CAN AM SPYDER Raffi Ahmad

Engine

Manufacturer................................BRP-Rotax

Type.............................................. 990 V-Twin

Displacement...............................60.90 in3 (998cc)

Bore.............................................. 3.82 in (97 mm)

Stroke...........................................2 .68 in (68 mm)

Cylinder........................................2

Valves per cylinder.......................DOHC 4

Max output...................................106 hp @ 8500 rpm

(79 kW @ 8500 rpm)

Max torque...................................77 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm

(104.3 Nm @ 6250 rpm)

Compression ratio........................10.8:1

Ignition type.................................Electronic ignition with

dual output coil

Lubrication....................................5W4 0 BRP synthetic oil

Exhaust system.............................2-into-1 with catalytic converter

Cooling.........................................Li quid cooled

Injection........................................M ulti-point EFI with 57 mm

diameter throttle bodies

Drive Train

Gear box......................................Sequentia l Manual 5-Speed (SM5)

with transmission-based reverse

Optional gear box........................Sequential Electronic 5-Speed (SE5)

with transmission-based reverse

Final drive.....................................28/79 ratio final drive with

Carbon-reinforced drive belt

Clutch...........................................W et, multi-plate, manual or electronic

operation through a hydraulic piston

Electric Equipment

Magneto.......................................500 Watt

Starter........................................... Electric

Battery..........................................D ry Cell, 12V, 21 Amp

Geometry

Front suspension..........................Double A-Arm with anti-roll bar

Front suspension travel................5.67 in (144 mm) with adjustable cam

Rear suspension...........................Swing-arm with monoshock

Rear suspension travel.................5.71 in (145 mm) with adjustable cam

Chassis type.................................SST Spyder

(Surrounding Spar Technology)

Steering........................................DP S (Dynamic Power Steering)

Tires & Wheels

Front tire.......................................KR21 165/65R14

Front nominal pressure................13-17 psi (89-117 kPa)

Rear tire........................................KR21 225/50R15

Rear nominal pressure..................26-30 psi (179-207 kPa)

Wheel size, front...........................Aluminum 14x5 (355x127)

Wheel size, rear............................Aluminum 15x7 (381x178)

Brakes

Type..........................................Foot-actuated, fully integrated

hydraulic 3-wheel braking system

Front braking system................4 piston calipers with 10.2 in x 0.25 in

(260 mm x 6 mm) discs

Rear braking system.................Single-piston caliper with 10.2 in x 0.25 in

(260 mm x 6 mm) disc

EBD..........................................Elect ronic Brake Distribution

ABS...........................................Anti-lock Braking System

Parking brake...........................Mechanical, foot actuated to the

rear caliper

Safety & Security

VSS...........................................Vehi cle Stability System

ABS...........................................Anti-lock Braking System

TCS...........................................Trac tion Control System

SCS...........................................Stab ility Control System with

Roll-Over Mitigation

DPS...........................................Dyna mic Power Steering

DESS.........................................Digit ally Encoded Security System

Vehicle Dimensions & Weights

Dry vehicle weight....................697 lbs (316 kg)

Front storage capacity.............2,685 in3 (44 l)

Front max load capacity...........30 lbs (15.9 kg)

Total vehicle load allowed........440 lbs (200 kg)

Fuel capacity............................6.6 US gal (25 l)

Oil capacity..............................1.19 US gal (4.5 l)

Coolant capacity......................0.85 US gal (3.2 l)

GVWR.......................................1,188 lbs (540 kg)

Ground clearance.....................4.5 in (115 mm)

Vehicle overall height...............45.1 in (1,145 mm)

Vehicle overall length...............105 in (2,667 mm)

Vehicle overall width................59.3 in (1,506 mm)

Seat (top) height.......................29 in (737 mm)

Wheel base..............................68 in (1,727 mm)

Wheel track, front.....................51.5 in (1,308 mm)

