Morgan Plus Four Experience

Cornwall, a county somewhat removed from the rest of Britain, a land of mists and moor, rugged cliffs and, well some great roads actually!
My wife and I decided that we needed a break from the humdrum of daily life, and decided to stay for a long weekend in one of our favourite hotels in Cornwall. We hadn't had a break for over a year, so I decided to go a little over the top and hire a Morgan classic sports car for the weekend.
The model supplied was a 2.0 litre "plus four" 2 seater convertible. With its running boards and spoked wheels, the car looks like something from the "golden age" of motoring.
Getting into the car is a little awkward, but the doors open and stay open at ninety degrees which helps. It's quite a long way down into the leather bucket seats, but once you have managed to get your right foot inside the car you feel very comfortable indeed.
The seats are adjustable for legroom and the angle of the backrest, and there is certainly plenty of legroom in terms of length, but the width means that both the driver and passenger are limited in width. However, ones legs rest on well padded material, so it's really surprisingly comfortable.
The first thing one notices once one is sitting in the car is the front view. A long, narrow bonnet and front wings topped with side lights is most impressive. The front of the car looks a long way away!
Inside the car one is almost sitting on the rear wheels, so there is no boot space, other than a shelf behind the seats, but this was enough for two large overnight cases. Any sort of suitcase bigger than that which would be allowed in the cabin of a passenger jet would be too big to fit in the car.
The mechanism for the fold down roof is a simple affair. One simply undoes two press studs that secure the side of the roof to the side of the car, and then undoes two clips, one on each side of the top corner of the windscreen, then folds the whole thing backwards. The rear of the roof is held by two bonnet type spring clips, and these are undone by means of a lever inside the car, on the side behind the driver's door. Lifting the back of the roof in this way is the easiest way to get into the "boot".
The best way to drive this car is with the roof down. With the roof up, one is adequately protected from the elements, (it rained very hard on our second day with the car), and the one modern accessory, the heated front screen, is very efficient at keeping condensation forming on the screen. However, getting in and out of the car with the roof down is much more difficult than with it up, and visibility to both rear quarters is severely restricted by the side of the roof. However, this is a car of yesteryear, and built for its own sake, rather than to fulfil the latest safety requirements.
That's probably why the steering wheel, a steel and wood rimmed affair is so refreshing - no airbag!
The particular model we were hiring was powered by a two valve per cylinder two litre engine. With one hundred and twenty six horse power it's no mean machine, and with a 0 - 60 time somewhere over nine seconds it's not particularly fast either.
However out on the road I loved it. An active rear axle, where the axle travels up and down on a fixed pin, means that the car corners absolutely flat. The exhaust note is a pleasant change to the sterile silence of today's modern motorcars, and the whole experience of being in a classic British sports car gives you a feeling of gentle superiority.
Because it's not a modern sports car, luxury car or supercar, people seem to smile when they see you, rather than take offence at an expensive, modern luxury car.
The Cornish lanes are made for this car. Because you can see the dimensions of the car so easily, and because it is a relatively narrow vehicle, you can just "point and shoot" where you want to go. The steering has no power assistance, but is pin sharp and combined with an almost lazy power delivery from the engine, one can swoop around the lanes without too much worry about what may be coming the other way.
Inevitably, given the limited width of the foot wells, the pedals are close together. The accelerator pedal is an organ type, so you can rest your whole foot on it, and the clutch and brake pedals protrude from the floor. And herein lie my two points of dissatisfaction.
Firstly, there is no way to stretch your left leg, as you cannot get your foot behind the pedals. This means that any long journey is going to be tiring, as your left leg remains bent at the knee the whole time.
Secondly, the brakes. Servo assisted front disc brakes with rear drum brakes result in a lack of "feel". One has to press down hard on the brake pedal, and there is quite a bit of travel in the pedal before the brakes start to work. One gets used to this, but it's hard work all the same.

