21st Century Auto Insurance New York

21st Century Insurance is a company that was registered on the New York Stock Exchange, and has been providing direct to the consumer personal auto insurance. 21st Century Insurance policies cover over 1.5 million vehicles in California and eight other Western, Southwestern, eastern and mid western states. In the state of California, 21st Century Insurance is considered to be seventh largest personal auto insurance company, that provides different kinds of insurance for automobile, motorcycle and personal umbrella insurance. Customer services are excellent and customers can purchase insurance service of their policy, all through the year through the 24-hours service. We believe that we deliver superior policy features, and also superior customer service at very competitive prices Towards the end of the year 2004, this group had an amount of $1.3 billion in the net premiums written, and $1.4 billion in assets, that totals $1.9 billion.

Maruti Launches Small Car Cervo

India experienced a watershed moment when Ratan Tata fulfilled his promise with the launch of Nano, the most economic vehicle in the Indian market, and arguably, in the world. Ever since the launch of Tata Nano, the whole globe is behind the idea of cheaper wheels. Now, it’s the turn of Maruti, who is seriously planning a car priced closer to Nano, and it could apparently be the Cervo, a compact five door mini that might put the other kids on the block in the shade.

The Cervo looks like a smaller Chevrolet Beat with cues from Honda Jazz’s design. The phenomenal fuel efficiency is one of the USPs of this car. 

Powered by Suzuki’s 660cc engine – as against Nano’s 623cc – the Cervo could be priced between 1.5 to 2 lakhs, a little higher than Nano. But Cervo looks too stylish and futuristic to be priced under 2 lakhs. So it’s obvious that Maruti needs to delete some of the features available in the car, or use a cheaper material to make a potent contender to Nano.

Inside, the dashboard of the Cervo looks almost like the Swift, with the rectangular air vents in the centre and the circular ones on the sides. Power windows and airbags are available in the international markets but chances are that Indians will have to compromise on that. 

Maruti Cervo India: Maruti Cervo is an upcoming hatchback from Maruti Suzuki India Limited. It is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2012 in Indian market. This small car is already running successfully in Japan and the company is planning to repeat the same story in India. The Maruti Cervo will look to rewrite the cheapest car story in India after the debacle of the much famed and hyped, Tata Nano. Only time will tell the fate of Maruti Cervo's success. But looking at the past acclaims of the numero uno car maker in India and its most envied dealership network, things sure look bright for the Maruti Cervo.




Maruti Cervo Engine - Maruti Cervo will come with 660 cc petrol engine with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology. This more efficient engine will generate the moderate power of 54 bhp at 6500 rpm and torque of 64 Nm at 3500 rpm. The small car is designed for the small family purpose and to enjoy the city drive comfortably. The Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology of the engine helps to enhance power, torque and mileage figures considerably. The VVT technology also ensures that the car gets maximum out put of power and also reduces any loss in outage of power. This invariably leads to better efficiency in terms of engine life and also leads to lower carbon emissions and higher mileage. The overall drive experience is also enhanced due to the VVT technology.

Maruti Cervo will have great quality interiors and expecting to be solid build as well. This car will be better replacement of Maruti 800 and will compete against Tata Nano and Chevrolet Spark. The exterior look of Cervo is very compact and little sporty. Small front grill and sharp curves over bonnet reflect the aggressive look.



Maruti Cervo Exteriors- Maruti Cervo comes with amazing exterior features. The front fascia is daunted with sporty lines along with the Maruti Suzuki Logo. Head and fog lamps look very manly. A black thick line which starts from pillar 'A' and ends with pillar 'C' gives sporty look for the car. When we evaluate Maruti Cervo with Company’s earlier hatchbacks, it seems very elegant. It looks more stylish than its competitor which is optimistic for the company. On the whole it is perfectly and smarty designed hatchback to meet up young generation taste in India. The Maruti Cervo will also have minute changes in the dimension and features to keep down the pricing of the car. There has been no official information on the dimensions of the car but looking at the price point and market branding of the car, it would be having more or less the same size as Maruti Alto. The USP of the Maruti Cervo is its funky exterior which has some bold lines for a small car. The lines give it a sexy look with the flowing curves and sporty colours. You will fall in love with the car at first sight. The exterior looks are one of its kinds making it vehicle for the next generation.

