Aston Martin V8 Vantage

FOLLOW US
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was hailed at
its 1977 introduction as "Britain's First
Supercar " for its 170 mph (270 km/h) top
speed. Its engine was shared with the
Lagonda , but it used high-performance
camshafts , increased compression ratio, larger
inlet valves and bigger carburettors mounted
on new manifolds for increased output.
Straight-line performance was the best of the
day, with acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/
h) in 5.3 seconds, one-tenth of a second
quicker than the Ferrari Daytona . [2]
The first series had 375 hp (280 kW), and
series specific details such as a blanked
bonnet vent and a separate rear spoiler. [3] 38
of these were built (plus 13 "Cosmetics" for
the US). [4] The Oscar India (for 1 October,
the date of introduction) version, introduced in
late 1978, featured an integrated tea-tray
spoiler and smoother bonnet bulge. Inside, a
black leather-covered dash replaced the
previous walnut. The wooden dashboard did
find its way back into the Vantage during the
eighties, giving a more luxurious appearance.
The Oscar India version also received a slight
increase in power, to 390 hp (291 kW). [4] This
line was produced, with some running
changes, until 1989. From 1986 the engine
had 403 hp (301 kW).
The Vantage name had previously been used
on a number of high-performance versions of
Aston Martin cars, but this was a separate
model. Although based on the Aston Martin
V8 , numerous detail changes added up to a
unique driving experience. One of the most
noticeable features was the closed-off hood
bulge rather than the open scoop found on the
normal V8. The grille area was also closed
off, with twin driving lights inserted and a
spoiler added to the bootlid.
The 1986–1989 580 'X-Pack' was a further
upgrade, with Cosworth pistons and Nimrod
racing-type heads producing 403hp. A 'big
bore' after-market option was also available
from Works Service, with 50mm carbs
(instead of 48mm) and straight-through
exhaust system giving 432hp (the same
engine as fitted to the limited-edition V8
Zagato . [4] 16-inch (406-mm) wheels were
also now fitted. If this wasn't enough, a
450 hp (336 kW) 6.3 litre version was also
available from Aston Martin, and independents
offered a 7 litre version. [5]
1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack
304 Series 2 Vantage coupés were built -
including 131 X-Packs [6] - and 192 Volantes
(in spite of only having been officially
introduced in 1986, near the end of
production). Of the 'Cosmetic' Vantage (for
the US Swiss and Japanese markets, with fuel
injection instead of Weber carburettors), 14
Series 2 coupés and 56 Volantes were built. [4]
Cosmetic Vantages lacked the powerful
Vantage engine but retained the Vantage
name and most of its body alterations -
though the lack of carburettors allowed a
flattened hood. From 1980 they featured DOT-
approved 5 mph (8 km/h) safety bumpers
front and rear. Most of these cars have since
been retrofitted with full power, European
spec engines. [4]
Although the full spec (carburettor) Vantage
models were not imported into the USA when
new, they now qualify for entry under the
DOT's 'Show and Display' rules in most US
States. Federal requirements are also less
strict for cars over 25 years old (as most
Vantages now are). [7]
A Vantage Volante convertible version was
also produced, between 1986 and 1989. Six
mechanically similar cars had been built
earlier to special order, but it was not
regularly available until then. The production
version featured an even deeper front spoiler
than fitted to the Vantage, even wider wheel
arches, and extended side skirts. In 1987 The
Prince of Wales took delivery of a Vantage
Volante, but at his request without the
production car's wider wheelarches, front air
dam and side skirts. This became known as
the 'Prince of Wales Spec' (or POW) and
around another 26 such cars were built by the
factory. These are now generally considered
the most desirable of all the 1970s/80s V8
models.
James Bond
James Bond 's car (registered on 18 March
1985 as B549 WUU; last on the road 1 July
2006) [8] in the 1987 film The Living Daylights .
At the beginning of the film, the car is a V8
Volante (convertible). The car used in these
scenes was a Volante owned by Aston Martin
Lagonda chairman, Victor Gauntlett . Later, the
car is fitted with a hardtop ("winterised") at Q
Branch, and these scenes feature a pair of
non-Vantage V8 saloons , fitted with the same
number plate as the initial car, but with
Vantage badges now fitted to match the
previous Vantage.
The alterations and gadgets featured were:
Tire Spikes
Jet engine behind rear number plate
Retractable outriggers
Heat-seeking missiles behind fog lights
Lasers in front wheel hubcaps
Bulletproof windows
Fireproof body
Self-destruct system
FOLLOW US

