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Posts tagged weight distribution
Official: Scuderia Toro Rosso wants to jump three places with the STR8 [w/video]
Feb 6th
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Racing
Toro Rosso’s STR8 Formula One car has gone backward in order to go forward. The team had been trying to optimize a ‘double floor’ sidepod design for the last couple of seasons but never got it where they wanted it – the team finished eighth in the Constructor’s Championship in 2011, ninth in 2012. Chief Designer Luca Furbatto went back to a more traditional sidepod design with the STR8, and additionally worked on areas of weight distribution, redesigning the rear end to be more compact, developing a more aerodynamic rear suspension that provided more setup options and providing a season-long development track for the aero department. He said the only carryover part from the STR7 is the steering wheel.
The new approach is part of a complete revamp of the team itself, said to be about half the size of a top team: STR poached James Key, ex-technical director at Sauber, late last year, has restructured its aerodynamics division, added a vehicle performance department and worked to strengthen the communication between its base in Faenza, Italy and its aero personnel in the UK. The team wants to finish sixth in the Constructor’s Championship this year, and that would mean getting ahead of all of the other midfield teams in Williams, Sahara Force India and Sauber.
The first video below sums up the launch of the car, the second goes into detail about how the STR8 is going to do what it does.
Continue reading Scuderia Toro Rosso wants to jump three places with the STR8 [w/video]
Scuderia Toro Rosso wants to jump three places with the STR8 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Rennsport Reunion IV: 1978 Porsche 935 "Moby Dick"
Oct 16th
Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Porsche, Racing
The year was 1978, and Norbert Singer was tasked with building the ultimate Group 5 Porsche 935. His sole objective was to deliver a win at Le Mans. Singer went immediately to work and pushed the FIA’s rules to deliver a lower, wider and more aerodynamic 935 than anyone expected. With a white body and a characteristic long swooping tail, it was dubbed “Moby Dick,” after Herman Melville’s great white whale.
But don’t get the impression that Moby Dick was just an aero kit on a 935, as there were other less visible changes to the race car.
The turbocharged flat six was bumped up to displace 3.2 liters and fitted with water-cooled heads. When it was time to race, the four-valve engine developed 750 horsepower. Since the Le Mans circuit runs clockwise, the driver’s seat was moved to the right to optimize weight distribution. On the Mulsanne Straight, it could hit a blistering 235 mph.
Moby Dick qualified third at Le Mans in 1978, behind two Group 6 prototypes (Renault Alpine and a Porsche 936). While it was the fastest on the straights, it finished in eighth place after an oil leak became an issue. It ran in two more races that year before Porsche retired it to the museum. Three clones were eventually built, and they raced well into the 1980s.
Rennsport Reunion IV: 1978 Porsche 935 “Moby Dick” originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Oct 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Jaguar C-X16 hybrid concept revealed [w/video]
Sep 7th
Filed under: Hybrid, Jaguar, Frankfurt Motor Show, Videos
Powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that spits out 376 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the Jaguar C-X16 “production concept” takes Jag into the future with the addition of the automaker’s “Push to Pass” steering wheel-mounted button.
“Push to Pass” is Jaguar speak for hybrid-on-demand. The C-X16 concept comes packing an electric motor that’s integrated into the stylish coupe’s eight-speed gearbox. This electric motor whips out an additional 92 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque at the push of a button. Jaguar says this allows the C-X16 to scoot from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 186 mph.
Performance numbers aside, Jaguar says the hybrid concept emits 165 grams per kilometer of CO2 and hits up to 50 mph in electric-only mode. Juice comes via a 1.6-kWh lithium-ion unit mounted behind the coupe’s rear seats – a position that Jaguar says makes for a perfect 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.
The Jaguar C-X16 concept will make its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in less than a week’s time and you can bet we’ll have loads of pics and details when it hits the stage. For now, check out video and a press blast after the jump.