In conclusion, a great fun car that does exactly what you would expect. Not fast, not a practical day to day car, but a real driver's car with great handling. A classic.

Morgan Plus Four Experience

Cornwall, a county somewhat removed from the rest of Britain, a land of mists and moor, rugged cliffs and, well some great roads actually!

My wife and I decided that we needed a break from the humdrum of daily life, and decided to stay for a long weekend in one of our favourite hotels in Cornwall. We hadn't had a break for over a year, so I decided to go a little over the top and hire a Morgan classic sports car for the weekend.

The model supplied was a 2.0 litre "plus four" 2 seater convertible. With its running boards and spoked wheels, the car looks like something from the "golden age" of motoring.

Getting into the car is a little awkward, but the doors open and stay open at ninety degrees which helps. It's quite a long way down into the leather bucket seats, but once you have managed to get your right foot inside the car you feel very comfortable indeed.

The seats are adjustable for legroom and the angle of the backrest, and there is certainly plenty of legroom in terms of length, but the width means that both the driver and passenger are limited in width. However, ones legs rest on well padded material, so it's really surprisingly comfortable.

The first thing one notices once one is sitting in the car is the front view. A long, narrow bonnet and front wings topped with side lights is most impressive. The front of the car looks a long way away!

Inside the car one is almost sitting on the rear wheels, so there is no boot space, other than a shelf behind the seats, but this was enough for two large overnight cases. Any sort of suitcase bigger than that which would be allowed in the cabin of a passenger jet would be too big to fit in the car.

The mechanism for the fold down roof is a simple affair. One simply undoes two press studs that secure the side of the roof to the side of the car, and then undoes two clips, one on each side of the top corner of the windscreen, then folds the whole thing backwards. The rear of the roof is held by two bonnet type spring clips, and these are undone by means of a lever inside the car, on the side behind the driver's door. Lifting the back of the roof in this way is the easiest way to get into the "boot".

The best way to drive this car is with the roof down. With the roof up, one is adequately protected from the elements, (it rained very hard on our second day with the car), and the one modern accessory, the heated front screen, is very efficient at keeping condensation forming on the screen. However, getting in and out of the car with the roof down is much more difficult than with it up, and visibility to both rear quarters is severely restricted by the side of the roof. However, this is a car of yesteryear, and built for its own sake, rather than to fulfil the latest safety requirements.

That's probably why the steering wheel, a steel and wood rimmed affair is so refreshing - no airbag!

The particular model we were hiring was powered by a two valve per cylinder two litre engine. With one hundred and twenty six horse power it's no mean machine, and with a 0 - 60 time somewhere over nine seconds it's not particularly fast either.

However out on the road I loved it. An active rear axle, where the axle travels up and down on a fixed pin, means that the car corners absolutely flat. The exhaust note is a pleasant change to the sterile silence of today's modern motorcars, and the whole experience of being in a classic British sports car gives you a feeling of gentle superiority.

Because it's not a modern sports car, luxury car or supercar, people seem to smile when they see you, rather than take offence at an expensive, modern luxury car.

The Cornish lanes are made for this car. Because you can see the dimensions of the car so easily, and because it is a relatively narrow vehicle, you can just "point and shoot" where you want to go. The steering has no power assistance, but is pin sharp and combined with an almost lazy power delivery from the engine, one can swoop around the lanes without too much worry about what may be coming the other way.

Inevitably, given the limited width of the foot wells, the pedals are close together. The accelerator pedal is an organ type, so you can rest your whole foot on it, and the clutch and brake pedals protrude from the floor. And herein lie my two points of dissatisfaction.

Firstly, there is no way to stretch your left leg, as you cannot get your foot behind the pedals. This means that any long journey is going to be tiring, as your left leg remains bent at the knee the whole time.

Secondly, the brakes. Servo assisted front disc brakes with rear drum brakes result in a lack of "feel". One has to press down hard on the brake pedal, and there is quite a bit of travel in the pedal before the brakes start to work. One gets used to this, but it's hard work all the same.

