Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Triumph’s Rocket III Roadster gets more power and torque


Triumph’s three-cylinder 2,294cc Rocket III megamotorcycle has the strongest motor of any two wheeled roadgoing conveyance we’ve ever ridden – nothing else comes even close. As much as we fell in love with the monster, all the Rockets until now have been created with a laid-back riding position which doesn't necessarily suit everybody in general, or mountain roads and city traffic in particular. For 2010 though, the iconic British marque is to introduce a Roadster version with increased horsepower and a 15% torque boost to 224Nm. Anti-lock braking is fitted as standard and ergonomics have been reworked for a more natural around-town riding position. Read Gizmag article





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Friday, September 18, 2009

The Can-Am Spyder gets a trio of fully-faired touring versions


Bombardier Recreational Products has had a remarkable success with its three-wheeled Can-Am Spyder since the roadster’s launch more than two years ago, and the big news is that the Spyder is to be developed into two streams – one for sports riding and one for touring. The existing GS model will now be designated the Spyder RS (roadster sport) and the new touring range will be designated Spyder RT (roadster touring). There’s also a new special edition Spyder RS-S model, with a host of additional features as standard, three RT models and a purpose-built 622 liter trailer.

Firstly, the RS-S comes in a limited edition color, Pearl White, has 6-spoke wheels, a special stitched seat, comes with its own travel bag, and can only be purchased with the semi-automatic SE5 transmission, and not the manual SM5 transmission.

The RT will come in three models: the RT, RT Techno and RT-S. The entire Can-Am Spyder RT roadster range will be powered by the Rotax 991 engine with Electronic Throttle Control optimized for touring, making it smoother and quieter, and with a broader mid-range with 80 pound foot of torque, compared to the normal engine’s 77 lb.-ft. The extra mid-range is at the expense of overall horsepower, with the RT motor dropping from 106 bhp to 100 bhp and maximum torque now at 5500 rpm. The engine is also now driving a 650W magneto to power all the additional electrics.

The ergonomics of the RT are far more upright for the rider and pillion than the RS models, and the windscreen can be adjusted electronically at the press of a button to ensure you find a comfortable position without wind roar and head buffeting at any speed. There’s a full complement of accessories normally found on a big touring motorcycle, including electronic cruise control, an electronic command center, and a color LCD screen which can be reconfigured at the press of a button to give you the information you’re seeking. Similarly, there’s more lighting aboard, LED turn lamps, and a new shaped-exhaust system. Read More







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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

VW shows 170 mpg tandem diesel hybrid two-seater


Volkswagen rocked the automotive world at a lunchtime press conference on the first day of the Frankfurt Motor Show with a carbon fiber, half width, 1-liter hybrid electric diesel tandem two-seater car named the L1. When the car makes production in 2013, four years from now, it will almost certainly be the most fuel efficient car available with a combined diesel fuel consumption figure of 1.38 l/100km, thanks to its frugal motor combo, feather-like weight – 380 kg in total - and an aerodynamic drag co-efficient of just 0.195!
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Friday, September 11, 2009

Sunday, September 6, 2009

The Hardest Cars To Get


Feel like driving Audi's posh new crossover, the $38,000 Q5? The signature Audi LED taillights and leather-cloaked interior, paired with a fast engine and car-like handling, do much to separate it from the pack of premium small SUVs.

Read More Here

The Hardest Cars To Get - Forbes.com


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Confederate's all-aluminium P120 Fighter Combat motorcycle



Article Summary

Harley-Davidson might have set the mold for the archetypical American motorcycle, but it's boutique brand Confederate that has taken it to the extreme. Confederate's Hellcat and Wraith are glaringly unique machines - all metal and carbon, nasty skeletal designs dripping with confrontational attitude. Now they're joined by the limited-edition Fighter Combat - a celebration of machined metal that looks like it's been chiseled from one hunk of polished aluminum for the next Terminator movie. But beyond its arresting looks, there's some interesting ideas on board.

Read original article here:

Confederate's all-aluminium P120 Fighter Combat motorcycle



City hybrid vehicle is an eco car for biking


Designed by Jameson Klug, the City is a vehicle concept for developing nations that combines two vehicles, a car and a motorbike, into one, for the motorcycle is the preferred method of transport in highly congested urban areas, whereas a small car works better on longer trips or to carry cargo. Based around the motorcycle design, the two-in-one vehicle is affordable, lightweight, simple and rugged, which when needed wraps into a car shell to provide extra cargo capacity, protection from the weather or to carry two additional passengers.

Read original article here:

City Hybrid Vehicle Is An Eco Car For Biking - The Design blog