Not the prettiest SL you’ll see on the road but admittedly, it does ooze with power. Kicherer’s latest interpretation of the Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is equipped with a bi-turbo V12 engine delivering 605hp/445kW. 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) come in just 4.3 sec and 200 km/h after 14.2 sec while top speed is electronically limited to 300 km/h (187 mph). Performance isn’t the SL K 60 Evo Black’s only
Not only did Nissan’s new compact crossover get a maximum 5-star rating for adult occupant protection, but thanks to a near to perfect 36.83 points out of a maximum 37 points, the Qashqai achieved the highest ever recorded score in this test for any vehicle in Euro NCAP’s 10-year long history. In the other tests, the Qashqai received 4-stars (out of 5) for child protection and a mediocre 2 out of
Jeep decided to share with us the first pictures of their upcoming Wrangler based Unlimited & JT concepts that’ll make their public appearance at the 2007 SEMA Show in October. Beginning with the sand-colour JT, the 4×4 pick-up is based on the new Wrangler Unlimited’s 116-inch wheelbase platform featuring a 5-foot pickup bed and an easy-to-handle removable hardtop. Its off road capabilities have
all them the Rodney Dangerfields of the trucking world. When it’s time
to spec a new truck, fifth wheels get no respect. While hours are spent
going over the smallest of details for more glamorous components, such
as the engine and transmission, decisions about the utilitarian fifth
wheel can be glossed over. Yet fifth wheels do perform a critical job,
their design is deceptively complex, and there are more options to
consider than you might think. To help you make a more educated fifth
wheel spec’ing decision, we’ve enlisted the help of experts from
Holland Hitch of Canada Ltd. and Fontaine Fifth Wheel.
Stationary or sliding: This is your first consideration. If you
anticipate that the axle loading, kingpin setting and combination
length of the truck in question will remain constant, a stationary
fifth wheel will do. The style of mounting is the next consideration.
An angle-on-frame mount (low cost and less torsional rigidity) and a
plate mount (higher cost, more torsional rigidity) are the options.
If your operation requires different kingpin settings and varying
combination weights, the flexibility provided by a sliding fifth wheel
is worth the extra cost. It also has a higher resale value. With a
sliding fifth wheel, you will also need to consider the type of release
required. If your operation calls for frequent adjustments for weight
distribution or weight configuration, an air slide is the smart spec.
If few adjustments are required, the lower-cost manual release will do.
Your final decision with a sliding fifth wheel concerns the length of
the slide. Specify too short a length and you may not be able to shift
enough weight from your drives to your front axles to prevent an
overload situation. Too long a slide could end up interfering between
the tractor cab and the front of the trailer when turning, as well as
adding cost and weight.
Height: A critical spec as the overall unladen height combination of
13’6″ must be maintained. The fifth wheel height should match the upper
coupler plate level. If you’re running spring suspensions, keep in mind
that they can deflect up to two inches under load and your fifth wheel
height will have to allow for that degree of deflection. Remember that
lowering the fifth wheel height results in less forward and aft
articulation. Under severe applications, such as logging or
construction, this can result in damage to the fifth wheel as well as
the frame and trailer. The maximum height is determined by subtracting
the trailer height and unladen tractor frame height from the maximum
height of 13’6″.
Ratings & Capacities: The towed vehicle weight (TVW) to be pulled,
the maximum drawbar load expected, the vertical load to be carried, and
the type of operation the fifth wheel will be exposed to are the key
considerations in spec’ing the right rating and capacity. Vertical load
refers to the weight of the loaded trailer’s nose as it sits on the
fifth wheel. Drawbar capacity is a measure of the relative strength of
the fifth wheel in terms of what it must pull. Play it safe when
specifying a capacity rating; spec a rating that can handle the
heaviest weights you’re likely to haul.
Oscillation: This is the side-to-side tilting movement of the fifth
wheel that will change as the connection between the tractor and
trailer is altered while road bumps and curves are negotiated. The
standard over-the-road fifth wheel is semi-oscillating, which means it
can articulate about an axis perpendicular to the vehicle centreline.
It relieves stresses both forward and aft of the axis. A fully
oscillating fifth wheel is designed to provide both front-to-rear and
side-to-side oscillation between the tractor and semi-trailer. Spec
this one if the centre of gravity of the loaded trailer is at or below
the top of the fifth wheel. A rigid fifth wheel design is fixed in
location. The oscillation is provided by other means. There are also
elevating fifth wheels which allow you to convert a standard road
tractor for yard spotting, switching and hauling.
Weight: Weight adds to the initial cost of the fifth wheel and adds
down-the-road costs through reduced carrying capacity and higher fuel
bills. Yet purchasing a fifth wheel lighter than what your operation
requires can result in additional maintenance and downtime. There’s a
balance you will have to strike between cost and strength.
Since its introduction in 2004, the fifth gen Maserati Quattroporte has been a sedan poised on the brink of greatness. Its fatal flaw: a clunky automated manual transmission ill-suited to the model’s luxury mission. Unlike some propeller-badged Germans we could name, Maserati’s Italian parent heeded the catcalls directed at its high tech gearbox. FIAT sourced a ZF six speed fully automatic transmission to cure the problem, subito. So, are we there yet? Continue reading Maserati Quattroporte Automatica Review
Juar XKR – Review: Anybody with a pulse will feel it quicken when gazing upon the 2007 Jaguar XKR. From the fender vents to the hood louvers to its tight proportions, its sleek lines promise performance. Looks have never been Jaguar’s shortcoming, but previous XK’s delivered an underwhelming driving experience that failed to deliver on the styling’s promise. This new XKR largely changes that. Continue reading Jaguar Car Reviews
Honda’s Insight was great and all, but nobody wants a two seat car these days. So while the hybrid Accord is certainly an exciting addition, what’s more awesome is Honda competing where we expect them to: with cheap cars for younger people. Continue reading What’s Up with Honda Hybrids
The 2008 Honda Accord sedan has been out and about fairly regularly in the past few weeks with several lightly covered examples having been photographed. Until now, none of these were accompanied by the coupe version, but that too has changed. Comparing the production coupe to the concept that Honda unveiled in January at the Detroit Auto Show shows how much of the concept was production ready. Continue reading Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord Coupe pics complete the circle
Bob Lutz recently confirmed that Cadillac is developing a top-of-the-line model powered by a V12 to take on the Mercedes S-class and BMW 7 series. Unlike other recent rear-wheel-drive models like the Pontiac G8 and Chevrolet Camaro, the new model will not be developed by the Holden team in Australia. Continue reading Holden engineering chief says New V12 Cadillac not coming from Oz
Bit of a confession here. I’m not keen on convertibles.
In fact, whenever I drive one I try and make a habit of keeping the roof up. Continue reading Alfa Romeo Spider
I guess as what this picture suggest quite bluntly, it is very important. Since nature is way beyond our control, it all up to us how to protect our beloved Volkswagen automobiles. Functioning much like a shield against debris, dust, heat and other atrocious elements, the Volkswagen car cover is definitely an accessory that we should consider as an investment.
By the way, thats a Volkswagen Passat under that car cover.
It was bound to happen; after winning the hearts of thousands of civilian drivers, hybrids are a just a step away from conquering the hearts of the military personnel. Take the Aggressor prototype for example. An off-road Alternative Mobility Vehicle (AMV) that specializes in military ground exploration and scouting missions equipped with a battery-dominant, hybrid-electric drivetrain with a