In conclusion, a great fun car that does exactly what you would expect. Not fast, not a practical day to day car, but a real driver's car with great handling. A classic.

Cars - Audi R8

Audi, as part of the Volkswagen Group, wasn't always known for their sports cars. Most Audis are sleek, stylish and fast, but they never really stacked up against legitimate sports cars like models from Ferrari and Porsche. All of this changed in 2006 with Audi's introduction of the R8 V10 road car.

The R8 V10 road car wasn't exactly a new design idea by Audi. In fact, the R8 was nearly a decade old by the time Audi decided it should be produced for basic road ownership. There were two models of Audi R8 built in 1999 for the 24-hour Le Mans, the R8R and R8C. There was also the Audi R8 racecar built in 2000, and there's an Audi R8 Le Mans Concept 12-cylinder diesel in the works.

Audi announced its plans to transform the R8 into a V10 road car in 2005 and had planned on it being available by 2007. The idea was to create something unique and original while not completely abandoning the R8 concept that made Audi's racecars so successful. The production went to one of Audi's subsidiaries, quattro GmbH.

The end result of quattro's involvement was a mid-sized, 2-seater sports coupe with a longitudinally-mounted mid-engine and the patented permanent four-wheel drive system. The R8 is said to be very similar to the Gallardo from Lamborghini, and the V10 engine it uses certainly earns it a top slot in the high performance category.

There have since been other versions of the R8, including the R8 Spider and a V8 version of the automobile. The original R8 V10 by Audi was available in most locations around the globe by the end of 2008, and the car is still in production today.

The similarities found between the R8 V10 and the Lamborghini Gallardo models are present for a reason - Audi AG owns Lamborghini. So they decided to use some of the same parts and design features, including the chassis, floorpan, transmission and the large, powerful engine.

Audi's R8 V10 is also unique in many aspects. The body's aluminum-composite construction is a newer material that provides the ultimate strength with a lighter weight than most other carbon materials. There's also a thorough safety feature on board, called the Bosch ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme. This includes ABS, distribution, regulation, differential and airbag features.

For most car enthusiasts, Audi's R8 is just another in a long line of sleek-looking sports cars without the powerhouse V10 engine. The V10 is basically the same engine used in the super-fast Lamborghini, only with a few improvements.

Audi's R8 V10 uses a 5.2 liter FSI internal combustion engine. It can reach a top speed (electronically controlled) of 200 MPH and can reach 60 MPH in only 3.9 seconds. The V10 produces 516 horsepower and, overall, the R8 costs around $146,000 USD.

Toyota Hybrid Sports Car

Every loyal customer to Toyota and the people behind the company itself are looking forward to 2008. Why? Because that is the slated release for the much-awaited Toyota hybrid sports car dubbed the Volta. Toyota has always been known to set itself apart from all other car manufacturers, releasing some of the most outrageous designs that seem to grow onto society once the cars establish themselves as bestsellers.

Japan Goes Italian

Toyota's hybrid sports car can only be a real head turner. This is what's expected when you have an elite group of designers to give the new concept car a new, nice Italian twist. Pictures of the concept car have emerged from the company itself and the first thing that may come to mind is the Lamborghini Diablo; only the Volta is eco-friendly.

Toyota believes that hybrid technology can also be used in high-performance vehicles such as the Toyota Volta. After all, it is rumored to go from 0-60 in 4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph; not as fast as the Diablo or any Ferrari but the important thing is how much gas this vehicle doesn't use.

The Name Game

The 2008 new Toyota Volta will be paying homage to Alessandro Volta, the man who came up with the electric battery in 1800. It is only very apt considering that this vehicle does run on a type of battery. The Volta runs a V6 engine and there's an electric motor on each axle.

The electric motor will be used to operate several things at the same time such as, for example, a computer that operates the movement of the wheels, activation of brakes, etc.; basically something known as drive by wire, a technology that is fitted into modern fighter jets, so you can imagine how much time in design was spent on this near-future release. This technology also allows for an awkward feature that can have the passengers reposition the steering wheel and pedals in front of them.

