Monday, May 31, 2010

Land Rover

Land Rover Defender 38

Skuli's Land Rover Defender. Skuli is now the president of the 4x4 club in Iceland. More pictures of the Skuli's Defender are also in the Glacier Picture story.

EXAGGERATED

Number plate means EXAGGERATED. The body of the Defender was literally cut in halves and the width expanded for roughly some 30 cm (12").

Land Rovers

This comparisons picture gives some idea about the change.

Nissan

Nissan Patrol 38

Ever popular Patrol. It is slightly heavy for 38s and the engine is no screamer. Modifications are simple and the original hardware is durable and gives a soft ride.

Nissan Patrol 44

On 44s the Patrol is an impressive package.

Facelifted 2007 Isuzu D-MAX launched in Malaysia

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu Malaysia has revealed the latest facelift of it’s Isuzu D-MAX double cab pick-up truck, which has a few improvements in terms of the 3.0 liter engine which now has more power and 19% more fuel efficiency than the pre-facelift version.

Read more details after the jump.

Isuzu D-MAX

For the Isuzu D-MAX 3.0LS Ddi iTEQ Super Commonrail that uses a 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine, the 4JJ1-TC 2,999cc intercooler turbo DOHC 16 valve i-TEQ Super commonrail engine. Fitted in the manual transmission model, it now makes 280Nm of torque peaking just above idle at 1,200rpm and stays steady all the way to 3,400rpm. Peak horsepower is 136 PS at 3,400rpm.

For the 4-speed automatic transmission, the engine is tuned somewhat differently, probably to match the behaviour and transmission losses of a slush box. It makes a higher amount of torque – 294Nm, but this torque peaks relatively later at 1,400rpm. But I’m sure the 280Nm at 1,200rpm is there too, so you don’t really lose anything. This 294Nm stretches up to 3,000rpm where it dips to the manual’s torque levels. This looks like some kind of overboost between 1,400rpm and 3,000rpm. Horsepower is the same as the manual version.

The 3.0 liter models’ i-TEQ Super commonrail engine is not exactly the most powerful turbodiesel available on sale in Malaysian pick-up trucks today, but Isuzu is confident it is the best as how good an engine is is not always related to how much power it produces. Many other factors such as fuel economy and reliability also come into play, especially for those who need a hardcore workhorse that never fails them. However, I can’t help but feel it would be nice if Isuzu had introduced the 4JJ1-TCX 3.0 liter engine with variable turbine geometry instead as it makes a higher 163 PS and 360Nm.

Isuzu D-MAXThe engine block uses a melt-in liner using a process called High Frequency Induction Hardening that melts the cylinder block liners into the block. This “double-padded” built-in protection keeps the cylinder walls in pristine condition for a longer time.

The pistons used are made from a high performance alloy and has thermal flow cooling channels designed into them to ensure they won’t expand under extreme heat and come in contact with the walls of the engine. The camshafts are chain and gear-driven for a maintenance-free operation and the cams themselves drive roller valve rockers for quieter and smoother operation. The engine is also 1.5 decibels quieter than the previous engine at idle, and the truck is 1.3 decibels quieter at 100km/h.

Features that the 3.0 liter model has over the 2.5 liter model is the 4X4 transmission of course, as the 2.5 is a 4X2. Other premium features in the 3.0 include a key-coded immobiliser while the 2.5 only has a normal immobiliser, a 6-speaker system instead of a 4 speaker system, an integrated 2-DIN AM/FM/MP3/WMA player instead of a 1-DIN Pioneer AM/FM MP3 player, driver and passenger SRS airbags, ABS with EBD equipped with G-sensor, an LSD differential, turn signals on the wing mirrors, and finally a projector headlamp system instead of the 2.5’s multi-reflector headlamp lense.

Isuzu D-MAX

And of course, one thing that you will notice immediately when you get into the truck is the 3.0 liter model has a self-illuminating meter panel that Isuzu calls e-LUMAX that works much like Toyota’s Optitron, while the 2.5 liter model has a traditional backlit instrument cluster. But before you actually get into the truck, this is where you’ll discover the 3.0 liter model has keyless entry, although this is something I only read on the fact sheet supplied at the launch and have not tried out myself so I’m not sure how it works.

