Porsche Unveils Most Powerful Non-Turbo 911(R) in History: The 2007 911 GT3

415-horsepower model to debut at Geneva Motor Show

ATLANTA, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Porsche’s new 2007 911 GT3 will make its
public debut at the Geneva Motor Show on February 28, 2006. The latest race-
bred 911 sports coupe features a 415-horsepower naturally aspirated engine
with an 8,400 rpm redline, an active suspension setup tuned for the track, and
a mechanical limited-slip differential.

Serving as the homologation basis for Porsche’s 911 GT3 RSR racecar, the
911 GT3 provides enthusiasts with an uncompromising road car that can easily
transition to weekend track-day outings. The 415-horsepower, 3.6-liter flat-
Six engine produces a specific output of 115.3 horsepower-per-liter, among the
highest of any naturally aspirated production car. The Boxer engine’s power
peak is reached at 7,600 rpm, on the way to an 8,400 rpm redline — 200 rpm
beyond the previous GT3 model.
In addition to its high-revving characteristics, the GT3 engine’s
performance has been fortified by careful attention to airflow rates. Changes
to the variable intake system include a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82
millimeters, optimized cylinder heads, and a low-backpressure exhaust system.
To take advantage of the extended-rev characteristics of the engine, the
2007 911 GT3 features a revised six-speed manual transmission, with lower gear
ratios for 2nd through 6th, as well as shortened shift-lever throws. A new
change-up display, which illuminates the tachometer shortly before the
relevant engine speed is reached, provides GT3 pilots with an additional
signal to optimize shift timing.
The combination of a more powerful, higher-revving engine and shortened
gear ratios produces impressive acceleration figures, allowing the 2007 911
GT3 to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h, 4.3 sec.),
and 100 mph (160 km/h) from a standing start in 8.7 seconds. The top test-
track speed of the new 911 GT3 is 193 mph (310 km/h).
For the first time, the 911 GT3 boasts an active suspension. The standard
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system offers two chassis in one:
the default configuration is similar to that of the previous model and is
suitable for driving on alternating road surfaces. In Sport mode, the system
provides even firmer damping, enabling more focused dynamics for the
racetrack.
For the best possible transmission of engine power to the road, the GT3 is
equipped with a comprehensive traction package, including new electronic
Traction Control adapted from the Carrera(R) GT, standard-equipment 19-inch
sports tires, and a mechanical limited-slip differential. The new Traction
Control setup features traction-slip and drag-torque control functions, allows
the safe application of power under any driving conditions, and can be
completely disabled if desired.
The 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 will be available in North America beginning in
August 2006. U.S. pricing for the new model is $106,000.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, GA, and its
subsidiary, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd., are the exclusive importers of Porsche
sports cars and Cayenne(R) sport utility vehicles for the United States and
Canada. A wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG,
PCNA employs approximately 300 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts,
service, marketing and training for its 211 U.S. and Canadian dealers. They,
in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service.

SOURCE Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.porsche.com
Photo Notes: NewsCom:

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New Graphics Display Controller for Vehicle Navigation Systems

Fujitsu Introduces New Graphics Display Controller for Vehicle Navigation Systems, Best Suited for North American Automotive Market Applications