Maruti Cervo Interiors- Maruti Cervo will be a 4 seater. You can put only 2 passengers in the backside, if you try to put 3 passengers it would be troublesome. This will be the only where customers needs to compromise. The wide dashboard of Maruti Cervo has eye-catching style and is smartly designed. When it to head and leg room, it gives sufficient space for all the occupants. It will have common interior features like AC, audio system, power steering, seats belts, central lock etc. Apart from the exteriors of the Maruti Cervo the interiors of the car is also attractive and spacy. The drive wheel is a three spoke power steering type for easy and comfy handling in the city streets. The steering wheel is adjustable as well. Maruti Cervo is expected to come with a dashboard that is wider than the usual and comprising of round AC vents at both ends and the instrument panel just behind the steering wheel. Overall the price toll of this car is going to play a major role for the Company.  


Maruti Cervo Price is yet to disclose but expected starting range will be Rs. 1,50,000 and will go up to Rs. 3,50,000. Maruti Cervo will hit the Indian market by the first quarter of 2012. The car will look to compete with the likes of Tata Nano, Hyundai Eon and its own Maruti Alto. The top end variant will have advance safety features like ABS and Air-Bags. The Base model of Maruti Cervo will have only very basic features like 13 inches tyres, power steering and cup holders. Maruti Cervo Price will be placed in the entry level segment and is expected to be huge hit like the company’s other cars. The Maruti Cervo On Road Price will be inclusive of the Vehicle price, Road tax, Insurance and registration fees can further increase the cost up to 10% extra. If you want additional accessories you'll have to pay extra amount for the same. The Maruti Cervo India is looked upon as the successor after the Tata Nano which only raised a lot of smoke with its good engine and that too literally at times. One of the main reasons for the failure of the Tata Nano is believed to be the high hype and low quality range of the car.The top end variant will have advance safety features like ABS and Air-Bags. The Base model of Maruti Cervo will have only very basic features like 13 inches tyres, power steering and cup holders. Maruti Cervo will be placed in entry level segment and expecting to be a bigger hit.

Maruti Cervo Ride and Handling: The Maruti Cervo will be easy to use and extremely light weight in handling and driving. To make matters even more easy the car will be equipped with power steering that will come as standard for all the variants. The Maruti Cervo also has a solid suspension that makes it well suitable for the Indian roads. The manual transmission is smooth and firm with better breaking mechanisms.

Maruti Cervo Specifications: The Maruti Cervo Specifications will come with a 660 cc petrol engine with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) technology. This highly efficient engine will generate a moderate power of 54 bhp at 6500 rpm and torque of 64 Nm at 3500 rpm. Apart from this the Maruti Cervo Specifications is equipped with a Manual Transmission with 5 Speed Gearbox, Petrol Engine, 5 seater Car, Headlamps, Tail-lights, Power Steering, Air Conditioner etc.

Maruti Cervo Safety Features: The Maruti Cervo safety features comes with Central Locking System, Two Airbags for safety, Comfortable Interior, Engine Immobilizer, Front and side Impact Beams, Child safety lock, Seat Belts & Rear View Mirror, Front dist and Rear drum Brakes.

Maruti Cervo Mileage: The Maruti Cervo Specifications for the engines include a 0.7L 60bhp, 660cc, Fuel Efficient Engine, VVT (Variable Valve Timing) Technology for Maximum Power. The Maruti Cervo India delivers a top Speed of 115 km/h with an average Mileage – 20 to 23 kmpl. In city the car gives a mileage – 22 kmpl. On the highway the car gives a mileage of 26 kmpl. 

