special has an all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "topless" cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection.

Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille, LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy.

The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600 on account of this model's long wheelbase. It even has neck warming technology so you can keep warm with the top lowered on a cold day.

Interesting concept Mercedes Benz.

LA Auto show December 1st 2006

Today I went to the 2007 LA auto show with fellow vehicle enthusiast G.D Perkins. This is the first time that the LA auto show is being held in December rather than January, as it always used to clash with the Detroit auto show....

I took plenty of photo's and here is a few of the better vehicles we saw today...


The beautiful Ferrari 599


Bugatti Veyron


Bently Continental GTC


Lamborghini Gallardo with it's top off....


The 425HP Dodge Magnum SRT


2008/09 Dodge Challenger.... Nice car...


Audi R8.... This car is going to sell...



The new VW Tiguan


Chevrolet Camaro 2008/09



BMW Hydrodgen 7 series......


2007 BMW X5


Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby


Mercedes Benz CL63


Mercedes Benz S63


2007 Porsche 911 Turbo.... What a great car.


Tesla Roadster 2008.... fully electric 0-60 in 4 seconds.

David Spade was there too looking at the nice cars...He must be a bit of a car freak as the show only opened half an hour before we all got in.

My pick for convertible: Lamborghini Gallardo
Stationwagon : Dodge Magnum SRT-8
Sedan Large : Merceded S63 / Bentley Continental
Sedan Medium : BMW M5 / Mercedes E63
Sedan Small : BMW 335i / Audi RS4
Concept : Dodge Challenger
Exotic : Bugatti Veyron

All an all a great day. Getting in early beat the crowds and if you get the chance, go to the 2007 LA Auto show....

BMW 335i twin turbo

I took the liberty of driving the new twin turbo E92 coupe today at Santa Monica BMW. I must say I was very impressed. It seems that BMW may well have under-rated the hp output of 300HP. Some suggest that the engine puts out closer to 360hp with close to 300hp at the wheels.

It is roomier than the previous model and BMW have done very well with the automatic gearbox. It has paddle shifters on the steering wheel a la SMG, but does not have the akwardness that was sometime evident with the manual SMG version. The gears changed as if it was SMG and this car MOVES.

The sound the engine puts out is like music to the ears, and on top of it, it is well constructed with full service and warranty plans.

There is a rumor out there that the 335i 4 door which is to be released soon is capable in 6 speed manual form of completing 0-60 in 4.8 seconds which is the same as the previous generation M5 and the current M3.

BMW must have something up their sleeve for the next M3 due out next year, as I cant imagine them wanting a sub $50,000 4 door sedan keeping up the top of line 3. M may well be taking a different route by making the new M3 more of a lightened track racing beast and allowing the 335i to be the luxury end of the scale. Having said that that will not work too well in the USA, so I am expecting a mid to low 4 second time to 60mph for the next M3.

If you have not driven the 335i and you are contemplating a new BMW do it.

BMW never fails to impress me.

Michael Schumacher to retire, Kimi to replace him.

7 times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher will retire from Ferrari and F1 at the end of this season. He is currently 2 points behind reigning champion Fernando Alonso and is targeting an 8th world championship before he steps out of the red car for good at the end of the season.

Kimi Raikkonen currently of McLaren Mercedes has been confirmed with the Ferrari team for 2007, 2008 an 2009.

Fellippe Massa has been confirmed for 2007 and 2008.

Next race is in China in 3 weeks time.

Peter Brock 05 RIP

It is sad to see that my favorite Australian motor racer Peter Brock has passed on after a vehicle accident. Brock was participating in a rally in Western Australia when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree.

I always enjoyed watching Brock kick ass in the 05 Holden's at Bathurst.

Peter Brock's adoption of the number 05 was to highlight the Victorian Governments 05 blood alcohol limit to the public. So from 1975, Brock maintained 05 as his car number even when as Australian Touring Car Champion, he was entitled to use the number one.

He raced Fords for a short period and also raced Volvo, but he will best be remembered as the King of Mount Panarama in the 05 Holden's.

One word.... Bugger.

The guy was truly a legend.

