Posted on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at 4:34 AM
by
Aadarsh Singh
Posted on at 4:21 AM
by
Aadarsh Singh
The Yamaha V-Max is a motorcycle manufactured by Yamaha, which is known for its powerful V4 engine, shaft drive, and distinctive styling.HistoryJohn Reed, an English designer who lived in California was contracted by Yamaha to design the ultimate custom bike. He designed a muscle cruiser based on the Venture engine.[1]Upon its release in 1985, the V-Max garnered instant critical acclaim and earned the title "Bike of the Year" from Cycle Guide.[2] Sold both in Japan and abroad, the V-Max has been on the market with only minor modifications since the 1985 model year, making it one of the best-selling Japanese motorcycles of all time.[citation needed] The V-Max was noted for its quick acceleration, but was also criticized for its poor cornering ability and soft suspension.[3][4][5]The Honda X-4 was created in response to its overwhelming success, but was in production for only six years, proving unable to shake the V-Max's popularity and exceptional reliability.[citation needed]Valves and cylinder inside a cutaway V-Max engine.Until 2007, the original V-Max was offered for sale through the Star Motorcycles division of Yamaha Motorcycles. Apart from a minor freshening to the bike's specifications in 1993, when the bike gained a larger-diameter fork to minimize high-speed wobbling and drift, four-piston brake calipers, and other handling and safety related upgrades, the 2007 V-Max was almost the same as the original 1985 version.[6][edit] SpecificationsOverall, the V-Max was 2,300 mm (91 in) long, 795 mm (31.3 in) wide, and 1,160 mm (46 in) high. The engine was a tuned version of the double overhead camshaft, four valve per cylinder, liquid-cooled V-4 from the Yamaha Venture. Along with other modifications to the engine, the compression ratio was raised to 10.5:1, and the V-Boost system was added.V-BoostV-Boost is a patented System from Yamaha which opens butterfly valves between the manifolds of the 1st and 2nd and between the 3rd and 4th cylinder starting from 5750 rpm. The valves are opened gradually to match the rising rotational speed signal provided by the ignition system. The valves are at the full open position at 8000 rpm. There is a small black box that reads the rotational speed and sends a computed signal to a servo motor. The servo pulls a wire to open the butterfly valves. The V-Boost System adds 10 percent to the top power rating of the base engine.VMAXYamaha VMAX Yamaha 1700 VMax.jpgManufacturer YamahaProduction since 2009Predecessor Yamaha V-MaxSuccessor noneClass power cruiserEngine 1,679 cc (102 cu in) liquid-cooled DOHC V-4Power 197.4 hp (147 kW) @ 9000rpm at crankTorque 123 ft·lbf (17.0 kg·m) @ 6500rpmTransmission 5-speed, slipper clutchFrame type cast aluminumSuspension adjustable front and rearBrakes Front: radial mount 6-piston calipers, dual wave-type 12.6" (320 mm) discs, brembo master cylinderRear: single piston caliper, wave-type 11.7" (298mm) disc, Brembo master cylinderWheelbase 66.9 in (1699.3 mm)Dimensions L 94.3 in (2395.2 mm)W 32.3 in (820.4 mm)Seat height 30.5 in (774.7 mm)Weight (dry), 683 lb (309.8 kg) (wet)Fuel capacity 4.0 US gallon (15.1 litres, 3.3 Imperial gallons)In 2005, at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha displayed an all-new V-Max concept bike. It featured a new chassis, upgraded components all around, and state-of-the-art braking components.[8]On 4 June 2008, Yamaha officially released a completely redesigned 2009 VMAX in North America and Europe. The features of the VMAX include an all aluminium frame with its 1,679 cc (102 cu in) liquid cooled V4 DOHC engine used as a stressed member of the chassis, an electroluminescent instrument readout, Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I), fully adjustable suspension, anti-lock brakes, slipper clutch, a fuel tank beneath the seat, and a distinctive key.[9]On 20th September 2009, VMAX was also launched in India with a price tag of 20 lakh rupees($50,000).[10][edit] YCC-I/YCC-TInstead of the V-Boost on the original carburated V-Max, the fuel injected VMAX uses YCC-I and YCC-T. Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake (YCC-I) is a new addition to the VMAX. The airhorns inside the airbox are lifted by a servo activated at 6650 rpm to open up the airway underneath. This shortens the length of the intake system from 150mm to 52mm. This system had its first appearance in the Yamaha stable with the 2006 YZF-R1. The MV Agusta F4 Tamburini was the first bike with such a system. Massimo Tamburini invented this idea. It is called Torque Shift System (TSS) on the Agustas.Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) is also a new addition. The throttle cables are connected to a throttle position sensor and a new computer called G.E.N.I.C.H. that operates the butterfly valves, the EXUP valve in the exhaust and the other components involved, such as the igniter unit, and the YCC-I lifter unit. The YCC-T computes all the input of the sensors and calculates the best throttle position, ignition advance, EXUP valve and injection time in milliseconds.