2011 Benelli Tre 1130K

Benelli Tre 1130K suitable for you who like to tour with extreme trajectory, strong chassis and has a shape in accordance with all terrain. Benelli TRE 1130K in stacking with ASD steel tube trellis frame, with boxed section and use the engine 3 cylinders, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, 12 Valves, DOHC (double overhaed camshaft). For the year 2011 has added many new features including: compression and spring preload on both the slider, MARZOCCHI fork with the oxidation of the fork slider.

Motorcycle with 1130 cc engine with Displacement is able to will surely shake your adrenaline, Benelli TRE 1130K capable of producing 92 Kw @ 9.000 RPM Maximum Power and 112 Nm @ 5.000 RPM Maximum Net Torque, pretty awesome. Driving comfort on a motorcycle that has a Top Speed​​: + /-160mph mph this very note, this convenience is supported by the “upside down” fork Ø 50 mm / Travel: 150 mm (front suspension) and ASD steel tube trellis swingarm / Travel: 150 mm (rear suspension). Clearer specification please consult the following information.

Benelli Tre 1130K Physical Information
Length: 2183 mm
Width: 850 mm
Height: 1320 mm
Seat Height: 810 mm
Dry Weight: 205 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 22 lt

Benelli Tre 1130K Engine Specs

Type: 3 cylinders, 4 stroke, liquid cooled, 12 Valves, DOHC (double overhaed camshaft)
Cylinder Capacity: 1131 cc
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 62
Compression Ratio: 11,9:1
Maximum Power: 92 Kw @ 9.000 RPM
Maximum Net Torque: 112 Nm @ 5.000 RPM
Gearbox: 6 – speed
Intake Valve Diameter: 33 mm
Exhaust Valve Diameter: 29 mm
Intake Engine Timing: 12°bTDC 44° aBDC
Exhaust Engine Timing: 36°aBDC 20° aTDC
Maximum Valve Lift: Int.7,5 exh.7,5
Throttle Body, Diameter: 53 mm
Lubrication System: Wet sump
Fuel System: Injection EURO 3
Clutch: Wet clutch 11 discs
Ignition: Digital – inductive type via electronic engine management
Starting: Electric
Transmission: 525 chain type

Benelli Tre 1130K Chassis Specification

Frame: ASD steel tube trellis, with boxed section
Front Suspension: “upside down” fork Ø 50 mm
Front Travel: 150 mm
Rear Suspension: ASD steel tube trellis swingarm
Rear Travel: 150 mm
Front Brake Diameter: Ø 320 mm
Rear Brake Diameter: Ø 240 mm
Front Tyre: 120-70/17
Rear Tyre: 180-55/17
Wheelbase: 1515 mm

2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO

Most of you probably dreaming about riding – even owning – the Ducati Monster 110 EVO back when you were just high school kid. And now, about nineteen years later, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer still producing the iconic model but adds more sophisticated gadgets.

The 2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO street bike has improved components and higher performance. The Ducati Monster 110 EVO carries the first Desmodue twin-valve engine with a claimed triple-digit power output. Wait… a triple-digit power output? How in the world Ducati able to do that? One of the reasons why 2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO street bike can pull off such incredible power is the revised cylinder heads alongside with reworked intake tracts, more valve lift, and of course a bumped up compression ratio of 11.3 from 10.7 to 1. Curious how much the figures set by this Italian monster? Well, when we put the Ducati Monster 110 EVO street bike on the Dynojet 200i, it successfully pumped out 86.69 horsepower and 65.93 lb-ft of torque.

When the 2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO reaches it peaks at 5,900rpm; the torque curve on the street bike is fairly flat and you can feel the power through the rather tall gearbox. To keep the Italian street bike on the road, the 2012 Monster 110 EVO equips with a fully adjustable 43mm Marzocchi inverted fork that is coupled to a Sachs rear shock.

The standard features on the 2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO street bike include a version of Ducati’s DTC traction control system and ABS brakes. Just for comparison; if the Ducati 1198 superbike has eight levels of traction control, the 2012 Monster 110 EVO carries four levels. In the real life, it is all it needs as half the power output will outburst loose the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rear tire.