Type of gas...............................Unleaded, 87 octane minimum

Features & Main Options

Color choices...........................Full Moon

Millennium Yellow

Roadster Red

Instrumentation........................Dual analog and LCD w/speedometer,

tachometer, electric fuel gauge,

daily trip (A & B) meters, engine

temperature, ambient temperature

and gear position indicator. Information

displayed in either metric or US Standards

Main options............................Fog lights, xenon lights,

mono seat cover, racing exhaust pipe,

travel bags, cargo liner, passenger

backrest, low and high windshields

width: 568px; height: 400px;"

Kia Soul Hamsters return (U.S)

The new advertising campaign for the 2010 Kia Soul will be top-heavy with hamsters. The South Korean carmaker is even rolling out a line of "Hamstar" clothing for followers of the cuddly creatures.


Kia said the clothing, which is featured in the advertising, will "soon be available for purchase by fans at http://www.hamstarclothing.com/."

The ad campaign likens the Soul to other "boxy rides — represented by toasters, washing machines and cardboard boxes," said Kia Motors America in a statement. The hamsters also rap the title song's lyrics, "You can get with this, or you can get with that."

"Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen's Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign," said Michael Sprague, Kia Motors America vice president of marketing. "The newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world."

The full commercial can be seen here.

Press Release:

Kia Motors America (KMA) officially released a new advertising campaign, titled “This or That,” for the 2010 Kia Soul. “This or That” is the rebirth of the initial Kia Soul award winning advertising campaign created by David & Goliath, KMA’s advertising agency of record, and brings back the loveable Hamsters due to popular demand. Soul is a unique and highly personalizable urban passenger vehicle and the new spot builds on its creative theme in the style of a music video set to the classic hip hop track “The Choice is Yours” by notable 90’s hip hop group Black Sheep. The new campaign launches today on cable TV networks Comedy Central, Fuse, MTV, MTV2 and Spike and runs through July. Beginning 28th May it will appear in movie theaters across the country as well as have a presence online at Pandora, Facebook, Social Vibe’s PetVille, KMA’s Kia.com. and a YouTube contest.

“Given the success and popularity of the hamsters in the initial Soul launch with a spot that won Nielsen’s Automotive Ad of the Year, it made sense to bring them back for a new campaign,” said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of KMA. “We know the Soul target audience is digitally savvy and that they viewed the first commercial multiple times online, so the newest experience is rich with details in the hamster world and integrated Soul content for them to discover during repeat viewings.”

“Hamstar™” logoed clothing, as seen in the spot, will soon be available for purchase by fans at www.hamstarclothing.com (check soon for details).

Cruising through an urban landscape behind the wheel of an Alien Green Kia Soul, the hamsters in “This or That” cleverly compare Soul’s unique styling and plethora of personalizable creature comforts to other boxy rides – represented by toasters, washing machines and cardboard boxes – while rapping the title song’s lyrics, “You can get with this, or you can get with that.”

A recipient of “Best Family Cars for 2010” by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, “Best Hatchback of 2010” by Cars.com, “2010 Top Cars for Families” by Motherproof.com, and 2010 “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, Soul is available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, as well as four special editions, including the recently unveiled special-edition Ghost Soul. Other special-edition Soul vehicles include Ignition Soul, Denim Soul and Shadow Dragon Soul. Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,000.

Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a unique combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with “glowing” Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.

Vauxhall/Opel Calibra to make a comeback?

Ever since Vauxhall/Opel pulled the covers off the sleek GTC Concept back in 2007, there have been rumours circulating on the Internet and the media about a production version of the study that would essentially replace the Calibra of the 1990s.


A report claims that the four seater coupe is still under consideration but if it gets the go-ahead, it could go on sale as early as 2013, which sounds believable given that the car would be a coupe version of the Vauxhall/Opel Insignia/Buick Regal.


It is said that in order for GM to start making a profit off the Calibra's descendant, Vauxhall/Opel will need to build a minimum of 30,000 units a year, and that's where Buick comes in...