Continue reading Jaguar C-X16 hybrid concept revealed [w/video]
Jaguar C-X16 hybrid concept revealed [w/video] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Official: Jaguar C-X16 concept revealed [w/video]
Sep 6th
Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, Jaguar
If you’re wondering about the future of the XK, this isn’t it. No, what Jaguar is set to reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week is far more ambitious. This is Jag’s Porsche Cayman-fighting two-seater – a Jaguar coupe you can actually afford.
Powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 putting out 376 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the C-X16 concept takes Jaguar’s great heritage of supercharging into the next century with the addition of a “Push to Pass” hybrid system controlled through a steering wheel-mounted button.
An electric motor is integrated into the eight-speed gearbox, delivering an additional 92 hp and 173 lb-ft of twist when the button is pressed. The resulting performance numbers – 0-60 in 4.3 seconds and a 186 mph top speed – are almost as impressive as the 165 g/km C02 emissions and the C-X16′s ability to travel up to 50 mph on electric power alone.
Juice is provided by a 1.6kWh battery pack mounted behind the rear seats, helping to contribute to the 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution. And if you’re wondering, we understand the engine compartment could fit a V8, assuming Jaguar wants to move it up the price scale.
As for the styling, it’s as good as anything from Ian Callum, Jag’s Director of Design, but we’d be remiss not to say that it looks a little dated. Gorgeous, no doubt, but in the same way the XK is a stunner, but fails to quicken our pulse when we see one on the road. Judge for yourself in the gallery and check out the video and press blast after the jump.
Continue reading Jaguar C-X16 concept revealed [w/video]
Jaguar C-X16 concept revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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MABEL running robot snags bipedal speed title, cue ‘Rocky’ theme (video)
Aug 15th
MABEL the running robot has been training hard, grabbing the title of “fastest bipedal robot with knees.” Like any great sports star, it’s been plagued by many dream-crushing obstacles and injuries, but this time it’s done it: running at a speed of 6.8 miles per hour on a track. Jessy Grizzle, professor at the University of Michigan’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, attributes this bot’s success to its human-like weight distribution — a heavier torso and flexible legs with springs similar to tendons for movement “like a real runner.” This bipedal technology, which can mimic a human’s ability to run and climb over obstacles, may be used to help the disabled walk again, in rescue situations or as the basis of future vehicles that don’t require roads or wheels to drive. If MABEL doesn’t make the SWAT team this year, it can most certainly snag a spot as an extra in the next Transformers movie. Check out the PR and video of this modern day robo-Flo-Jo after the break.
Continue reading MABEL running robot snags bipedal speed title, cue ‘Rocky’ theme (video)
MABEL running robot snags bipedal speed title, cue ‘Rocky’ theme (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 20:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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2012 Cadillac CTS line gets new grille, more powerful V6
Apr 19th
Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Cadillac, Luxury
2012 Cadillac CTS Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery
Cadillac has some changes in store for the 2012 CTS, with an upgraded grille and a V6 that gains 14 horsepower versus the 2011 model. Aesthetic changes are limited to the front grille, where premium finishes have been added to better highlight the combination of frame and mesh. The Wreath & Crest logo has been tweaked (again), with brighter colors and raised ridges.
The big news on the power front is an upgraded 3.6-liter V6 that now delivers 318 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque; up from the current mill’s 304 horses and 273 lb-ft. GM engineers were able to improve power without impacting fuel economy by developing larger intake valves, an improved port design and adding a longer-duration intake camshaft. The aluminum V6 is also an impressive 20.5-pounds lighter for 2012, thanks to a composite intake manifold, a lighter front cover and high-strength connecting rods. The 3.6′s weight-loss program aids fuel efficiency (an EPA-estimated 18 city/27 highway) while also improving weight distribution, which is never a bad thing.
Also new for 2012 is a Touring package that adds a darker grille and 19-inch wheels on the outside and dark Sapele wood interior trim, steel pedals, sued inserts on the seats, shift knob and steering wheel inside the cabin. Finally, Bluetooth connectivity has been added across the range, while the Coupe, with its massive pair of rear flanks, gets standard blind-zone alert technology.