After revving the 2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO street bike, pulling it down from speed is a joy and you will find out that the ABS system is not too intrusive. To grip the 320mm front rotors that offers sold bite and excellent feel is the complementary from the four-piston Brembo calipers. Want to own your childhood dream street bike? Well, the 2012 Ducati Monster 110 EVO costs around $11,995 and it is truly an everyday street bike with a bit of sporty touch all over it.

Harley Davidson Softail FLSTN Deluxe 2012

2012 Harley Davidson Softail FLSTN Deluxe Review and Specs – One of softail version harley davidson , 2012 Harley Davidson Softail using Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103BTM. And Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder. One of the most reliable Big Twins, the Softail ® Deluxe is equipped with a seat with extremely low “sides collapse”, pull the handlebar and riser, and readily available, outriggers extended. Cruise Drive Powerful, balanced Twin Cam 96B ™, and 6-speed transmission ® is enjoyed by many riders. Exquisite period features complement each other corners of this bike from the bar lights clean for the Tombstone tail light with chrome grab handles and roof rack, wheels and wide tires laced white wall. The addition of new riders of the safety package option means you can add anti-lock brakes, which offers even more features for all this form

These vintage on 2012 Harley Davidson Softail , full fenders do little more than keep the mud of your neck. They give your Softail Deluxe lines and distinctive profile cruising. You get tasty and chrome tips rear bumper, chrome legs tapered at the rear and a large canvas for custom paint. And plenty of room to further customize with your own custom tracks, skirts and advice.

Model 2012 Harley Davidson Softail to keep it elegant, but brings a little ‘style their own fat. Just check out the sticks in front of the back of a huge fork in front of fat, a 7-inch ball into the projector. Is a thick handlebar risers chromed stainless steel easy to get to retire. This is an old school style of Softail, which is still fat, and a scary face.

Classic vintage on 2012 Harley Davidson Softail . Chrome, low housing rests on the rear bumper, but shines with Harley-Davidson history. Backed by our indicators elegant silver bullet, that the glowing red stone is the last thing you see as you pull out into the night.

New for 2012 Harley Davidson Softail : enjoy your trip to the 103rd Air-cooled Twin Cam 103 ™ Harley Davidson ® engine delivers a torque strain more traction, while its electronic sequential fuel injection port jet gives crisp, lively throttle response . This is a performance hit you enjoy passing, climbing hills, or ride packed with luggage or a passenger in the back while in this signature, the rumble Engine Company. And it comes at a lower cruising speed, then you run more smoothly with less engine vibration and better highway fuel economy.

Knowledge of this motor to really get a runner passes deep to the Motor Company, and took advantage when we created the Twin Cam 103 ™ engine, engine. We sweated bullets perfecting every cubic inch, pushing design and technology forward. We have done all this without sacrificing a bit of unique style of Harley-Davidson. Evolved, but the operation of the heritage of the Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, Twin Cam 88 ® and Twin Cam 96 ™ engine that came before. Performance and durability are the direct result of countless miles logged on the V-Twin from 1909, and the proud heritage that comes from a century of commitment to life on two wheels.

2012 Harley Davidson Softail Specs
Dimensions
Length 94.7 in. (2405 mm)
Overall Width 38.6 in. (980 mm)
Overall Height 44.3 in. (1125 mm)
Seat Height:
- Laden2 24.5 in. (622 mm)
- Unladen 25.9 in. (658 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.8 in. (122 mm)
Rake (steering head) 32.1°
Fork Angle 32°
Trail 5.8 in. (147 mm)
Wheelbase 64.5 in. (1638 mm)

Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, wide whitewall):
- Front – D402F MT90-16 72H
- Rear – D402 MU85B16 77H
Fuel Capacity 5.0 gal. (18.9 L) (warning light at approximately 1.0 gal.)
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 3.5 qts. (3.3 L)
Transmission Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)
Primary Chain
Case Capacity 1.0 qt. (.95 L)

Weight:
- As Shipped 695 lbs. (315.0 kg)
- In Running Order 726 lbs. (329.0 kg)
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1160 lbs. (526.0 kg)
- Gross Axle Weight Rating:
- Front 430 lbs. (195.0 kg)
- Rear 730 lbs. (331.0 kg)