Porshe Panamera

FOLLOW US
The Panamera's name is derived, like the
Porsche Carrera line, from the Carrera
Panamericana race. The Panamera is
generally considered to be the long-awaited
fruit of Porsche's 989 concept from the late
1980s.
Like the Porsche Cayenne SUV (which has
become the marque's best-selling vehicle),
the Panamera upset many Porsche purists,
since it was seen as an attempt to broaden
Porsche's appeal beyond that of hardcore
fans. The Panamera ran contrary to the
company's signature offerings, particularly its
light two-door rear-engine sports cars like the
911. The Panamera on the other hand is
considered a full-size luxury car, weighing
nearly 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg), with four
doors, and its engine mounted in the front.
The Panamera's appearance with its long
hood and rear hatch bears little resemblance
to a stretched 911, although it does resemble
the 911 from certain angles. [10] The iconic
911 has a sparse interior, as it was focused
on raw performance, while the Panamera has
a sumptuous interior loaded with modern
technological amenities and expensive leather
upholstery. [11][12]
Production
Engines are first assembled in Stuttgart, and
the car's body is built and painted at the
Volkswagen Group facility in Hannover . The
final assembly of the vehicle takes place in
Leipzig, Germany , alongside the Cayenne. [13]
Production began in April 2009, one month
after its debut in the Shanghai Motor Show in
China. [14]
Porsche has applied for patents on a four-door
convertible version of the Panamera that keep
the same general dimensions. [15]
First generation
The V8-powered Panamera S, 4S, and Turbo
models were the first versions that debuted in
2009. In addition to the 4.8L Twin Turbo
500 bhp (373 kW; 507 PS) V8, Porsche
launched two further models in 2010: the
Panamera and Panamera 4 which are both
powered by 3.6-litre V6 engines producing
300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS).
Being derived from the V8 engine of the
Panamera S and Panamera 4S, the V6 retains
the V8's technologies like Direct Fuel
Injection, infinitely variable intake camshaft
adjustment with variable valve lift (VarioCam
Plus), an on-demand oil pump, water cooling
with thermal management, a variable intake
manifold, as well as integrated dry sump
lubrication with two-stage extraction of oil,
and an Auto Start-Stop function (only with the
PDK transmission). [16] Turbo version uses
active aerodynamics with a multi-stage,
adjustable rear spoiler. [17] Optional Sports
Chrono Packages include a Sport Plus button,
which has tighter damping and air springs,
and lowers the car body by 25 mm (1.0 in).
[18]
In 2011, the Panamera S Hybrid, [19] Diesel,
[20] Turbo S [21] and GTS variants were added
to the range.
The Panamera, S, Hybrid and Diesel models
are rear-wheel drive, while the Panamera 4,
4S and GTS have the same four-wheel drive
system as the Turbo and Turbo S, called
Porsche Traction Management (PTM).
FOLLOW US