Economy

Two centuries after the invention of the electric battery after which the new hybrid is named, Toyota aims to have the Volta out and running by 2008. It is expected to have a tank that holds only 13.7 gallons that will allow it to go 435 miles when filled up. Plus, if 408 horsepower isn't enough, you will just have to weight for later versions of the Volta because this is the top speed estimated for the initial release.

Toyota France expects to release this to the European market in 2008. However, Germany might be happy to know that the car will be for sale there by December of 2007. Experts are speculating that prices for the Toyota hybrid sports car will range from $72,000 to $165,000 in the US market once it hits North American shores.

Whether or not the market is ready for this sports car, Toyota itself is ready to prove that hybrid technology does belong in the automobile industry and will suit any purpose and application.

2011 Opel Astra ecoFLEX Pictures

The new Opel Astra ecoFLEX for average consumption of 3.9 l/100 km and CO2 emissions 104 g / km. Ultra-efficient Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with 95 HP using the Start / Stop and a variety of mechanical and aerodynamic improvements to propose a modern car if he sees an equal footing with the market's most "virtuous" media as a diesel Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Bluemotion, Citroen C4 1.6 HDI and e-Audi A3 1.6 TDI e.

The Astra ecoFLEX is powered by the engine 70 kW/95 hp 1.3 CDTI turbo-diesel. Initial torque 190 N m (140 lb-ft) between 1750 and 3250 rpm, using common rail, fuel injection system working at a pressure of 1600 several bars and turbocharger with variable geometry. Fuel consumption ratings for sports tourer variant is 4.1 l/100 km for emissions of 109 g / km of CO2. Astra ecoFLEX is part of the range Opel ecoFLEX diesel with low CO2 emissions, which also includes the Corsa 1.3 CDTI 95 hp (94 g / km) and Insignia 2.0 CDTI with 118 kW/160 hp (129 g / km).

The New Alfa Romeo 159 Super

The new Alfa Romeo 159 will released the first detail and image for the 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon and Sedan.In 2011, Alfa sports car manufacturer will offer two products Super 159 sedan that has been updated from the previous, version 159 and Wagon.

Version Super, Alfa given as to the overall newest products. Super Alpha at the eksetrior full satin to mirror on the door, wheeled 17-1nci, plus five double-spoke design and dark touches that add to the Super Alfa more elegant. In the interior Super Alfa to expand its facilities with the navigation system maps of European countries, the Blue & Me system with Bluetooth connectivity, and leather multi-function steering wheel, and many other facilities. Not only is the body of the Super 159, to add some sporty aura interiorpun using carbon fiber. Car output Milan, Italy, supported by JTDM 2000cc engine that produces 136 hp.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

All those rumors about Chevrolet readying the Camaro ZL1 for a debut at the Chicago Auto Show turned out to be true as the guys from the Camaro5 forums snapped these pictures of GM's poster signs from the show floor. It won't be long before Chevrolet presentation starts, but you can get an idea of what to expect in the preliminary details posted after the jump.

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Nissan Esflow Coupe Concept that runs on Electricity at Geneva

The time has come for Nissan to release its plans for the rapidly approaching Geneva Salon. For this year's edition of the show, the Japanese automaker has prepared an impressive sports coupe concept named the ESFLOW. It has most of the right ingredients to satisfy purists, including a rear-wheel drive layout, a 0 to 100km/h [62 mph] sprint time of under 5 seconds, two seats and an aggressive design, but there's a catch: it runs purely on electricity.  

The Japanese automaker claims it has "captured the excitement of a sports car and the environmental benefits of an electric vehicle and blended them into one dramatic two-seater concept".
The ESFLOW has been created from the ground up as a pure electric vehicle using technology introduced in the Leaf EV. The concept model runs on two electric motors with an unspecified output that are placed above the axis of the rear wheels, in a mid-ship position. These motors independently control the left and right wheels, with Nissan claiming that the torque is optimized to ensure vehicle stability and control as well as efficient power regeneration.
The company says the electric motors produce enough torque in an instant for the car to reach 100km/h (62 mph) in under 5 seconds.