Engine
Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103BTM
Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 3.875 in. x 4.38 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm)
Displacement 103 cu. in. (1690 cc)
Compression Ratio 9.6:1
Fuel System3 Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Air Cleaner Paper, washable
Lubrication System Pressurized, dry-sump

Drivetrain
Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio
Final Drive Belt, 32/66 ratio
Clutch Multi-plate, wet
Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive®
Gear Ratios (overall): U.S.
- 1st 9.311
- 2nd 6.454
- 3rd 4.793
- 4th 3.882
- 5th 3.307
- 6th 2.79

Chassis
Frame Mild steel tubular frame; rectangular section backbone; stamped, cast, and forged junctions; forged fender supports; MIG welded
Swingarm Mild steel, round tube sections, forged junctions; MIG welded
Front Forks 41.3 mm telescopic, “beer can” covers
Rear Shocks Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over
Wheels4 (Tubeless Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced option): Steel Laced
- Front 16 in. x 3 in. (406 mm x 76 mm)
- Rear 16 in. x 3 in. (406 mm x 76 mm)

Brakes:
- Caliper Type 4-piston front and 2-piston rear
- Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, uniform expansion rotors
- Front 11.5 in. x .2 in. (292 mm x 5.1 mm)
- Rear 11.5 in. x .23 in. (292 mm x 5.8 mm)
- Anti-lock Braking System: Available

Suspension Travel:
- Front Wheel 5.1 in. (130 mm)
- Rear Wheel 3.6 in. (91 mm)

Performance
Engine Torque5 (per J1349):
- North America 98.7 ft. lbs. @ 3000 RPM (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM)
Lean Angle (per J1168):
- Right 25.8°
- Left 26.7°

Fuel Economy6 (EPA urban/highway test) 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km)
Color Options
Solids
- Vivid Black
- Big Blue Pearl
- Ember Red Sunglo
Two-Tones
- Birch White/Sunburst Red
- Birch White/Midnight Pearl
Custom Colors
- Tequila Sunrise/H-D Orange

U.S. MSRP
Vivid Black $17,149
Solids $17,534
Two-Tones $17,854
Custom Colors $18,024

Electric
Battery (per Battery Council International Rating)
Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 19-amp/hour, 270 cca
Charging Three-phase, 38-amp system (439W @ 13V, 2000 rpm, 489W max power @ 13V)
Starting 1.2 kW electric with solenoid shift starter motor engagement

Lights (as per country regulation):
- Headlamp (quartz halogen) 55-watt low beam, 60-watt high beam
- Tail/Stop Lights 8W/28W (5W/21W)
- Turn Signal Lights 28W (21W) self-canceling
- Indicator Lamps: High beam, neutral, low oil pressure, turn signals, engine diagnostics, security system7 (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warnings

Warranty
Warranty8 24 months (unlimited mileage)
Service Interval9 First 1000 miles (1600 km), every 5000 miles (8000 km) thereafter

New Ducati Multistrada 1200S Pikes Peak

New Design Motorcycle from Italian motorcycle manufacturer, that has released new special edition of New Ducati Multistrada 1200S Pikes Peak Motorcycle 2012 with the price is $21,995 and in the UK in May, with a starting price of just over $27k. The New Ducati Multistrada 1200S Pikes Peak Motorcycle 2012 come with high quality machine and high technology that make this bike become powerfull. Use Red (racing grey/black), Arctic white (racing grey/black), Diamond black (racing grey/black) color option that available for touring.

