Archive for September, 2007
You can increase the power of an engine by increasing its capacity. This is a fairly involved process and requires a good deal of research and preparation unless you want to have to retrace your steps and go a different route midway in to the job. Some of OTOVAGANZA members have had their engines rebored and this does seem a good way to increase power but there are a few things we should take into account.
The cylinders are the main part of any engine and is where compression and combustion takes place. A 1 litre engine has a cylinder capacity equal in volume to 1 litre (0.25 liters per cylinder in a 4 cylinder engine - this is filled with fuel and air) and the mixture is then compressed ready for ignition and combustion. The ratio of compression is another key element in an engine and if it is too high you can create engine knock also known as detonation so this is another thing to factor in when increasing the cylinder capacity of an engine.
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Continuing its pursuit of the ultimate in high performance, Lamborghini has taken its already impressive Gallardo coupe and made it even more extreme. Through the extensive use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, the weight of the Gallardo was reduced by 220 pounds while the power of the engine was increased by 10 for a total of 530 horsepower at 8000 rpm. Less weight and more power is an excellent combination when increased performance is the goal, and the result is a zero to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds with the Gallardo Superleggera, 0.2 seconds faster than the standard Gallardo. The transparent polycarbonate engine cover of the Gallardo Superleggera is made of carbon fiber, which not only reduces weight but exposes the 5.0-liter V10 engine. The rear diffuser, underbody covering, mirrors, door panels, and central tunnel covering are made with carbon fiber to reduce weight. Some glass surfaces were even replaced with transparent polycarbonate, all in the interest of weight reduction. The Gallardo Superlegerra will be built in limited numbers and is currently available for order.
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The Liberty is the latest model in the Jeep lineup to get a complete redesign. With classic Jeep styling in keeping with the Commander and Patriot, the Liberty is slightly larger than its predecessor, which provides increased cargo space and rear-seat legroom. And for an even more spacious experience, the Liberty is available with the “Sky Slider” full-open canvas roof for an upward view from all seats. Another optional offering is MyGig, an audio, navigation and entertainment system that includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing music, photos, and the like.
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Jaguar’s XJ Sedan gets a freshened exterior and revised interior for the 2008 model year. The 2008 XJ will be easily recognizable with a revised front-end design, new side power vents, a rear spoiler and a new rear bumper. Inside are new seats which are not only designed for increased comfort, but front seat backs have been redesigned to provide increased leg and foot room. Heated front seats are now standard equipment with the option of adding seat coolers. Meanwhile, a special edition XKR Portfolio will be available for the 2008 model year. The Celestial Black paint combined with the 20-inch polished Cremona 5-spoke alloy wheels and polished aluminum side vents help this special model stand apart from the standard XKR. Available as coupe or convertible, the XKR Portfolio features a new high-performance braking system with the largest brakes ever fitted to a production Jaguar. The stopping power should be most welcome, given that under the hood is a 420-horsepower supercharged V8 engine that can push this sleek car to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
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Unveiled earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, the 2008 G37 Coupe will replace the G35 when it goes on sale this fall. The stylish new car follows the second-generation version of the G sedan, which was all new for 2007. The rear-wheel-drive coupe gets a new version of Infiniti’s V6 engine in addition to its new looks. The 3.7-liter V6 will generate 330 horsepower, up from the 293 horses in the current two-door G car.
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The Korea-based automaker made the move upscale earlier this year with the introduction of the new Veracruz premium SUV—currently the most expensive model in the Hyundai lineup. Early next year Hyundai will take the brand another step higher with the introduction of an all-new rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan. Based on the Genesis concept that debuted at the New York Auto Show in April, the new sedan will be available with V6 or V8 power; the latter with a promised output of “well over 300 horsepower.” The concept features a sport suspension, an all-new Tau V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Other features are HID headlights, Bluetooth technology, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), an HD radio, satellite radio, heated and cooled seats and eight airbags. Time will tell how much of this makes it to the production version. Hyundai expects the new luxury sedan to compete with the BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class; however, being a Hyundai, the new sedan should be a great value, with pricing likely to start below $30,000.