New MB86276 Delivers Cost-Effective GDC for 2D Systems in Mid-Range Vehicles

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Fujitsu Microelectronics
America, Inc. (FMA) today extended its global leadership in graphics display
controllers (GDCs) for automotive applications, introducing a new,
cost-efficient version for the mid-range vehicle market in North America.
The Fujitsu MB86276 is a streamlined version of the innovative
three-dimensional (3D) graphics display controller, the Fujitsu MB86296, which
has been designed into high-end vehicles in Japan and Europe. The new
two-dimensional (2D) GDC MB86276 is ideally suited for the mid-range
navigation and entertainment market that is now emerging in North America. The
MB86276 2D GDC includes many of the special features offered in the high-end
3D device, including dual display support, video capture, multiple
alpha-blending options, and a 16-bit Z buffer that enables low-level 3D
operations.
“Fujitsu is the leader in 3D graphics display technology for vehicle
navigation systems worldwide, with more than 30 percent of the global market.
With the new MB86276 2D GDC, we are expanding our controller line to meet the
specific price and performance benchmarks of North American vehicle
manufacturers,” said Keith Horn, senior vice president, sales and marketing,
Fujitsu Microelectronics America. “This version meets the industry’s
requirements for navigation systems appropriate for mid-range cars and trucks
in the U.S. and Canada.”
The MB86276 2D GDC incorporates the display controller, rendering engine
and video-input unit developed originally for the Fujitsu MB96296 3D version,
along with built-in alpha-blending, anti-aliasing and chroma-keying
capabilities, and an up/down video scalar. An optimized central processor
allows more direct CPU connections, so the new 2D GDC can be linked to a wide
range of processors and controllers from various manufacturers. All available
operating system drivers developed for the Fujitsu 3D GDC family can be used
with the 2D GDC with only minimal modification.
The MB86276’s internal and memory frequency is 133MHz; the base clock for
display operates at 400.9MHz. Display resolutions range from 320 x 240 to
1280 x 768. Six layers of overlay windows, all of which have a color depth of
8, 16, or 24 bits/pixel, can be used simultaneously, and can be changed in
size, position, and priority. The maximum logical layer size is 4096 x 4096
pixels. Specific layers can be blended easily using the alpha map, which can
be freely assigned to any of the six layers and which allows the assignment of
8 bits per pixel. Each pixel can be mixed to provide excellent control of
transparency levels.
Internal and external DMA is supported, along with an external 32-bit
SDRAM interface for up to 64MB of graphics memory. An I2C interface also is
included, as are GPIO inputs and outputs.

Dual Display Output Enables Multiple Applications
The MB86276 provides all of the 2D capabilities of the MB96296 3D GDC,
including texture mapping, alpha blending, Gouraud shading, flat shading and
the innovative dual-display output. Using the dual-display mode, the GDC can
individually drive two connected displays with identical resolution.
The controller can be connected with the displays using either two
independent interfaces or just one interface with some multiplexing logic.
Therefore, it is possible for the part to support a full range of dual-display
applications, such as rear-seat entertainment systems or dual monitor-control
units. In dual-display mode, each layer can be programmed to appear in either
one or both of the display units, thus making it possible to duplicate the
image content or to deliver two individually composed pictures, one on each
display.

Pricing and Availability
The MB86276 is manufactured using Fujitsu’s 0.18-micron CMOS technology
and is housed in 256-pin Ball Grid Array packages. The controller is available
now in volume, with prices starting at $12 each in 100,000-piece quantities.
In addition to broadening its product line with the MB86276 to support the
requirements of North American automakers, Fujitsu will continue to develop
graphics display controllers for the leading edge of the high-end navigation
market, with new 3D products set for introduction throughout 2006.

About Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc. (FMA) leads the industry in
innovation. FMA provides high-quality, reliable semiconductor products and
services for the networking, communications, automotive, security and other
markets throughout North and South America. For more information about graphic
display controller ICs please see http://us.fujitsu.com/micro/graphicdisplay
or address e-mail to inquiry@fma.fujitsu.com.

SOURCE Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.fma.fujitsu.com

G&K Announces Smart Cars Ready for Delivery

SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire/ — G & K Auto Conversion, Inc.,
announced that it is completing the conversion of several hundred Smart Cars
at its facility in Santa Ana, California to be purchased and distributed by
ZAP. In addition, G & K will be delivering eighty-five Smart Cars owned by
ZAP within the week.
G & K is in agreement with ZAP to modify the Smart Cars for US standards
and ZAP expects to deliver cars to ZAP licensed dealers shortly.
News reports from Florida and Colorado have announced two separate
business ventures claiming to be importing Smart Cars. G & K owner, George
Gemayel, states that G & K is the only entity approved to “import and modify”
Smart Cars for the US market. G & K does not have a distribution agreement
with the Florida or Colorado businesses.
G & K has obtained all necessary EPA and DOT certifications for model
year 2005 and 2006 Smart Cars to meet US forty-five State standards.
Certification for the remaining five States, California, Maine, Massachusetts,
New York and Vermont is underway.

SOURCE G & K Automotive Conversion, Inc.
Web Site: http://www.gnkauto.com

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The star of Ford’s display was the all-new Shelby GT500

The star of Ford’s display was the all-new Shelby GT500, which is based on the new Mustang platform — of which Carnegie Mellon graduate Hau Thai-Tang was chief engineer — and was inspired by the 1960s AC Cobra. The GT500 takes the Mustang GT platform and showers it with subtle styling cues, such as front air splitters, a rear deck spoiler, and Shelby and Cobra emblems all over the car. It shares the 5.4 liter V8 platform found in the Mustang GT and Ford GT, and is supercharged to 475 horsepower with matching torque and linked to a six-speed transmission. An upgraded suspension by Ford’s in-house SVT performance group steers the car, and large 14-inch brakes help stop it. Poised to sell at under $50,000, this special vehicle is sure to fill preorders as soon as they appear. Ford plans to release limited numbers of the GT500 starting this summer.