General information
Model:Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Touring
Year:2011
Category:Touring
Rating:68.9 out of 100.
Engine and transmission
Displacement:1198.40 ccm (73.13 cubic inches)
Engine type:V2, four-stroke
Power:150.00 HP (109.5 kW)) @ 9250 RPM
Torque:118.65 Nm (12.1 kgf-m or 87.5 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM
Compression:11.5:1
Bore x stroke:106.0 x 67.9 mm (4.2 x 2.7 inches)
Fuel system:Injection. Mitsubishi electronic fuel injection system, Mikuni elliptical throttle bodies
Fuel control:Desmodromic valve control
Cooling system:Liquid
Gearbox:6-speed
Transmission type,
final drive:Chain
Clutch:Light action, wet, multiplate clutch with hydraulic control. Self-servo action on drive, slipper action on over-run
Driveline:Chain 5.30
Emission details:Follows the US Federal Regulation
Exhaust system:Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes

Chassis, suspension, brakes and wheels
Frame type:Tubular steel Trellis frame
Rake (fork angle):25.0°
Front suspension:Ohlins 48mm fully adjustable usd forks, electronic compression and rebound adjustment
Rear suspension:Progressive linkage with fully adjustable Ohlins electronic monoshock. Aluminium single-sided swingarm
Front tyre dimensions:120/70-17
Rear tyre dimensions:190/55-17
Front brakes:Double disc. 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo callipers, 4-piston, 2-pad. ABS as standard equipment
Front brakes diameter:320 mm (12.6 inches)
Rear brakes:Single disc. 2-piston caliper
Rear brakes diameter:245 mm (9.6 inches)

Other specifications
Starter:Electric
Color options:Red (racing grey/black), Arctic white (racing grey/black), Diamond black (racing grey/black)

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Let’s get one thing straight: If you are reading this to figure out if you should purchase this $130,000 automobile, the answer is yes. Everyone should have one, if not two, 500-plus-hp interstate burners parked in the garage.

Base CLS63 AMGs come with a direct-injected, twin-turbo, 5.5-liter V-8 producing an ample 518 hp and 516 lb-ft—more than enough for the average Joe. We, and you, are not average. For people like us—well, people like us but with real money instead of imaginary fortunes—Mercedes offers the AMG Performance package. The $7300 option pack costs about as much as the high-mileage, mid-’90s S-classes that are more within our reach. Unlike those cars, however, the AMG group includes red brake calipers, a sport suspension, a lip spoiler and engine trim fashioned from carbon fiber, and most important, a power bump to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. The governor gets upped from 155 mph to 186, too. If you can afford the CLS63’s $95,775 starting bid, go for the Performance pack over the old S-class.

Managing all that power is the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission, also employed by the C63, E63, SL63, CL63, and S63. It’s similar to the seven-speed auto found in non-AMG Benzes, with the wet-clutch pack—instead of a torque converter—that couples the engine and transmission being the main difference. Driving around town, the MCT delivers smooth starts and seamless shifts like a torque converter. Twist the transmission-mode dial from auto to sport or sport plus, and the MCT snaps off shifts with nearly dual-clutch speed and accompanies downshifts with a blip of the throttle and emphatic exhaust bark.

Paddle Harder

In any of these modes, there’s almost no reason to use the CLS’s paddle shifters. Sport plus will hold gears until the last possible moment, but the trans will still upshift and downshift automatically to keep the revs in the fat part of the power band. For complete gear control, turn the knob one more detent to manual mode. In this setting, the engine holds gears unless the driver signals a change, bouncing off the 6400-rpm redline until the gas tank runs dry.

The fifth, and arguably the most important, mode is race start, labeled “RS” on the dial. This is launch control, and it unlocks maximum accelerative capability. Unleashing maximum thrust requires six steps: Set the stability control to sport mode, left foot on the brake, turn the trans dial clockwise to RS, confirm that you want RS with a tug of the upshift paddle, mash the accelerator with your right foot, release your left foot. Like the Corvette ZR1, the CLS63 AMG uses the wheel-speed sensors to determine how much traction the tires have and dials back the engine’s power to match available grip. It works quite well and has the advantage of being suited to any surface versus the dedicated-rpm engagements that many manufacturers use for launch control. Despite the lines of fancy code, however, we managed to beat it.