Steering is rack and pinion, and the front suspension uses independant double wishbones with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar, while the rear suspension uses semi-ellipcal leaf springs. The truck has a short front overhang – claimed the shortest in the industry – to improve departure and approach angles. For offroading, it can handle a side slip angle of 48 degrees, a 34.6 degree front approach angle and a 23.3 degree departure angle. Maximum uphill or downhill inclination is 47 degrees. Ground clearance is 225mm.

The brakes have been upgraded with larger front disc brake calipers – now sized 45.5mm instead of the previous 42.8mm, and these are twin piston calipers. The dual circuit brake servos have also been upgraded to a 9 inch size.

For both manual and automatic transmission models, shifting from 4X2 mode to 4X4 mode is simply via a button on the dashboard, and 2H to 4H can be shifted on the go at speeds under 100km/h.

Isuzu D-MAX

The pretty basic-trimmed Isuzu D-MAX 2.5LS 4X2 is only available with a manual transmission and goes for RM71,475.30 for individual private registration inclusive of road tax and insurance as well as metallic paint. The solid paint version goes for RM71,175.30. There is no automatic available for the 2.5 liter model.

The premium Isuzu D-MAX 3.0LS Ddi iTEQ Super Commonrail manual transmission goes for RM89,776.30 for individual private registration inclusive of road tax and insurance, while the auto costs more at RM96,758.30. The solid paint versions cost RM89,476.30 and RM96,458.30 respectively.

The 2007 Isuzu D-MAX facelift is available in Mercury Silver, Eclipse Blue, Gamma Gray, Starry Black Mica, and Angelic White, of which the first three colours are new options for the 2007 model.

More images after the jump.

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu D-MAX

Isuzu D-MAX

Infiniti Pictures

2009 Infiniti FX50

Infiniti (Japanese: インフィニティ Infinitī?) is the luxury car division of Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Infiniti officially started selling vehicles on November 8, 1989 in North America and its global operations have since grown to include the Middle East, South Korea, Russia, Taiwan, China and Ukraine. Infiniti began sales in additional European markets in late 2008 [1]. Today, the Infiniti global network includes more than 230 dealers in 15 countries.

The Infiniti name is not used in Japan, so most Infiniti models are sold under the Nissan marque: G37 sedan/coupe (Nissan Skyline Coupe), M35/45 (Nissan Fuga), EX35 (Nissan Skyline Crossover) and Q45 (Nissan Cima), the latter which was discontinued as an Infiniti model after 2006. The Infiniti FX has no Nissan equivalent and is not sold in Japan.


Infiniti

A new name in automotive luxury, a new line of performance cars headed by the ground-breaking FX, and a whole new ownership experience arrive in the UK from September with the launch of Infiniti.

UK prices and specification, announced today, position the FX at the heart of the large crossover market where its dramatic styling, comprehensive standard equipment and peerless quality are ready to stand comparison with any rival. The three-model FX line-up starts at £42,600 on the road (OTR) for the FX37 GT and rises to £53,800 for the FX50S. This performance champion of the range can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds.

As well as a complete specification aimed at the enthusiast driver, the FX offers something else as well: an ownership experience to make every FX customer feel like a VIP. Infiniti can promise this partly because it is not aiming for large volumes – unusually the company is happy for its products to be a rare sight on Britain’s roads. Infiniti expects its customers to appreciate this level of exclusivity, too.

The FX is exceptional as a full-size five-seater crossover for its relatively light weight – aluminum parts make it the lightest SUV in its class – and engine technology that takes V6/V8 efficiency to new levels, benefiting both performance and economy.

Infiniti takes an intelligent view when it comes to specifying its products, standardizing the sort of features luxury buyers expect … and some they don’t, including Scratch Shield paint. A long equipment tally means less time wasted by the customer ploughing through an options list.