"We would feel a lot more confident about some of these projects if Buick, Chevrolet in North and South America and Saab were sharing volumes and risk," an unnamed GM Europe source said. Since Saab is no longer a part of GM, it’s easy to presume that this statement has been made either in the beginning of 2010 or last year...

If GM does give the go ahead for the Insignia coupe project, chances are that it will be sold Stateside.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor proves popular (U.S)

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor with the optional 6.2 litre V8 is shifting like there’s no tomorrow, with 3,000 orders already booked for the $41,995 pick-up.


The V8, taken from those used in Ford's Super Duties, has a unique cam profile to help get extra power for the Raptor. The final result is 411bhp and 434 lb-ft of torque.

SVT chief functional engineer, Kerry Baldori explains, "We spent a lot of time developing our desert durability test so that it's very close to replicating the Baja 1000. Desert testing proved to be a very quick way to learn about the reliability of the truck and it put another level of extreme loads on the engine that our normal durability testing doesn't cover."

Ford is likely to see orders inflating once the SuperCrew arrives in 2011.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke pricing announced (UK)

Nissan has revealed the prices for its controversial Juke crossover, with the entry-level Visia 1.6 petrol costing from £12,795. All Jukes are linked to a 5 speed manual, 6 speed for 1.5 dCi & 1.6 DiG-T, which also receives a 6 speed CVT transmission.

Three engines will be available - along with the 115bhp 1.6, there's a 109bhp 1.5 diesel and an all-new direct-injection turbocharged 1.6 petrol engine that produces 187bhp and starts at £15,695 for the 2WD model. The range-topping engine is also available in 4WD, mated to a continuously variable transmission gearbox (CVT) which costs £19,995.

The entry-level 115bhp 1.6 litre petrol engine with manual transmission emits 149g/km and has a combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg/6.4l/100km. Top speed is 111mph. With a CVT gearbox, CO2 emissions decrease from 149g/km to 145g/km and top speed from 111mph to 106mph. Combined fuel economy increases to 44.8mpg/6.3/100km.

The 1.5 dCi engine has 86bhp and a combined fuel economy of 55.4mpg/5.1l/100km. This engine kicks out 134g/km with a top speed of 109mph.

Flagship 1.6 DiG-T 187bhp petrol engine with a manual gearbox has CO2 emissions of 149g/km with a combined fuel economy rating of 40.9mpg/6.9l/100km. Top speed is rated at 134mph. With the CVT gearbox and 4WD, the CO2 figure rises to 175g/km with a combined figure of 37.2mpg/7.6l/100km. The top speed is 124mph.

Three trim-levels are available; Visia gets 16” alloy wheels, ESP, 6 airbags, sports seats, particle filter (diesel only), active front headrests, immobiliser, 4 speakers w/ MP3 aux, 60/40 split folding rear seats, height adjustable driver’s seat, tilt adjustable steering wheel, front electric windows w/ one touch (drivers side only), electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors, air conditioning, remote central locking and speed sensitive power steering.

Mid-spec Acenta models get 17” alloys, climate control, ultrasonic alarm, body-coloured door handles w/ chrome interior handles, rear electric windows, leather steering wheel & gearknob w/ audio controls, Bluetooth with USB connectivity, cruise control, front fog lamps and the Nissan Dynamic Control System.

Two option packs are available with Acenta versions. A £300 Sport pack upgrades to 17” Sport alloy wheels, rear privacy glass and premium seat fabric. A £900 Premium pack gets Nissan Connect satellite navigation, reversing camera and 6 speakers, as well as the extras that come with the Sports pack.

Range-topping Tekna models get leather upholstery w/ heated front seats, electric folding door mirrors, Nissan Connect, reversing camera, rain-sensing wipers, and intelligent key with engine start button.

Orders books open for the Juke next month, with the first deliveries expected towards the end of September.

