Unofficially, the Porsche Carrera GT is a race car, a race car built for the street. What makes it a race car is not necessarily the huge power made by its V10 engine or the carbon fibre construction that keeps everything very lightweight - though these characteristics surely make it a fast car
It's more the sum of its parts that make this car worth every bit of its $440,000 price tag.
The Porsche GT was introduced as a 2004 model and until 2005 there were already a few changes in order to make the GT the new Porsche super motorcar. These were minor updates in prescribe to make it a little more street friendly. Between the supplemental bar hoops is now mounted a glass screen. The seats height is adjusted along with the excess bolstering in the thigh area. The Porsche is easy recognizable, as it's a low, sleek, lightweight roadster, very beautiful during the outside as it is during the inside. Two removable panels that can be stored in the front trunk make the foul weather protection available.
The car has unparalleled features, among which are: 5.7 litre, 605 horsepower V10 engine, monocoque chassis with Porsche-patented engine and transmission mounts produced of carbon-reinforced plastic and the first use of a ceramic complex clutch in a production car. A very important aspect is that The Carrera is safe and stable at speeds up to 205 mph, thanks to its aerodynamic and race-bred suspension package.
The design of the suspension is so sophisticated that the shape of its components improves the Porsche `s aerodynamics. The designers used lightweight materials such as magnesium for the car's substantial wheels and the frames of its special sport seats, the result being a faster and safer motorcar. To prove so, The Porsche accelerates from a standing start to 62 mph 100km/h) in only 3.9 seconds reaches 100 mph (160 km/h) in less than seven seconds, 125 mph (200 km/h) in less than 10 seconds, and can achieve a top test-track speed of 205 mph (330 km/h).
What makes this car have these impressive results is its 5.5 litre, commonly aspirated V10 engine for racing created in the development center in Weissach, Germany. That engine's bores have been enlarged to displace 5.7 litres in the Carrera GT. It has a very low center of gravity, a 68-degree V angle and four valves-per-cylinder heads, because the block, crankshaft and camshafts are all developed of light alloys, the engine weights only 472 pounds (214 kg).
To stop this 'monster' Porsche's team used a high-tech braking system. Developed for demanding motorsports applications, ceramic brakes are the first to work for on-road use. The massive 15 inch ventilated discs and six-piston callipers have the amazing capacity of bringing the car to a sure and safe stop, matched only by the stunning acceleration of GT.
Porsche Carrera GT is definitely an exotic appearance, a car that can do it all: fascinate you with its beneficial looks, astound you with its performance and abilities on the race track.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Check Out The Porsche Carrera GT
See Yourself in the Driver’s Seat and the Car Becomes Yours
hey say a picture is worth a thousand words. So imagine this…
A beautifully framed picture of a sports car: you’re in the passenger seat, enjoying the ride.
No. That’s too limited. Let’s go for broke. Visualize yourself as the driver in this sports car picture. You are definitely behind the wheels, confidently cruising down the highway. Can you see it? Do you have in your mind’s eye an exotic sports car picture? Moreover, to be even more specific, make it the picture of a fast sports car speeding down the highway.
And while you’re having this vision, why not extend your imagination a little further. Close your eyes. There you are. You can see the sports car picture. So you’re looking at the picture of a Ferrari. Let’s say Ferrari F430 Spider. Take a look. No?
Well, what sports car picture do you want to visualize yourself driving? What photo do you want to put in this picture of the sports car?
Lamborghini picture? Not to your taste? How about the Jaguar XK8 Convertible? Or why not a picture of the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible? Perhaps you’d like something more classic, like the Austin or the Lotus.
But for the moment, let’s just settle and agree on the picture of the Ferrari. You can change your mind later, at any time you want. After all, this is your visualization. Put any picture of fast sports car you want in your dream.
Now, moving on to selecting the color in the picture of the sports car. We’ll make it red. Of course, with your imagination you can make it any color you want—perhaps your favorite color.
So there’s your complete visualization picture: You, behind the wheels of your own luxury sports car, breezing along a long stretch of almost deserted highway. Ah, what a beauty this car is. The driving pleasure. The power. The freedom. And oh, what a great feeling--the contentment as the cool wind kisses your face while you lose yourself in this experience of driving the sports car of your dreams.
But wait. Look who just pulled up alongside you. Me. You didn’t know I was sharing this vision with you, did you? And I’m driving my new, red Ferrari F430 Spider.
In my sports car picture fantasy, my car was in my favorite color--purple, but it wasn’t immediately available in that color (and it would be too much of a long wait) so I accepted the red, my second choice.
Oh, and I see you decided on a different car and color for yourself. No problem. It is, after all, your visualization. And you do look good behind the wheels of your blue Bugatti. Wow, when you dream, you really do dream big. But then, that’s as it should be. You do deserve it. And it sure suits you—you and your Bugatti sports car.
Beginner Tips for Sports Card Collecting
There are lots of people who may be interested in sports card collecting, but they may be unsure of how to get started. The truth of the matter is that sports card collecting is just like collecting any other object.
The value for the card is determined by what kind of condition it is in as well as how scarce it is.
With sports cards, you may find that they are also affected by how popular the player is or their accomplishments.
How can you get started with collecting sports cards, and what do you need to know?
One enjoyable way to begin collecting these cards is to decide on what kind of cards you want to collect. For instance, a lot of people love collecting rookie cards.
Rookie cards are the first cards printed of a player in their first year or so. Prior to the 1970s, there was usually only one card that was printed of a new player, but now the number can be much higher. Usually, there is one card that is typically considered the definitive card, but this might not be decided until much later.
Inserts are limited edition cards that might contain pieces of bats or jerseys, while some people gun for complete sets.