For example, every FX comes not only with leather upholstery but also electrically adjustable, heated AND ventilated front seats. Yet Infiniti still offers a high degree of personalisation possibilities, not least through a wide variety of colors and trim.

Exceptional equipment across the FX range include Infiniti’s new Connectiviti multimedia platform. Comprising a host of entertainment, information and convenience features in a notably user-friendly format, Connectiviti is an integral part of every Infiniti FX in the UK. The 30GB hard-disk drive satellite navigation version, Connectiviti+ (optional on the FX37 models and standard on the FX50S) comes with smart route recalculation and speed camera warnings, as well as access to 22,000 hotels, restaurants and points of interest in a world first tie-up with Michelin Guides.

The buying and running of an FX also aim to raise the bar with the inclusion of Infiniti’s Total Ownership Experience. Although new to UK customers, this initiative has been part of the Infiniti offering since the brand’s inception 20 years ago. The unique Infiniti experience starts out with a visit to an Infiniti Centre. Elegant and welcoming, the Centres aim to capture the ambience of a boutique hotel rather than traditional car showroom. The emphasis is on hospitality, just as it is in the country Infiniti comes from: Japan.

The first Infiniti Centre in the UK will open this September on the outskirts of Reading, near to the M4, with other sites to follow shortly afterwards. In all, Infiniti expects to have around 12 Centres open across the UK within the next two years. With an online experience second to none and VIP service which offers annual free collection and delivery of an Infiniti up to a 150 mile radius, customers will never feel far from an Infiniti Centre.

Indeed, with an emphasis on recognising Infiniti customers as individuals, everything is done to make choosing, buying, running and owning an Infiniti FX as rewarding and stress-free as possible. But if that sounds a little dull, remember Infiniti’s minimum 320PS power output … which thanks to a sports-tuned exhaust, sounds truly glorious.

Infiniti
Infiniti Pictures
Infiniti Pictures
Infiniti design
Infiniti G35 Coupe

Isuzu VehiCross

Concept Isuzu VehiCross first appearance before the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in autumn 1993. Unintended Isuzu vanguard faces a car pastors can be explained by the fact that it has created English designer Simon Cox.

Isuzu aVehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Credit same Japanese company that it had listened to the enthusiastic feedback from visitors and not clamping revolutionary appearance Isuzu VehiCross, decided to run it in production virtually unchanged. The first mass-produced car and smuggle available for sale in Japan in spring 1997.

Isuzu VehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Isuzu VehiCross symbiotic full off-road chassis, of the International Classification of T1, and its enchanting forms of the body. Exterior so it is unusual that it is difficult to believe that the serial version and not a model of a car style future. The dynamic contours of the body front roof pillars and narrow side windows are likely to sport coupe. At bonnet complex form a black box, it does not reflect that could cause glare driver. Powerful plastic panels (painted in weight polypropylene), spanning the entire bottom of a car pastors and forming its "nose" and "feed".

Isuzu VehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Panels are bottom of the body, the same metal (galvanized steel) ends in five centimeters below the top of the plastic. Good decision: in the case of small injuries on the roads or parking, plastic items easily replaced without correcting the body. Panels made of a special plastic, they are not afraid of scratches and cracks; replace metal in precisely those places that suffer from damage and corrosion. More stylish bar-undisguised head bolts, which are attached to the plastic parts of the body. Front and rear bumpers are hidden under plastic metal tubes, in a collision of a strike.

Isuzu VehiCross
Isuzu VehiCross

Finally, the pinnacle of originality, spare wheel covers at the back door. First, it is catchy stylistic element, which logically and car is remembered as the back as the front. Secondly, the reserve is always clean. Thirdly, it can be removed only by opening the door, thus addressing the issue of chute. Well, the reserve is not full.

Isuzu VehiCross

Oldies 4x4 Trucks Iceland

Jeep 1954

Original Jeep from 1954. A project to be started soon. Only thing that is not Jeep are the springs that come from a Russian GAZ 69.

1974 Ford Bronco - 38

A nice 1974 Ford Bronco with 38 inch Mudders.