Underneath, the Juke uses a widened, lengthened version of the Renault Nissan Alliance B platform, also used in the Clio and Micra; it’s 2530mm wheelbase is 10cm longer, and the platform's extra width means it can accommodate wider tracks.

Suspension remains a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear for the two-wheel drive versions, but unusually Nissan has decided to fit the four-wheel drive models with a new multi-link suspension at the rear. This should give the Juke handling to rival the class leaders'.

The Juke will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant and will replace the Nissan Micra on the production line.

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

British performance sports car manufacturer Lotus has officially unveiled their 2010 Lotus Exige S240.  While Lotus fans will recognize this as a very subtle update, the grille and rear wing facelift is a step forward for the mark. The exciting new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 enters the United States and Canadian markets in the fall of 2009 with new front styling, a new rear wing and the same rare combination of exceptional performance and high efficiency.

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

The Lotus Exige S240 features a roof integrated air intake scoop feeds air through the air-to-air intercooled and supercharged 1.8 liter Lotus-tuned and Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) to provide 240hp at 8,000 rpm and 170 ft.-lbs. of torque at 5,500.

The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds and the 100 mph barrier sails by in approximately 10 seconds with top speed is 150 mph. The Lotus Exige S240 is equipped with a 6-speed transaxle synchromesh transmission, traction control and launch control. New for 2010, the optional Track Package will include adjustable Ohlins dampers with threaded spring perches and remote oil reservoirs front and rear.

The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation as the choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track. The 2010 Exige S240 introduces a few key enhancements to update the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, low drag rear wing, not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car.

Passing along lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing program, Lotus Sport Cars has contributed another important technology – variable launch control combined with variable traction control. The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design, explains, "For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character."

The new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 is scheduled to launch in the US and Canada in the Fall of 2009. This new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $65,690 and will be available in an upgraded track package with added performance benefits. The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 will hit U.S. and Canadian markets this Autumn.

Fiat Palio Fire presents Economy in 2011

The Palio Fire Economy will likely suffer more with the arrival of the New Uno than competitors. So Moved Fiat model to rearrange it indoors. The line in 2011 won the hatch and had slight visual touches your list of equipment increased. Price: from R $ 26,570 in two-door version, and R $ 28,330 in four-door body - around 1% over the 2010 model.

Visually, there are new front grille, new wheel covers and wheels and lights dimmed, while inside the client will find different coating banks and door panels. A list of equipment was also changed. All Palio Fire Economy now comes standard with power steering. Among the options, the new kit is the 11th Celebration. For U.S. $ 3170, the consumer takes air conditioning and electric front windows and locks.

Mini confirms production of the Beachcomber

Unveiled at Detroit in January, the Mini Beachcomber enter into production. The CEO of British manufacturer, Wolfgang Armbrecht, said the public was so receptive to the model that there remained no choice but to make it. However, his arrival in the markets where it operates the Mini still has no date.

With doors, roof and trunk lid removable, the Beachcomber is inspired by the Moke, Jeep manufactured by the company in the 60s. His suspension is high and the tires are designed for rough terrain. The Mini has not yet confirmed, but the new crossover should use same 1.6 engine turbo 175 hp Cooper S.

Infiniti: Next G and M will be based on the Mercedes E-Class

Carlos Ghosn continues its market for Mercedes and the organ bank of the manufacturer of Stuttgart. The new Franco-German alliance will impact on future Infiniti since according to the Japanese magazine Best Car, the next generation Infiniti G and M will enjoy the excellent platform of the Mercedes E Class.

Dodge Grand Caravan: The game of cat and mouse (video)

You all remember the excellent "Swagger Wagon" of Toyota I presented a few weeks ago. Well if it is an area where very often the American people have a good minivan ahead of us is the com and advertising done well, well filmed, well mounted and away from the damn ads Kinder Bueno Tour Package Olympique Lyonnais Orange 15 € or the 1754th version of the Calgon commercials. ... And when it's done for the car, it matters!