When you have some cards on hand and you want to know what they are worth, or when you have an opportunity to buy a card, you will want to know much it is worth and how much you should be paying for it.
The Internet is a great tool, so make sure that you head to www.beckett.com, which is the industry leader in sports card pricing, no matter what kind of sports card you collect.
Before you pay for an individual card, you should have an idea of how much it is worth and what an appropriate amount of cash to pay for it is.
When you start sports card collecting, there are a few places to go to get cards. These days, you can go to large chain stores to get new cards, or you can go to specialty hobby stores that focus on this hobby.
You can purchase your cards as individual cards and know exactly what you are getting, but also keep in mind the thrill of exploring the unknown with unopened packs or boxes.
You never know when you are going to get lucky and you never know when you are going to be paying a small amount for a wonderfully rare card.
You will also be able to purchase cards online, though you should always make sure that you get what you pay for. Check out the reputation of the online vendor and always make sure that you are dealing with someone reputable.
Large auction sites like eBay will have plenty of options open to you in their sports and memorabilia sections, while specialty sites will run auctions of their own as well.
Take some time to learn a little bit about sports card collecting. This is something that can make a huge difference when you start considering which cards you want to purchase and what your final collection is going to look like.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Brake discs need to be replaced to maintain form
Every product has a natural shelf life and if the product plays a key role in keeping your and your loved ones safe, then there is a need to be aware of what the shelf life is. This is particularly relevant in the automobile industry where braking products play an integral role in the effectiveness of a car or motorcycles safety. Although the product may be completed to a very high standard, constant wear and tear may cause deterioration in the effectiveness of the brakes. This means that the owner must be aware of the minimum safety requirements and when it comes to brake discs, there is a need to have a minimum amount of thickness. The manufacturer of the motorcycle or car will at some point in the production process assign a thickness to the disc. This thickness is the minimum level that the disc is said to be capable of providing the braking distance performance that is required.
Motorists are well used to checking minimum sizes as there is a need to ensure that there is a specific tire tread. This tread is needed to ensure that the tire grips the road and allows the motorcycle or car owner to drive safely. This concept is the same for the discs used for the braking system, so it is vital that owners ensure the discs are in good working order. If the discs become thinner than the stated minimum level, there is an increased level of danger for any user. This makes it imperative that the thickness is checked on a regular basis and if the thickness drops below the recommended size, the customer should make a move to replace the existing brakes.
Being safe whilst driving is of paramount importance and although people will focus on getting from A to B, doing so safely has to be a key element. This is true for people who drive normally, drive in off-road conditions or regularly participate in race conditions. Regardless of what type of driving is being undertaken, safety is always an important aspect and the brakes need to be maintained. Using discs in the braking system is a great way of obtaining a high level of performance at an affordable price. With so many different firms providing brake discs, every need and desire in the market place can be met. Although safety is the key issue when considering a braking product, it is obvious that people will place a financial judgment on any product. Given the current financial state of the world, people need to justify every expenditure and with the huge variety of braking products on offer, even those with a limited financial limit should be able to find the right braking product to suit their needs and budget.
There are a number of different braking systems and accessories to consider but the use of good quality brake discs helps to combine functionality with a reasonable price that is suitable for so many consumers. So regardless of you vehicle and how much money you have to spare, you can remain safe on the road whilst you drive.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
2006 Lexus RX 400h: Arrival of Toyota's High Performance Hybrid
Hybrid Synergy Drive reveals another virtue: Performance. Public viewing of the 2006 Lexus RX400 in early 2005 reveals combined fuel efficiency in the range of the current EPA average rating for a four- cylinder compact sedan. The RX400h will be a SULEV rated vehicle which means driving from Los Angeles to New York and back nine times (54,000 miles) yet produce less- smog forming emissions.
The 2006 Lexus RX400h combines 3.3 liter V6 gasoline engine with two electric drive motors: a strong 120 kW (161 horsepower) motor positioned near the rear wheels. The new Hybrid System will deliver a peak output of 270 horsepower with a 20% increase compared to the non-hybrid RX330 power train. Much more impressive is the 30-50 mph passing acceleration of the high output electric motor that delivers a high burst of torque.
Future Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drives hold the potential to operate even more efficiently using new types of batteries and fuels. According to Fujio Cho, President of Toyota Motor Corporation " Toyota's Hybrid System will make up the heart of our hydrogen fuel cell program of tomorrow".
The advantage of a hybrid driveline is that it eliminates hardships associated with electric cars to provide breakthrough performance, exemplary fuel efficiency, very low exhaust emissions, and a high level of convenience.
2006 Lexus RX400h introduces a new era of enhanced performance dimension to the widely known hybrid advantages of excellent fuel mileage and low emissions. The RX 400h will be rated as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in California (Tier 2 – Bin 3 in other states), one of the most stringent emissions ratings in the industry.
The Lexus RX 400h is defined as a "full hybrid," which means that it is capable of operating in electric-only or gas engine-only mode as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor. In contrast, other hybrid technologies are not capable of running only on electrical power, but instead require constant gas engine operation.
In making the transition to a hybrid power train, the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and AC compressor are no longer engine belt-driven. This is because the gas engine often shuts down—a fuel-saving benefit of the hybrid system—especially when the vehicle is stopped or driven slowly through traffic. Except for the alternator, which is replaced by motor-generators, all components are now electrically powered which means notably lower parasitic losses to the engine and improved fuel consumption.
The Lexus hybrid technology also allows extended electric-mode operation during low speed or stop-and-go driving conditions. The permanent-magnet front electric drive motor (MG2) produces peak torque from zero-to-1,500 RPM, giving the RX 400h powerful and instantaneous response that will be especially felt and appreciated in low- and mid-speed performance and in merging and passing maneuvers.