Posted on at 4:17 AM
by
Aadarsh Singh
The Ducati 916 is an Italian sports motorcycle manufactured by Ducati from 1994 to 1998.[4] In contrast to Japanese inline four-cylinder competitors of the time, its V-twin engine produced less outright power, but a more even torque spread. The 916 model was replaced by the 996 model in 1999.Four ValvesThe first development of the 916 model family can be traced back to the development of the four valve Ducati engine, the desmoquattro, through the development and racing of the earlier Pantah models, to the road-going 851 and 888 models.The chief designer of Ducati motorcycles since the 1970s was the late Fabio Taglioni (1920-2001). He introduced the Pantah in 1979; its engine was updated in the 1990s in the SuperSport (SS) series and all modern Ducati engines are derivatives of the Pantah, which employed a set of revolving cams to actuate the engine's valves (eliminating valve springs), called desmodromic. Taglioni, did not, however, have an interest in four-valve head engines, and so this was left to his successor.[5] The eight-valve V-twin was the work of Taglion's successor, Massimo Bordi.[6] Ducati 916Making its debut in 1994, the Ducati 916 was admired because of its new design and outstanding technical features.[7] Designed by Massimo Tamburini and Sergio Robbiano and his team at the Cagiva Research Centre in San Marino,[8] the 916's water-cooled engine was a revision its predecessor, the 888, with larger displacement, a new engine management system, on an overall smaller motorcycle with a chome-moly trellis frame (which was shared with the Ducati 748 in 1995 and beyond).[9] This was accomplished by increasing the crankshaft stroke from 64mm to 66mm. Using the same 94mm bore size as the 888 resulted in a capacity of 916cc - although by the time the 916 was introduced the final 851/888 Corse engines had also had their bore sizes increased to 96mm resulting in 'race only' capacities of 926cc and 955cc respectively. This combined with a striking new bodywork that featured aggressive lines. It was later replaced by the 996 and 998 with similar design but revised engines and even more power.[10][11]Design of the Ducati 916 was a balance between function and form: * The single-sided swingarm was beautiful, but designed to make wheel changes faster during races * The underseat exhausts improve aerodynamic performance, and resultantly gave very clean lines. This feature was initially introduced on Honda NR, however, Ducati popularized it and it is mistakenly considered to be one of the original trademarks of 916 line.Ducati 916Massimo Tamburini went on to design the MV Agusta F4, the bike which is seen as his replacement for the 916 range, and it shares many similarities with the 916 especially in the tail section. Both of these Tamburini designs were featured in the Guggenheim Museum's 1988 The Art of the Motorcycle exhibit.
Posted on at 4:14 AM
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Aadarsh Singh
The Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat retractable hardtop coupe convertible, introduced in 2006 as the successor to the Volkswagen Cabrio. The Eos is Volkswagen's first production coupe since the last Corrado in 1995.The name Eos is derived from Eos, the Greek goddess of dawn and wind.Roof designThe Eos incorporates into its five-piece folding roof an integrated and independently sliding glass sunroof — making the Eos the only retractable hardtop of this kind. The roof folds automatically into the trunk in 25 seconds, thereby reducing trunk space from 10.5 to 6.6 cubic feet (300 to 190 L)The roof was designed and is built by OASys, a subsidiary of Webasto Germany.Inception, production and historyPrior to production, the EOS was shown as the Concept C concept car at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show — designed by a team headed by Peter Schreyer, Head of Volkswagen Design in Wolfsburg.[3] Other sources attribute the design of the EOS specifically to Slovenian Robert Lešnik.[1]The production Eos, produced at the AutoEuropa plant in Portugal, was presented in September 2005 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with the North American introduction at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January, 2006.2004 Concept CUnlike the Cabrio, which was a convertible version of the Golf hatchback, the Eos is a standalone model with all-new body panels, although it shares the platform and components from the Passat (Mark 6 (B6 now PQ46 platform) (2005–present)). The wheelbase matches the Golf Mk5 and Jetta.Cabriolet VW Eos Eos White Night (2009-present)It is a special black and white colour scheme package. It includes Candy White-coloured body, Deep Black Pearlescent-coloured roof, cherry-red LED tail lights, 18-inch Budapest wheels. Interior features black mirror covers, radiator grille and trim strips, black nappa leather seats, door and side trim and black steering wheel with light-coloured seams, trim strips and radio trim in Candy White, Sill panel strips with White Night letters. Other features include Climatronic climate control system, sports chassis lowered 15 mm and heated front seats.The car had base MSRP of €33,140. This option is available with all non-V6 models.