BMW Z10 supercar

BMW'’s last supercar was the M1 back in 1979. That car was the first car produced by BMW Motorsport, which makes the M badged cars like M3, M5 and M6. The BMW M1 had a 3.5 litre inline 6 24 valve engine that made 277hp at 6500rpm and 324Nm of torque at 5000rpm. Tuned versions could make up to 850hp. This engine also powered the first generation M5 and M6 vehicles.

Now with it's involvement with F1, BMW naturally would like to do what the other car manufacturers in F1 are doing, and make a Supercar. Toyota has it'’s Lexus LF-A and Honda has it's new NSX coming out soon, not to mention Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes. BMW'’s new Supercar is expected to be called the Z10. BMW has set development targets for the Z10 to be a rear/mid-engine Supercar powered by a V10. The V10 would be likely a tuned up version of the advanced M5 V10 5 litre engine that won the 2005 Engine of the Year award. Targeted performance figures are 550hp and a curb weight of 1200kg which gives the car a power to weight ratio of 458bhp per ton. The V10 is likely to make 550hp in the M6CSL which may or may not be made shortly, so expect even better performance from the Z10.

The Z10 looks very Ferrari esk in this photo. I would go as far as saying that the Z10 is a spectacular looking automobile, and if built it will certainly have fantastic build quality, performance and reliability.

BMW what are you waiting for?

2007 BMW X5

BMW has taken the liberty of releasing a new 2007 X5. It has improved it's good looks from the previous model and has a host of great new features and technology.

The engines boast more power, and use less fuel thanks to lighter materials, smarter technology and seven years of diligence.

The new inline six cylinder engine generates 260 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, while the eight cylinder, 4.8-liter engine offers 350 hp and 350 lb-ft torque. The six cylinder was previously rather underpowered, so the new engine is going to make it a swift performer.

For the first time, the all new X5 offers the convenience of a third row seat, which is really a must in the USA in this day and age. The interior offers more cargo space than the previous generation and a wealth of premium features. Enjoy ventilated leather seats with 20-way adjustments and 10 interior fans to keep you cool and comfortable. Cup holders large enough for any appetite. (BMW has not been very good at cup holders up to date)

BMW has even added the option of a rearview camera to make backing up extra safe.

This vehicle is going to sell very well. I am wondering what the new version of the hi-po 4.8is will be? Maybe they will shoehorn the Alpina supercharged V8 into it at 500hp for humor?

2009 Chevrolet Camaro

It has been announced by GM CEO Rick Wagoner that Chevrolet will bring back the iconic muscle car the Camaro in 2009.

I hope that the car will be similar to the spectacular concept vehicle I viewed at the LA auto show earlier this year. Initial production will begin at the end of 2008, and retail sales will start in the first quarter of 2009.

I am guessing that the car will be powered by a 5.7 V8 similar to that of the standard Corvette available now. Hopefully Chevrolet make use of the 505hp V8 from the Corvette ZO6 in the Camaro possibly as the SS model.... This Camaro is very good looking, and with the right technology and power to weight ratio it will sell very well.

Chevrolet stopped producing the fast and sleek car in the 2002 model year after a run that began in 1967.

Jenson Button Hungarian Grand Prix

After 113 Grand Prix starts Englishman Jenson Button with Honda finally wins a race.

Congratulations.... Well deserved.

Both Fernando Alonso and Michael Schumacher had to retire from todays race, along with Kimi who started from pole position in Hungary....

A magnificent race indeed.

Villeneuve off to NASCAR in 2007?

It is rumored that BMW F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve could be heading for NASCAR next year. This was recently reported in the Journal de Montreal newspaper. The story suggested that Villeneuve has already signed a pre contract with a NASCAR team conditional on him not finding an F1 drive. He would spend one season racing in the Busch Series and then move into the Nextel Cup in 2008. The existence of a deal has been denied by Villeneuve, but it is clear that there is contact with NASCAR teams.

It has been said before, but with what is happening in Hungary at the moment with the 3rd driver replacing Jacques, there seems to be very little chance of Villeneuve returning to F1 again.

This would really boost the ratings of NASCAR with Juan Pablo Montoya already confirmed with Ganassi NASCAR next year. Nothing like seeing Jacques and JPM wheel to wheel.

Plus the money is very good in NASCAR and you can race well into your 40's.

Way to go I guess, although F1 wont be the same without Villeneuve and Montoya.

Cow crap powers your Ferrari...