Hit the jump to read over the Cadillac press release.
Gallery: 2012 Cadillac CTS
[Source: Cadillac]
Continue reading 2012 Cadillac CTS line gets new grille, more powerful V6
2012 Cadillac CTS line gets new grille, more powerful V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nissan Leaf NISMO RC ready to electrify New York
Apr 18th
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, New York Auto Show
Nissan Leaf NISMO RC – Click above to enlarge
Nissan will unveil a racing variant of the Leaf electric car at the New York Auto Show, but the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC has little in common with its more pedestrian “sibling.” NISMO started with a lithium ion battery pack and badging from a stock Leaf, then built a completely new vehicle around it.
There are no rear doors; the carpeting, navigation and stereo system are gone; and the battery pack has been relocated to the middle of the vehicle for better weight distribution. Speaking of weight, the NISMO RC is about 40 percent lighter than the production Leaf, as a carbon fiber monocoque platform and more compact dimensions cut total weight to just 2,068 pounds. The race-ready Leaf is also a foot shorter and 6.7 inches wider, and with a scant 2.4 inches of ground clearance.
While the Nissan Leaf NISMO Nismo RC is a different animal than its production namesake, it still carries a familial resemblance, at least up front. Nissan employed LED lighting all around, a driver-adjustable rear wing and plenty of NISMO/Zero Emission graphics to ensure that onlookers know this is no fossil-fuel burner.
Nissan says the NISMO RC will be used for demonstration purposes, so don’t expect this Leaf to compete any time soon. The automaker does say, however, that it’s considering a zero-emission spec series for the future. With an estimated run time of 20 minutes under racing conditions, the 30 minute quick-charge time (to achieve 80 percent capacity) would make for some leisurely pit stops. When the Leaf NISMO RC is in motion, its 80kW AC motor generates 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; good enough for a 0-60 time of 6.85 seconds and a 93-mph top speed. No land-speed records there, folks, but we’re betting this particular Leaf would be a blast to drive anyway. Hit the jump to read over Nissan’s press release.
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading Nissan Leaf NISMO RC ready to electrify New York
Nissan Leaf NISMO RC ready to electrify New York originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nissan Leaf NISMO RC set to electrify New York
Apr 18th
Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Nissan, New York Auto Show
Nissan Leaf NISMO RC – Click above to enlarge
Nissan will unveil a racing variant of the Leaf electric car at the New York Auto Show, but the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC has little in common with its more pedestrian “sibling.” NISMO started with a lithium ion battery pack and badging from a stock Leaf, then built a completely new vehicle around it.
There are no rear doors; the carpeting, navigation and stereo system are gone; and the battery pack has been relocated to the middle of the vehicle for better weight distribution. Speaking of weight, the NISMO RC is about 40 percent lighter than the production Leaf, as a carbon fiber monocoque platform and more compact dimensions cut total weight to just 2,068 pounds. The race-ready Leaf is also a foot shorter and 6.7 inches wider, and with a scant 2.4 inches of ground clearance.
While the Nissan Leaf NISMO Nismo RC is a different animal than its production namesake, it still carries a familial resemblance, at least up front. Nissan employed LED lighting all around, a driver-adjustable rear wing and plenty of NISMO/Zero Emission graphics to ensure that onlookers know this is no fossil-fuel burner.
Nissan says the NISMO RC will be used for demonstration purposes, so don’t expect this Leaf to compete any time soon. The automaker does say, however, that it’s considering a zero-emission spec series for the future. With an estimated run time of 20 minutes under racing conditions, the 30 minute quick-charge time (to achieve 80 percent capacity) would make for some leisurely pit stops. When the Leaf NISMO RC is in motion, its 80kW AC motor generates 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; good enough for a 0-60 time of 6.85 seconds and a 93-mph top speed. No land-speed records there, folks, but we’re betting this particular Leaf would be a blast to drive anyway. Hit the jump to read over Nissan’s press release.