Posted on at 4:09 AM
by
Aadarsh Singh
The Volkswagen Phaeton (pronounced FAY-ton) is a full-size luxury sedan/saloon manufactured by Volkswagen Passenger Cars, and is described by Volkswagen as their "premium class".[1] Introduced at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, and marketed worldwide, the Phaeton has been sold in Europe and Middle East markets from model year 2003 to present, South Korea from model year 2006 to present, and was sold in North America from model year 2004 through 2006.
The name Phaeton derives from Phaëton, the son of Phoebus (or Helios) in Greek mythology.
Overview
Rear-view of a VW Phaeton
The Phaeton was conceived by Ferdinand Piëch, the then chairman of Volkswagen Group. Piëch wanted Volkswagen engineers to create a car that would overwhelmingly surpass the German prestige market leaders, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The decision to release the Phaeton was, in part, a response to Mercedes's decision to compete directly with Volkswagen in the European marketplace with the low-cost A-Class. It was also intended to support the Volkswagen brand image, since the most expensive versions of lesser models, such as the Golf GTI, were starting to cost almost as much as equivalently-sized prestige brands.
Initial development of the Phaeton, given the internal project code VW611, began with Piëch giving his engineers a list of ten parameters the car needed to fulfill. Most of these specifications were not made known to the public, but a number of them were told to automotive reporters. One of them was that the Phaeton should be capable of being driven all day at 300 kilometres per hour (186 mph) with an exterior temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) whilst maintaining the interior temperature at 22 °C (72 °F). Piëch requested this even though the Phaeton's top speed was electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).[2] Another requirement was that the car should possess torsional rigidity of 37,000 N·m/degree.
The Phaeton's platform, the Volkswagen Group D1 platform, is shared with the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Certain systems, such as the transmission and some internal combustion engines, are also shared with the Audi A8. The D1 is a stand-alone steel platform, and was specifically developed for the Phaeton and Bentley Continental. It is commonly confused with Audi's D3 platform, which is an all-aluminium-based, instead of the D1's steel platform.
As of 2005, the Phaeton has the longest wheelbase in the Volkswagen Passenger Car line.
The Phaeton is hand-assembled in an eco-friendly factory with a glass exterior, the Transparent Factory (German: Gläserne Manufaktur) in Dresden, Germany. This factory also assembled Bentley Continental Flying Spur vehicles destined for the European market until October 2006, when all assembly of the Bentley products was transferred to Crewe, England.
The Phaeton body is fabricated and painted at the large Volkswagen works at Zwickau, Germany, and the completed bodies are then transported about 100 km by special road transport vehicles to the Transparent Factory. Most Phaeton engines, the W12 being the notable exception, are built at the VW/Porsche/Audi engine plant in Győr, Hungary.