Dallas Texas USA... Panda Ethanol Inc. announced that its Hereford subsidiary has successfully completed the debt financing on its 100 million gallon ethanol plant in Hereford, Texas. The company will immediately begin facility construction on the 380-acre site and anticipates ethanol production to commence in the second half of 2007.

The first of its kind facility will generate the steam used to manufacture ethanol by gasifying more than 1 billion pounds of cow manure a year, making it one of the most fuel efficient ethanol refineries in the nation. Once completed, it will be the largest biomass fueled ethanol plant in the United States.

This is fantastic news. Not only is the manure plentiful in Hereford, but when the process is finished you have Ethanol, warm water and ash which can be used for making concrete. The plant is expected to be 90% self sufficient.

I have been posting on Ethanol before, and I must say that the Govt of NZ should be closely watching and learning about Panda Ethanol Inc. It would not hurt NZ to start up an self sufficient ethanol plant that will provide renewable fuel for locals without relying on foreign oil.

Hereford has been dubbed the Saudi Arabia of dung.... At least a company with some ingenuity has taken advantage of the situation.

Shouldn't NZ be working on something like this too?

Porsche Carrera GT1

This is an idea of what the supposed upcoming Bugatti Veyron beating Porsche GT1 might look like. If it gets the green light it expect to see it around 2009. The GT1 is expected to be a 950bhp street legal version of Porsche's future Le Mans racer. The beast is expected to use the Carrera GT's carbon fiber frame with a new nose and tail. The GT1's top speed should be about 254 mph, 2 mph more than the Veyron.

No one except people at Porsche knows whether the GT1's powerplant will be a turbocharged version of the Carrera GT's V10 or a bored out, twin turbo version of the Cayenne S's V8, or something else. It seems likely that Porsche wants to take the podium of fastest car from the Bugatti Veyron. I wait the outcome.

2007 Holden Commodore VE

Holden has unveiled the all new VE Commodore range. The car is the first vehicle based on GM's Zeta global rear wheel drive platform designed by Holden for use in GM vehicles. There is a strong likelihood of it underpinning the new Chevrolet Camaro. Holden's sports performance hero SS model and prestige leader Calais were chosen to debut VE Commodore at an event in Melbourne. Holden also used the event to introduce its new V Series (reminiscent of Cadillac), enabling the company to offer extra variants under the SS and Calais nameplates as well as special edition models. Details and gallery after the jump.

The 2006 Holden Commodore range is as follows:

Omega (new) 3.6L V6, peak power 241 hp (180kW), peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic

Berlina 3.6L V6, peak power 241 hp (180kW), peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

SV6 3.6L V6, peak power 262 hp (195kW), peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic or six-speed manual

SS 6.0L V8, peak power 362 hp (270kW), peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual

SS V (new) - 6.0L V8, peak power 362 hp (270kW), peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual

Calais 3.6L V6, peak power 262 hp (195kW), peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

Calais V (new) 3.6L V6, peak power 262 hp (195kW), peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic

Now with 362 hp in the good old SS and Calais, I am very intersted to see if HSV will be able to use the 505HP engine used in the magnificent Chevrolet Corvette ZO6 for one of it's next releases?

I have always liked the Commodore, the VE looks particularly good, although the rear end might take a week or two to get used too....... Roll them out Holden.

2008 Mercedes Benz CL

The new 2008 Mercedes Benz CL is going to be technologically advanced, but that is not going to make it a great looking car. Mercedes has been doing well lately with the new models, but I am not quite convinced the this CL600 pictured. Expect 388hp out of the CL550 and 514hp out of the twin turbo CL600. What do you think?

Juan Pablo Montoya to NASCAR

I am disappointed to learn that one of my favourite Formula 1 drivers is heading to NASCAR next year. JPM has secured a deal to drive for his former boss Chip Ganassi in NASCAR for the 2007 season, and may even be in #42 car sometime this year after the F1 season is finished.

Montoya’s only stock-car experience came in June 2003 when he and four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon “exchanged” race cars for an exhibition at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Montoya drove Gordon’s Chevrolet while Gordon took a spin in Montoya’s F1 car.