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading Nissan Leaf NISMO RC set to electrify New York
Nissan Leaf NISMO RC set to electrify New York originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 08:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nissan Leaf NISMO RC set to electrify New York
Apr 17th
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Nissan, Electric
Nissan Leaf NISMO RC – Click above to enlarge
Nissan will unveil a racing variant of the Leaf electric car at the New York Auto Show, but the Nissan Leaf NISMO RC has little in common with its more pedestrian “sibling.” NISMO started with a lithium ion battery pack and badging from a stock Leaf, then built a completely new vehicle around it.
There are no rear doors; the carpeting, navigation and stereo system are gone; and the battery pack has been relocated to the middle of the vehicle for better weight distribution. Speaking of weight, the NISMO RC is about 40 percent lighter than the production Leaf, as a carbon fiber monocoque platform and more compact dimensions cut total weight to just 2,068 pounds. The race-ready Leaf is also a foot shorter and 6.7 inches wider, and with a scant 2.4 inches of ground clearance.
While the Nissan Leaf NISMO Nismo RC is a different animal than its production namesake, it still carries a familial resemblance, at least up front. Nissan employed LED lighting all around, a driver-adjustable rear wing and plenty of NISMO/Zero Emission graphics to ensure that onlookers know this is no fossil-fuel burner.
Nissan says the NISMO RC will be used for demonstration purposes, so don’t expect this Leaf to compete any time soon. The automaker does say, however, that it’s considering a zero-emission spec series for the future. With an estimated run time of 20 minutes under racing conditions, the 30 minute quick-charge time (to achieve 80 percent capacity) would make for some leisurely pit stops. When the Leaf NISMO RC is in motion, its 80kW AC motor generates 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; good enough for a 0-60 time of 6.85 seconds and a 93-mph top speed. No land-speed records there, folks, but we’re betting this particular Leaf would be a blast to drive anyway. Hit the jump to read over Nissan’s press release.
Gallery: Nissan Leaf NISMO RC
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading Nissan Leaf NISMO RC set to electrify New York
Nissan Leaf NISMO RC set to electrify New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Nissan Leaf Nismo RC set to electrify New York
Apr 17th
Filed under: New York Auto Show, Coupe, Nissan, Electric
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC – Click above to enlarge
Nissan will unveil a racing variant of the Leaf electric car at the New York Auto Show, but the Nissan Leaf Nismo RC has little in common with its more pedestrian “sibling.” Nismo started with a lithium ion battery pack and badging from a stock Leaf, then built a completely new vehicle around it.
There are no rear doors; the carpeting, navigation and stereo system are gone; and the battery pack has been relocated to the middle of the vehicle for better weight distribution. Speaking of weight, the Nismo RC is about 40 percent lighter than the production Leaf, as a carbon fiber monocoque platform and more compact dimensions cut total weight to just 2,068 pounds. The Nismo RC is also a foot shorter and 6.7 inches wider, and with a scant 2.4 inches of ground clearance.
While the Nismo RC is a different animal than its production namesake, it still carries a familial resemblance, at least up front. Nissan employed LED lighting all around, a driver-adjustable rear wing and plenty of Nismo/Zero Emission graphics to ensure that onlookers know this is no fossil-fuel burner.
Nissan says the Nismo RC will be used for demonstration purposes, so don’t expect this Leaf to compete any time soon. The automaker does say, however, that it’s considering a zero-emission spec series for the future. With an estimated run time of 20 minutes under racing conditions, the 30 minute quick-charge time (to achieve 80 percent capacity) would make for some leisurely pit stops. When the Leaf Nismo RC is in motion, its 80kW AC motor generates 107 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque; good enough for a 0-60 time of 6.85 seconds and a 93-mph top speed. No land-speed records there, folks, but we’re betting the Nismo RC would be a blast to drive anyway. Hit the jump to read over Nissan’s press release.
Gallery: Nissan Leaf Nismo RC
[Source: Nissan]
Continue reading Nissan Leaf Nismo RC set to electrify New York
Nissan Leaf Nismo RC set to electrify New York originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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