Posted on at 4:01 AM
by
Aadarsh Singh
2006-2008 Volkswagen New BeetleManufacturer VolkswagenParent company Volkswagen GroupProduction 1998–presentAssembly 1998 - 1999: Germany2000 - present: Puebla, Puebla, MexicoPredecessor Volkswagen BeetleSuccessor NoneClass SuperminiBody style(s) 3-door hatchback2-door convertibleLayout front engine, front-wheel drive, all-wheel drivePlatform Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platformEngine(s) petrol engines:1.4L I4 16 valve1.6L I41.8L I4 Turbocharged2.0L I42.3L VR5 20 valve2.5L I5 20 valve3.2L VR6 32 valve (RSI)1.9L I4 TDITransmission(s) 5-speed manual6-speed manual4-speed automatic6-speed automatic tiptronicWheelbase 2,515 mm (99 in)Length 4,129 mm (163 in)Width 1,721 mm (68 in)Height 59.5 in (1511 mm) (1998-2000),1,498 mm (59 in) (hatch 2003-present),59.1 in (1501 mm) (convertible)Related Audi A3 Mk1Audi TT Mk1SEAT León Mk1SEAT Toledo Mk2Škoda Octavia Mk1Volkswagen Golf Mk4Volkswagen Jetta/BoraDesigner J Mays,Freeman Thomas,Peter Schreyer Concept 1At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the J Mays-penned "Concept 1" with lines heavily influenced by the original Beetle. It was equipped with "large diameter" 17 inch wheels (with the VW logo, just like the original Beetle hub cap) with low-profile tires. Also, in the concept car, there was a "zero emission" hybrid design.[edit] First generation2003-2005 New Beetle convertibleStrong public reaction persuaded the company to put the car into production,[citation needed] and in 1998 Volkswagen launched the New Beetle, designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo): under the hood, it is a modern car in every way, based on the Volkswagen Group PQ34 platform (Volkswagen Golf Mk4). A convertible was added in 2003 to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio.The New Beetle carried many design features related to the old Beetle: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, as well as a high rounded roofline that provides enough headroom for tall drivers. SpecificationsThese specifications relate to the 2.0L petrol engine (gasoline). While the non engine-related specifications generally apply to other variants as well, variations may occur with engine type. * Engine: Transverse-mounted water cooled I4; 1984 cc; fuel injection (available in both petrol and diesel version) o Max power: 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 5,200 rpm o Max torque: 165 N·m (122 lb·ft) at 2,600 rpm * Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic * Brakes: disc brakes on all four wheels * Dimension: o Length: 4,129 mm (162.6 in) o Width: 1,721 mm (67.8 in) o Height: 1,498 mm (59.0 in) o Wheelbase: 2,515 mm (99.0 in) o Curb weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lb) * Max speed: 177 km/h (110 mph) * Acceleration (0–96 km/h | 0-60 mph): 13.2 s
Posted on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11:19 PM
by
Aadarsh Singh
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The Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle to be produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors and expected to be launched in November 2010 as a 2011 model. Its propulsion system will be based on GM's new Voltec (formerly known as E-Flex) electric automobile platform, which differs significantly from GM's earlier BAS Hybrid and Two-Mode Hybrid systems. For up to the first 40 miles (64 km), the Volt is powered by electrical energy stored in its on-board lithium-ion batteries which are charged by connection to an electrical power outlet. The car's 16 kWh (8.0 kWh usable) lithium-ion battery pack can be fully charged by plugging the car into a 120-240VAC residential electrical outlet using the provided SAE J1772-compliant[4] charging cord. No external charging station will be required.
With fully charged batteries, enough electrical energy will be stored to power the Volt up to 40 miles (64 km). This distance is capable of satisfying the daily commute for 75% of Americans,[6] whose commute is on average 33 miles (53 km).[7] After 40 miles (64 km), a small 4-cylinder gasoline internal combustion engine creates electricity on-board using a 53 kW (71 hp) generator to extend the Volt's range to more than 300 miles (483 km).[8][9] The electrical power from the generator is sent primarily to the electric motor, with the excess going to the batteries, depending on the state of charge (SOC) of the battery pack and the power demanded at the wheels. The distribution is controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle.[10][11] Unlike most current commercially available hybrid electric vehicles, the actual propulsion of the Volt is accomplished exclusively by the electric motor.[citation needed]
The Volt's retail price has yet to be officially announced, but is estimated to be near $32,500 USD, after a $7,500 federal tax credit.[12] However, in the most recent twist of the Chevy Volt price tale, the Volt's vehicle line director Tony Posawatz from GM responded to the question of anticipated Volt pricing by stating "the real or effective cost to consumers is easily less than $30,000.” which would indicate an MSRP of something less than $37,500 before rebate.[13] Development and production of the Volt has been kept on or ahead of schedule, despite GM's Chapter 11 reorganization.[14] The first pre-production test car based on the full Volt design was built in June 2009 in Warren, Michigan[15] and by October 2009, 80 Volts had been built and are being tested under various conditions.
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