Read full story here

The Ford GT supercar also made an appearance and impressed many with its astounding 550 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque. To put it in perspective, this kind of power accelerates you from zero to 60 mph in about 3.4 seconds, all in first gear, and can outrun Ferraris and Porsches. Ford actually brought the GT to the Technical Opportunities Conference back in fall 2005, and many students were able to experience the thrills of this American legend. Ford also displayed its F-series pickup trucks and economy Focus lineup, each model receiving minor facelifts for the 2006 model year.

Automakers mark 2006 a retro year for new

Automakers mark 2006 a retro year for new models
CMU The Tartan Online, PA - Feb 20, 2006 a rear deck spoiler, and Shelby and Cobra emblems all The Ford GT supercar also made an appearance and with its astounding 550 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds

Tag Heuer: Monaco Vintage Limited Edition - new wrist watch

To celebrate Steve McQueen’s 75th birthday, TAG Heuer is launching the Monaco Vintage Limited Edition, a new version of a chronograph world-renowned for its big, square case. The new version sports a white dial with the famous red, white, and blue bands of the driving suit that the late actor wore in the unforgettable film classic of 1970, Le Mans.

For his Porsche 917 Gulf driving scenes in Le Mans, Steve McQueen insisted that the props department procure him the complete driving suit of Jo Siffert, which, of course, included the Monaco chronograph. The famous Swiss driver and star of the 24-hour rally at Le Mans, Jo Siffert was the first of many ambassadors officially sponsored by TAG Heuer, and always proudly wore the brand logos and timepieces.

The presence of the Monaco on the actor’s wrist helped contribute to its legend, but it was above all its avant-garde style and its complete break with tradition that enabled it to become one of TAG Heuer’s most sought-after icons.

tag heuer monaco

The square case of TAG Heuer Monaco reshaped the history of watchmaking. Launched in 1969, it was the world’s first chronograph equipped with a microrotor for automatic rewinding – the revolutionary “Chronomatic Calibre 11.” With the boldness of its big, blue, square case, it marked a new era in watchmaking design aesthetics.

This year, for men and women of driving ambition, the choice is clear: the Monaco Vintage chronograph.

Available in a limited edition of 4,000 pcs, this automatic chronograph pays homage to a mythic figure, and nostalgically conjures forth a revolutionary period of history not that far away…

Inspired by the legend and spirit of motor racing, the Monaco Vintage, with its tricolor dial, “Monaco” logo at 6 o’clock, blue alligator bracelet with beige stitching, and pushbutton buckle is destined to be a highly collectible cult classic!

2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept Automobile.com - Feb 14, 2006

2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept
Automobile.com - Feb 14, 2006 If Chevy comes to market with a new Camaro, and chances are good that it will, it wont happen for a while; probably not until model year 2009. Why the hold up? The concept is based on a rear-drive chassis architecture pulled from GM of Australias Holden division; yes, the same subsidiary that gave us the Monaro-based Pontiac GTO. This is an expensive platform integrating a four-wheel independent suspension system, reason enough why the GTO costs so much and has suffered from middling sales because of it. The Camaro, which would need to be sold in V6 guise for a price similar to the Mustangs sub-$20K base MSRP, would have to ride on a much less sophisticated (i.e. cheaper) suspension setup.

By the way, the concept not only gets an all-independent setup powered through the rear wheels, but also sports progressive-rate springs and gas-pressurized dampers. Stopping power comes by four-wheel vented disc brakes with fourteen-inch rotors, easily seen behind ultra-large diameter 21-inch front and 22-inch rear five-spoke alloy rims on low-profile 275/30 R 21 front, 305/30 R 22 rear, Z-rated rubber. Of course, no such circumference should be expected with the production wheel and tire packages, with 17- to 19-inch mounts more likely.

The concept, incidentally, features other niceties that wont necessarily make it to market, at least in base trim. For instance, under its long hood resides the Corvettes all-aluminum LS2 6.0-liter V8, with no less than 400-horsepower and relatively thrifty fuel economy due to cylinder-deactivation enhanced by a six-speed manual transmission, resulting in somewhere around 30 mpg on the highway. Of course, something upwards of 400-hp, worthy of the SS moniker, will be needed to compete with the Mustang-based Shelby Cobra GT500 and Challenger SRT8, or whatever Dodge finally calls it when it finally debuts in road-ready trim. And at the opposite end of the feeding chain, while Chrysler Groups two-door coupe might not attempt to fight it out in the entry-level trenches, GM has a bevy of high-torque, low-redline, somewhat simplistic V6 engines that might be ideal for a bottom-rung Camaro, plus a number of V8s, the new 5.3-liter mill with cylinder-deactivation comes to mind, for an RS (Rally Sport) model.