Toyotta Prius

FOLLOW US
The Toyota Prius ( /ˈpr iː əs/ ; plural: Prii[1] /
ˈp r iː aɪ/) is a full hybrid electric mid-size
hatchback , formerly a compact sedan
developed and manufactured by Toyota. The
EPA and California Air Resources Board
(CARB) rate the Prius as among the cleanest
vehicles sold in the United States based on
smog -forming emissions. [2]
The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997,
and was available at all four Toyota Japan
dealerships , making it the first mass-produced
hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced
worldwide in 2000. [3] The Prius is sold in
almost 80 countries and regions, with its
largest markets being those of Japan and the
United States. [4][5] Global cumulative Prius
sales reached the milestone 1 million vehicle
mark in May 2008, [6] 2 million in September
2010, [5] and passed the 3 million mark in
June 2013. [7] Cumulative sales of 1 million
Prii were achieved in the U.S. by early April
2011, [8] and Japan reached the 1 million mark
in August 2011. [9]
In 2011, Toyota expanded the Prius family to
include the Prius v , an extended hatchback
wagon, and the Prius c, a subcompact
hatchback. The production version of the
Prius plug-in hybrid was released in 2012. The
Prius family reached global cumulative sales
of 3.8 million units by June 2013, representing
71.7% of Toyota hybrid sales of 5.3 million
Lexus and Toyota units sold worldwide since
1997. [10] Global sales of the Prius c family
passed the 500,000 mark in August 2013, with
sales led by Japan with 448,703 Aquas,
followed by the U.S. with 65,583 Prii c. [11]
[12][13][14]
Etymology and terminology
Prius is a Latin word meaning "before".
According to Toyota, the name was chosen
because the Prius was launched before
environmental awareness became a
mainstream social issue. [15]
In February 2011, Toyota asked the public to
decide on what the most proper plural form of
Prius should be, with choices including Prien,
Prii, Prium, Prius, or Priuses. [16][17] The
company said it would "use the most popular
choice in its advertising" [18] and on February
20 announced that "Prii" was the most
popular choice, and the new official plural
designation. [1] In Latin prius is the neuter
singular of the comparative form ( prior, prior,
prius ) of an adjective with only comparative
and superlative (the superlative being primus,
prima, primum ), consequently, like all 3rd
declension words, the plural in Latin was
priora (cf. Latin declension) which was used
by the Lada Priora in 2007.
Beginning in September 2011, Toyota USA
began using the following names to
differentiate the original Prius from some
newer members of the Prius family: the
standard Prius became the Prius Liftback, the
Prius v (known as the Prius α in Japan, and
Prius + in Europe), the Prius Plug-in Hybrid ,
and the Prius c (called Toyota Aqua in
Japan). [19][20]
FOLLOW US

Ferrari California

FOLLOW US
The Ferrari California is a grand touring sports
car produced by the Italian manufacturer
Ferrari . It is a two door "2+2" hard top
convertible . When originally released, the
California was powered by a front-mid
mounted gasoline direct injection 4.3 L
(260 cu in) V8 with 460 PS (338 kW; 454 hp).
[2] The car revives the " California " name used
for the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT .
Initial release
The California was launched at the 2008 Paris
Motor Show . According to industry rumors,
the California originally started as a concept
for a new Maserati [citation needed ] , but the
resulting expense to produce the car led the
Fiat Group to badge it as a Ferrari in order to
justify the high cost of purchase; the
company denies this, however. [3] The
California represents a new, fourth model
range for the company. [4]
Design
The California represents a number of firsts
for Ferrari:
The first front engined Ferrari with a V8
The first to feature a 7-speed dual-clutch
transmission
The first with a folding metal roof
The first with multi-link rear suspension
The first with direct petrol injection
Bosch produced the direct injection system.
The engine displaces 4,297 cubic centimetres
(262.2 cubic inches) and delivers 338 kW
(453 bhp) at 7,750 rpm; its maximum torque
produced is 485 N·m (358 lbf·ft) at 5,000 rpm.
The resulting 79 kW (106 bhp) per litre of
engine displacement is one of the highest for
a naturally aspirated engine, as other
manufacturers have used supercharging or
turbocharging to reach similar power levels. [5]
It is considered likely that the next version of
the California will be turbocharged. [6]
The body computer system was developed by
Magneti Marelli Automotive
Lighting.
FOLLOW US

