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STUNNING CLASSIC
Since 1953, the legendary Chevrolet Corvette has been a perpetual work in progress. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that GM is upping the ante once again for the 2008 Chevrolet Corvette in its continuing effort to further define it as America's penultimate sports car, especially in the cost-to-performance arena.
The main change to the base model 2008 Corvette coupe and convertible is an all-new LS3 designation 6.2-litre V8 engine, capable of producing 430 hp and 424 lb-feet of torque. The .2-litre displacement increase over the present LS2 was accompanied by a new high-flow intake manifold and cylinder head, Z06-spec fuel injectors, and a revised camshaft – all conspiring to help achieve the 30 hp gain. Want six more hp and four more lb-ft? Simply tick the box for the optional dual-mode exhaust (based on the system currently found on the Z06) on your build sheet and you'll get that power as well as a meaner tone at full throttle. Those looking for extra performance will be happy to know that the Z51 package will soldier on for the new model year, with a 2.73 performance axle ratio for the automatic transmission.
Come Slither
Perhaps you can't wait for the spring 2008 release of the Shelby GT500KR. Or perhaps a 540 supercharged Mustang is merely adequate. What you need, then, is a Super Snake. An ultravenomous version of the GT500, the Super Snake is a pure Shelby special, a limited-edition, hyperpowered Mustang, built with mostly Shelby parts in the company's Vegas assembly facility whose bodywork closely mirrors the KR's.
Off-road and on-water
Who doesn't like vehicles that can travel on both land and water? We sure do, especially ones as super crazy awesome as Beijing Automobile Works's machine, which was exhibited at the 2007 Shanghai Auto Show. It is available in both diesel and gas-powered versions, and is designed to 'carry out communication, reconnaissance, soldiers, wounded rescue and other assignments', as per the brochure.
Treading a new path
For the first time in its 22-year history, the Nissan Pathfinder finally gets a V-8, 300-plus hp, 300 lb-ft 5.6-litre block that helps push Pathfinder's towing capacity into the 7,000-lb range. On the outside, changes for 2008 include a revamped exterior with new 17-inch wheels. Inside, the three-row Pathfinder gets a new centre stack design, fabrics and materials and Nissan's intelligent key with twist start.
Brief Drives
Volkswagen unveils TSI gasoline engine
Volkswagen has unveiled its latest TSI gasoline engine as well as a new double clutch DSG gearbox designed for compact and economy class vehicles at the annual Vienna Engine Symposium held in the month of May. The new 1.4lt motor develops peak power of 90kW, joi-ning VW’s TSI range, which also includes 103kW and 125kW versions.
Ford working on next-gen engines
In an effort to curb levels of carbon-dioxide emitted by its cars, Ford is currently developing a new generation of small capacity engines. Its European lineup already has some of the lowest levels of CO2 emissions in the region but engineers at its engine plant in Cologne are developing a new, ultra-clean low-displacement engine range.
Sleep detecting seats
Japanese researchers have come up with a car seat that can detect when its occupant is about to fall asleep. The life-saving techno-logy, which is still in prototype form, may eventually appear as mandatory equipment in vehicles, putting an end to accidents involving a driver who fell asleep behind the wheel. The seat contains a number of pressure sensors that can detect changes in pulse and respiration that occur typically before a person falls asleep. Unlike previous concepts that required the driver to attach a number of electrodes or other hardware to their body, this version
consists of only a few sensors built into the seat itself. Researchers claim that the system still works effectively even when the driver is wearing thick layers of clothing.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nicolaus August Otto invented the gas motor engine in 1876. |
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