Full Article: 2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept

GT500 from Ford, concepts from GM and Dodge 2006 Challenger Concept

GT500 from Ford, concepts from GM and Dodge
Classic Driver, UK - Jan 17, 2006 Outside, the GT500 has aggressive modifications to the front grille, bonnet (hood) and badging where the famous off-centre Cobra makes a re-appearance.

Dodge 2006 Challenger Concept

dodge challenger

Using Chrysler Group’s rear-wheel drive LX platform and its legendary HEMI® engine, and the performance-oriented Dodge name, the Chrysler Group’s West Coast Pacifica Studio designers have come up with a modern version of the highly-collectible Challenger.

“Challenger draws upon the initial 1970 model as the icon of the series,” said Tom Tremont, Vice President - Advanced Vehicle Design. “The 1970 model is the most sought after by collectors. But instead of merely recreating that car, the designers endeavored to build a Challenger most people see in their mind’s eye - a vehicle without the imperfections like the old car’s tucked-under wheels, long front overhang and imperfect fits. As with all pleasurable memories, you remember the good and screen out the bad”.

The Challenger concept sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, six inches longer than the original. But its width is two inches greater, giving the concept car a squat, tougher, more purposeful persona. Both the hood and the deck lid of the Challenger concept vehicle are higher than the 1970 in order to lift and “present” the front and rear themes. The front end features the signature Dodge crossbar grille and four headlamps deeply recessed into the iconic car-wide horizontal cavity.

Shelby Automobiles and WCC Team Up to Create Line of Limited-Edition Mustangs

Shelby Automobiles and WCC Team Up to Create Line of Limited-Edition Mustangs
GotMustang - Jan 24, 2006 Customs Mustang begins with a stock 2006 Ford Mustang GT. several famous cars including the iconic Cobra, oversaw the newly-acclaimed output of more than 500 hp .

Big block and small block V8 owners of all types may want to take a second look the next time a “V6″ Mustang pulls up to the light as Carroll Shelby International Inc’s wholly owned subsidiary Shelby Automobiles, Inc. announces the new Shelby CS 6 Mustang concept vehicle. Shelby Automobiles, known for speed and performance through the leadership of legendary racecar driver and Cobra creator Carroll Shelby, will offer a modified V6-engined 2006 Ford Mustang, dubbed the CS 6. Packed with a NOVI-1200 Supercharger from Paxton Automotive Corp., the CS 6 is destined to be the next great sports car from Shelby Automobiles pumping out an incredible 350+ horsepower.

The Shelby/West Coast Customs Mustang begins with a stock 2006 Ford Mustang GT. Legendary car builder Carroll Shelby, the creator of several famous cars including the iconic Cobra, oversaw the car’s performance enhancements. An exclusive Vortech Supercharger was added to the V8 engine and the Mustang’s computer re-mapped to adapt to the newly-acclaimed output of more than 500 hp. With a racing-level output of that caliber, this Mustang is genuinely worthy of wearing the Shelby badge.

Shelby CS6 Mustang - The New Shelby CS 6 Mustang concept vehicle

Shelby CS6 Mustang
StangNet.com, AL - Carroll Shelby Offers Enthusiasts the Ultimate Affordable Musclecar - Shhh, Don’t Tell the Guys with the V8’s

Big block and small block V8 owners of all types may want to take a second look the next time a “V6″ Mustang pulls up to the light as Carroll Shelby International Inc’s wholly owned subsidiary Shelby Automobiles, Inc. announces the new Shelby CS 6 Mustang concept vehicle. Shelby Automobiles, known for speed and performance through the leadership of legendary racecar driver and Cobra creator Carroll Shelby, will offer a modified V6-engined 2006 Ford Mustang, dubbed the CS 6.

Packed with a NOVI-1200 Supercharger from Paxton Automotive Corp., the CS 6 is destined to be the next great sports car from Shelby Automobiles pumping out an incredible 350+ horsepower. The Shelby CS 6 will be introduced at the Vortech/Paxton Booth (#22853-Central Hall) during the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas.

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