Jaguar XK

FOLLOW US
The Jaguar XK series ( XK , XK8 and XKR ) is a
series of grand tourer cars produced by
British car maker Jaguar Cars since 1996. The
series was introduced at the Geneva Motor
Show on 5 March 1996, and the last car came
off the production line on 23 July 2014. The
first generation of the series, the XK8,
replaced the XJS, and was available as a
coupé and convertible. The XK8 was the first
8-cylinder vehicle produced by Jaguar since
the Daimler 250, introducing the Jaguar AJ-V8
engine .
The second generation XK was launched in
2006 (as a model year 2007). The new XK
introduced an aluminium monocoque
bodyshell, and is available both as a two-door
coupé and two-door cabriolet/convertible, with
just the engine and associated mechanicals
being carried forward.
XK8/XKR (1996–2006)
Main article: Jaguar XK (X100)
XK8 Convertible
The XK8 was launched in 1996 to replace the
XJ-S . Two body styles were produced - a
coupé and a convertible. The car was the first
in the Jaguar line-up to use Jaguar's newly
developed V8 engine - the AJ-V8 . [1] In 1998
the supercharged XKR was added to the
range. However, both the XK8 and XKR are
limited to a maximum top speed of 155.4 mph
(250.1 km/h).
The XK8 came standard with 17-inch alloy
wheels, while 18-inch (Standard on the XKR),
19-inch, and 20-inch wheels were available for
the XK8 at an additional cost. Jaguar's
Adaptive Cruise Control is an optional feature
available on both models. Both models came
with all-leather interior, burl walnut trim, and
side airbags. [2][3]
XK/XKR (2007–2014)
Main article: Jaguar XK (X150)
XKR (X150) Coupé
The newly designed XK was unveiled in 2005
at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.
Jaguar's chief designer Ian Callum (who was
also responsible for working on the Aston
Martin DB7 and Vanquish coupés) claimed
that the inspiration for the shape of the new
XK came from his admiration for British
actress Kate Winslet 's curves. [4] The X150's
grille was also inspired from the famous 1961
Jaguar E-Type . [5]
The standard XK model has an unlimited top
speed of 158 mph whilst the XKR an unlimited
top speed of 174 mph. An even faster variant,
the XKR-S model was introduced at the
Geneva Motor Show in 2012. The XKR-S
gained an additional 40 horsepower over the
XKR bringing the 0-60 mph time down to only
4.4 seconds and the top speed up to 300 km/
h (186 mph) - making it the fastest Jaguar yet
after the Jaguar XJ220 . A convertible version
of the XKR-S was released in 2012. [6]
FOLLOW US

BMW M5

FOLLOW US
The BMW M5 is a high performance version of
the BMW 5-Series executive car built by the
Motorsport division of BMW . Beginning
production in 1986, the first incarnation of the
M5 was hand-built utilizing the 535i chassis
and a modified BMW M1 engine, being the
fastest production sedan in the world at the
time of its introduction. [1] Subsequent
iterations of the M5 have been built from
each generation of the 5-Series platform,
including the E34, E39, E60/E61, and most
recently, F10, with the first orders delivered in
late 2011.
FOLLOW US

Mercedes Benz e class

FOLLOW US
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of
executive cars manufactured by Mercedes-
Benz in various engine and body
configurations. The E initially stood for
Einspritzmotor (German for fuel injection
engine); a new feature in volume production
vehicles at the time that the E-Class first
appeared, with the E as a suffix to the engine
nomenclature (e.g. 230E) in the 1950s. It was
not until the launch of the facelifted W124
that the E was used as a prefix (i.e., E220)
and the model referred to officially as the E-
Class (or E-Klasse ). At this time all Mercedes
cars used fuel injection and the company felt
it was not necessary to add this as a
distinguishing feature. Due to the E-Class's
size and durability, the cars also frequently
serve as taxis in European countries. Older
models like the W123 and W124 are used in
Malaysia as inter-state taxis, and the W211 is
used in Singapore as a taxi. Mercedes-Benz
also offers special-purpose vehicles (e.g.,
police or ambulance modifications) from the
factory. [1]
W120 'Ponton' (1953–1962)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W120
The first modern mid size Mercedes was the
W120 'Ponton' 180 of 1953. Sharing its
engineering with the R121 190 SL of 1955,
the Ponton was a stylish sedan with four-
cylinder power. A larger-engined W121 190
appeared in 1958.
W110 'Fintail' (1961–1968)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W110
Mercedes added tailfins to both the big S-
Class and the new W110 'Fintail' 190 of 1962.
Straight-6 power appeared for the first time in
the 1965 230 model, and the fours grew in
displacement that year as well.
W114/W115 'Stroke-8' (1968–
1976)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W114
The mid size Mercedes was redesigned in
1968 as the W114/W115 'Stroke-8' . This time,
the 6-cylinder models (The W114s) were most
prevalent, with the W115 line making up the
bottom of the company's offerings with four –
and five-cylinder power. Diesel engines joined
the line-up, as did a coupé body.
W123 (1976–1986)
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W123
The popular W123 quickly became a best-
seller on its launch in 1976. Especially in
Diesel 240D (and later 300D ) guises, the cars
enhanced the company's reputation for
product quality. Over 2.6 million were
produced until the end of production in 1986.
Saloon/Sedan, Coupé and Estate body
configurations were offered.
FOLLOW US