1974 International Scout - 38

The "Cucumber" is a 1974 International Scout. You can see some action pictures of it in the Rookie trip...

TOYERO 38

TOYERO is a Toyota undercarriage with a Mitsubishi Pajero body.

The ramp test of 4x4 Trucks

Testing how far up a steep ramp is a good measure of the articulation and suspension travel you have in a truck.

Einar's Cherokee - 36

Einar was watching over the test and did some demonstrations on how much his Cherokee is able to flex.

Grand Cherokee - 38

This Grand Cherokee on 38 inch tires is able to flex almost as much.

Explorer Sport Trac - stock

My unmodified Sport Trac is rather weak in this area. As you can see it is scraping the ramp.

It is good to have a "before" picture. After the planned modifications this will change a LOT! I am going to put a Dana 44 front and a four link air-spring suspension rear

Toyota 4x4 Trucks

Toyota Land Cruiser 80 - 44 inch tires

An older Land Cruiser on 44 inch DCs.

Toyota Hilux Double Cab 38

Extra long 1991 Hilux Double Cab with the 2.4 liter turbo diesel engine. 5.29 gear ratio and ARB air-lockers front and rear. Land Cruiser 80 suspension front and a four link rear. 6 cm (2.5 inch) body lift. Rear axle is moved 47 cm back for expanded wheel span. Tires are 38" Mudders on 15x14 steel rims.

Toyota 4Runner 44

A heavily modified 4Runner on 44" DCs with beadlocks.

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.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger

American tuners SpeedFactory have increased the output of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 from 425 hp to 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) without the use of a supercharger.
2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger
Starting with the standard 6.1-liter HEMI engine engineers increased the displacement to a full 7.0-liters (426 cu in). In addition to a higher volume air intake system matched with a stainless steel Corsa exhaust , SpeedFactory also used "a custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel," the company states in a press release.
Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, SpeedFactory also adds a Getrag IRS and Centerforce clutch, as well as a few other goodies. The engine is not the only thing to get an upgrade on the car.  The vehicle's handling is buffed up with performance-grade springs, added struts, and new sway bars.  20-inch BBS wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.
Leather seats, leather door inserts, custom floormats and various badging round out the package.  The 2010 SF600R Challenger is now available, and costs $73,900.
Press Release:
SpeedFactory Introduces the 2010 SF600R Challenger
Atlanta, April 20, 2010 – SpeedFactory, the leader in modern Mopar supercars, today announced the industry’s first 6spd manual, 600 HP ‘SF600R’ Challenger, as part of their complete line of 2010 Mopar supercars.
The ‘R’ designation in the SF600R Challenger denotes a SpeedFactory hi-performance, normally-aspirated, bored, stroked and balanced 6.1L Hemi block, increasing the displacement to 426 cu. in. (7 liters).
This modern 426 powerplant has an all-forged rotating assembly and features CNC ported aluminum heads with new valves, guides, seals, Bee Hive springs and titanium retainers. A custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body works with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.
Additional SpeedFactory performance modifications include a CARB- certified high volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system for better breathing. The increased power is managed with a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. Handling is improved with performance springs and sway bars as well as additional front and rear strut tower braces. The SF600R Challenger rides on premium Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires mounted on staggered 20? BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.
The SpeedFactory Signature package is also included on the SF600R and features a serial numbered plaque along with SpeedFactory exterior badging and graphics. Inside the SF600R features premium leather seats and door panels embossed with SpeedFactory branding as well as custom floor mats.
On the addition of the SF600R Challenger to the SpeedFactory line-up, Mike Brillanti, President, SpeedFactory Sports Cars stated “This car offers supercharged power in a normally-aspirated, 6spd manual package. It’s a true enthusiast’s sports ar and it enables us to widen the appeal of SpeedFactory products to now include a 600HP vehicle for those enthusiasts who prefer a ‘normally-aspirated’ powerplant. We offer the SF600R with either a 5spd automatic or the 6spd manual transmission. ”