The motors are powered from the same laminated lithium-ion battery packs used in the Leaf, but in ESFLOW the packs are located along the axis of the front and rear wheel. The batteries are said to offer a driving range of over 240 kilometers or 149 miles on a single charge.
The car also features a composite body that covers an aluminium chassis which incorporates its own roll cage.
We don't have any photos of the interior yet, but Nissan said the cabin is "clean and open" with weight saving measures being a priority throughout its design.
And just in case you were wondering about the type of customer that Nissan envisions buying the ESFLOW, the automaker released a short fictional story which you can check out below.


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Opel Antara Facelift 2011

We've already laid eyes on Opel's and sister company Vauxhall's rehashed Antara, but the automaker just came out with a fresh batch of photos as well as some additional information on the compact SUV, including performance and fuel economy stats for the revamped engine lineup

The cosmetic changes are pretty much limited to the front fascia and rear lights on the outside and a revised center console plus new graphics for the instruments, and updated trim and upholstery, options inside.
For 2011, the Antara's engine line-up consists of two new 2.2-liter CDTI diesels with 163HP and 184HP, and a new 2.4-liter ECOTEC gasoline variant with 167HP.

The 163HP entry level diesel unit is available with front or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmission. The FWD model with a manual gearbox returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 lt/100 km (37.3 mpg US or 44.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 167 g/km, and zero to 100km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 km/h (117 mph).
The top-of-the-line 184HP diesel comes standard with all-wheel drive, and is available with both transmission choices. It completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds, has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and returns 6.6 lt/100 km (35.7 mpg US or 42.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.
Finally, the 2.4-liter gasoline engine is available with front-wheel drive and manual transmission or all-wheel drive coupled with manual or automatic gearbox. It features a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 10.5 seconds, a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), fuel consumption of 8.8 lt/100km (26.7 mpg US or 32.1 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 206 g/km (manual front-wheel drive version).
Along with the engines, the two available 6-speed transmissions are also newly developed, while improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on grades, complete the list of changes.
The 2011 Antara will launch in Europe this Spring.
 
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Cougatti 2002 Mercury Cougar

Sure, most people would love to have a Bugatti Veyron; sadly, at over a million bucks a pop we're talking a vehicle that's slightly out of reach for most consumers. Thankfully, one man and eBay have rectified this issue with something we'll call a Cougatti (or Bougar).

Based on a 112,000-mile 2002 Mercury Cougar with a V6 and automatic transmission, this one-of-one Cougatti has a starting bid of $89,000 and no takers as of this writing. Potential buyers get all the body work, 20-inch wheels, angel eye HID headlights, LED tails, two gas caps (one functional), and power windows/mirrors.
No pics of the interior just yet, but the seller says it is "in progress" and "very close to being ready for upholstery".
Is this cross-bred creature a crime against humanity or a bargain basement show car? Leave your comments down below.
 
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Suzuki Hot Hatchback in Geneva with Swift S-Concept

Ever since Suzuki presented the latest generation of the Swift in the summer of 2010, we were wondering if the Japanese automaker had any plans to add a sportier version to its supermini's range. Well, it appears that Suzuki does have something in mind as the company will be exhibiting a new concept car named the SWIFT S-CONCEPT at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
All we get for now is a teaser rendering showing the latest Swift sub-compact dressed in a new and more aggressive outfit with blistered front wheel arches, a new front bumper and grille design, unique headlamps and exterior mirrors plus a large roof wing.
According to Suzuki, the overall development concept was to create "a stylish sport compact with premium performance." Apparently we'll have to wait until the Geneva Salon to find out what the Japanese automaker has up its sleeve.

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