Juan Pablo's switch to NASCAR comes on the heels of reports that former Formula 1 World Champion and another of my favourite F1 drivers Jacques Villeneuve, an Indianapolis 500-winner himself, has expressed interest in driving in the series. Both the newly-married Villeneuve and Montoya are at the end of their current F1 team contracts with the conclusion of the present year's campaign. Most veteran observors did not feel Montoya was being courted to continue at McLaren/Mercedes with reigning F1 champ Fernando Alonso coming to the team in 2007. imagine Jacques and JPM in the same NASCAR team.....


2007 is going to be an interesting year in motorsport that is for sure.


Good luck to him.

BMW M6 convertible

BMW M GmbH follows its tradition of producing ultra-performance luxury vehicles by introducing its latest variant, the new BMW M6 Convertible.

The BMW M6 Convertible is a unique performer featuring the internationally acclaimed engine of the year, the 5.0-litre V10, which produces an awesome 373 kW (507 bhp) and maximum torque of 520 Nm. With a suspension developed for supreme dynamics and a Sequential M Gearbox (SMG) complete with Drivelogic, this ultimate power unit turns the latest product from BMW M into an open sports car able to accelerate to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.8 seconds.

That my friends is faster than the Lamborghini Countach most of us dreamed about as youngsters, and all with the roof off...... What a beast of a car.

I expect the price to be in excess of $110,000 plus markup in USA.....

Ramp up production and get them out fast BMW.

I wonder what BMW M have up their sleeve for the next car?

Rumor has it in the F1 paddock.

Rumor has it that McLaren F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya will leave the team at the end of this season. There is no rumor of where he might go. He is a great driver, and I'd like to think that he would retain a drive for 2007.
It also seems that another rumor is that Kimi has signed for Ferrari.... If that is the case then who will be driving with current world Champion Fernando Alonso at Mclaren next year?

Prodrive P2

This car is a virtual rocket. It was designed and built by Dave Richards (ex F1 team boss) company Prodrive which is currently involved in Rallying, and soon to be involved in F1 again.

The car will go from 0-60mph in 3.8 seconds, and will top out at 174mph.... It is powered by a 345bhp Subaru WRX STI engine and according to Jeremy Clarkson, it handles amazingly. In fact it sticks to the tar so much that poor Jeremy had to stop too be ill. This car should be built, but it looks like Prodrive is just teasing us.... It will change the British motor market for ever if it is built, especially at 45,000 pounds.

Check this out

CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet as driven by Mika Hakkinen

Let me first say that Mika rocks. He is the F1 world champion from 1998 and 1999. I personally saw him 5 feet in front of me in Auckland during the first Americas Cup parties. I bet he could still hop in a F1 car and kick most everyones ass, but alas we will probably never get a chance to see that again.

Anyways he has the priviledge of driving for his personal car, along with Juan Pablo Montoya, a Mercedes Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet. This car is powered 428 KW / 582 HP supercharged AMG V8 that propels this car from 0-100kph in 4.0 seconds. It zooms to a top speed of 300kph, although I am not sure that Mika could do that on the streets on Monaco these days.

This car is also the fastest 4 seat cabriolet in the world, although I do know of someone that has come close in a M3 convertible with the roof down at 155mph(250kph), but lets leave that at that.

Quite simply. AMG will make 100 of these cars for 277,820 Euros, so if you want to cruise like Mika, you'd better hurry along and get one now.

2007 Shelby Mustang GT500 and GT-H

Shelby GT500
This is the first time in 35 years that a legit Ford Shelby has been produced. This car is going on sale soon and on 91 octane fuel with it's 8.4:1 compression ratio, the Shelby will blip out 500hp and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. The 07 Shelby is powered by a 5409cc dohc supercharged V8 engine, and will zip from 0 - 60 MPH in 4.7 seconds, o - 100 in 10.7 and the 1/4 mile in 13.1 seconds. Not bad for $41,325 US.

Get this..... Shelby are also producing 500 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H (H for Hertz). The cars will be only available to rent through Hertz in USA for $100 per day.... Another collectors item in the works. The GT-H will be powered by a 4.6 V8 with 325 Hp, which is a 25hp increase over the standard 4.6 Mustang.

Shelby GT-H (photo courtesy of Shelby)

Gibbs Quadski

It looks like Alan Gibbs has pulled another cool vehicle out of his hat. London based Gibbs Technologies is about to release the Quadski...It is a 4wd farm bike that also doubles as a jet ski. It will do 72kph on land and will take you across water for about 2 hours. No talk on price yet, but bring it on Alan.

NZ Herald story here

Schumacher causes a mess in Monaco

It seems that 7 times F1 world champion Michael Schumacher has caused controversy upon messing up the qualifying, by having a bizarre virtually impossible crash, while in poll position for tomorrows race in Monaco.

It seems that both Alonso and Webber were behind Schumacher on flying laps that were quicker than him when Schumacher made a sudden move and stalled on the track without damaging his car. This brought out the yellow flags and the flying laps by the others were not valid. Therefore Michael Schumacher held onto pole.

Jacques Villeneuve has lashed out at Schumacher mentioning that anyone who would have such lack of control of his F1 car to get in such a position does not deserve a F1 superlicense. Jacques said that he wouldn't even expect that sort of driving from Ide who was recently dropped from Super Agri and had his super license taken away. Michael Schumacher has been known to pull dodgy tactics in the past......

DO you think Michael purposely caused the incident? I wouldn't be surprised.



UPDATE: Naughty Schumacher sent to back of the grid. News here

Pontiac Firebird Trans am 2008

This is a great looking car that could well me made alongside the 2008 Camaro. I would guess that if it is released, it may well have some movie companies thinking about writing another Smokey and the Bandit movie.

I expect at least 400 hp and 0-60 in 5.3 or less.

Photo from autospies.

2007 BMW 3 series coupe

The new BMW 3 series coupe is about to be released. The flagship coupe at this stage before the 414 hp M3 is released, will be the twin-turbo direct injection 335i with inline six-cylinder engine and 306 hp and 300 lb-ft +/- of torque. BMW's magnificant xDrive all-wheel drive system will available for the first time as an option on the coupe.

The power and torque of the twin turbo 335i result in outstanding performance. The 335i Coupe accelerates from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, or 0-100kph in about 5.5. Top speed is 150 mph, when equipped with sport package.

I expect to see this new BMW 3 series coupe on these shore in September. I expect it to be a great seller for BMW.... I simply love turbo cars. Audi has dropped them, Mercedes uses a few of them, but it looks like BMW is making the investment in turbo's and I hope that there are more to come.

Sourced from autospies.com and bmwusa.com

Ethanol as an oil alternative?

Over the past three decades Brazil has worked to create a viable alternative to gasoline. With its sugarcane-based fuel, the nation may become energy independent this year. Brazil’s ethanol program, which originated in the 1970s in response to the uncertainties of the oil market, has enjoyed intermittent success. Still, many Brazilians are driving “flexible fuel” cars that run on either ethanol or gasoline and allow the consumer to fill up with whichever option is cheaper – often ethanol. Countries with large fuel bills such as India and China are following Brazil’s progress closely.

The US is taking small steps towards the use of ethanol, but its process, relying on corn, is lengthier and more expensive. In addition, countries such as Japan and Sweden are importing ethanol from Brazil to help fulfill their environmental obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Running cars on carbohydrates instead of fossil fuels may not be a new idea, and ethanol has drawbacks such as high water content can damage engine parts over the long term, and ethanol burns at a higher temp to conventional oil based petrolium therefore creating starting problems in the morning if the temp is cool. The thing is that ethanol offers an attractive alternative as oil prices climb, and it is possible to make the stuff from pretty much anything that you can brew alcohol out of.

New Zealand / USA does not grow sugarcane to my knowledge, therefore the corn option seems to be the best bet although sugarcane based Ethanol is more potent than corn based ethanol. Brazil has got to the point now that they can get about 6000 liters of ethanol from 2.5 acres of land. When they started in 1975 with their project that was at 2500 liters. Brazil is the world leader in this technology. I think that they are going to reap their rewards from now on as the really have everything covered from spending money in their own country to power their vehicles, to excess power generation created by the ethanol plants which in turn sell the power to the local grid..... All very self sufficient.

I think that NZ should take advantage of Brazils knowledge and start producing Ethanol in NZ to subsidise our dependence on international oil. The other option is to do as Sweden and Japan is doing and importing Brazilian Ethanol for the time being until an infastructure can be created. It is not going to be difficult to get flex fuel vehicles produced for the NZ market, and hey.... It is green and good for the environment.

Time that someone within the governement looks into this.