Pedal Smarter

With stability control turned all the way off and using our right foot to manage wheelspin, the CLS63 ripped to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, 100 in 8.5, and 150 in 19.5. Add 0.1 second to those times if launch control is used. The quarter-mile is 12.0 seconds away, at which point you’ll be going 121 mph. The 4275-pound, four-door CLS63 will dust a Corvette Grand Sport and hang close to a Z06. Pedestrians seeing a CLS63 picking up groceries would never know. They’ll notice the car, though; the styling ensures that. Because the engine is turbocharged, a lot of that V-8 howl is subdued—but not always. It’s quiet when you want serenity, a screamer when you’re feeling a little freaky. Stomp on the gas, and an orchestra composed of 32 valves and eight cylinders sings forth from the quad-tip dual exhaust.

One more straight-line feat while we’re at it: It takes less than one mile for this car to reach 170 mph. Although we didn’t attempt an ABS stop from this speed, a car equipped like ours can scrub felonious speeds down to mere misdemeanors with ease, thanks to the optional carbon-ceramic brakes. These pizza-pie rotors (15.8 inches in front, 14.2 in the rear) completely fill the 19-inch forged wheels. The giant calipers (six pistons up front, four out back) that come with the carbon brake package aren’t red—they’re painted gold. It’s a constant reminder that their $12,625 price might be roughly equivalent to their weight—roughly 40 percent less than the stock stoppers—in precious metal. These brakes, in combination with Continental ContiSportContact 5P rubber, brought the beast to a halt from 70 mph in a sports-car-like 159 feet and never exhibited even a hint of fade. Ceramic brakes can be grabby, but these are smooth and feel reassuringly firm underfoot. They ought to. For the cost of the wheels and brakes, you could get an ’86 560SL convertible. We’ll take the shoes and stoppers.

Despite the CLS’s stop/start system, which shuts the engine down when the car is stopped, we only averaged 16 mpg. That ties the EPA’s city-cycle score and falls 9 mpg short of the highway rating. The stop/start process can be a little slow, with some hesitation on initial step-in, especially if you try to make haste, say, when turning left across three lanes of traffic. Thankfully, tapping the eco button on the dash disables the system.

We happened to rent a racetrack while the CLS was with us and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to lap Mercedes-Benz’s so-called “four-door coupe” alongside a bunch of pure-bred sports cars. The CLS is not a track monster. It pushed more than it had when it was on the skidpad—where it posted a 0.91-g score—and generally felt too heavy. In spite of its determined understeer, this AMG’s steering is natural in hand, although a little heavy at times. The car tracks straight with an on-center sense we wish every car possessed.

Optional Give and Take

Inside, among the greatest improvements over the last-gen CLS are the enlarged rear quarters. The back seat is not as compromised now, both in space and entry and exit, although as in that last CLS, it has only two seatbelts. Avoiding optional interior décor usually is an easy way to keep costs in check, but the CLS63’s $2850 carbon-fiber package qualifies as a must-have. Besides the usual door and console trim, the pricey bundle includes a multicurve instrument surround that is one of the more artistic shapes we’ve seen crafted from the woven fibers. An ’89 190E costs about the same as this option and could easily be converted to a taxi, but the carbon bits look better.

Aside from those options mentioned above, the car tested here came with another $9810 in add-ons. Night vision, adaptive cruise control, a rearview camera, rear side airbags—the list goes on. To keep that $9810 in our hypothetical pockets, we might buy a 100,000-mile S420, in case we need room for a fifth person at some point. Otherwise, the CLS63 AMG is all the Benz we need.

ROLLS ROYCE GHOST

If the grandiose Rolls-Royce Phantom—birthed by BMW in 2003—reestablished the marque’s exceptionalism, the 2011 Ghost brings that notion down to a more human scale. The Ghost is the daily driver; the Phantom, whether in sedan, extended-wheelbase sedan, coupe, or drophead (convertible) form, should be held in reserve for special occasions, such as crashing White House dinners.

Most Definitely Still a Roller

The Ghost truncates one of the great names from Rolls-Royce’s past, the Silver Ghost, a moniker that attached itself to the full line of classically reliable and smooth 40/50s produced from 1906 to 1926. These were the cars that prompted The Autocar and Motor to call Rolls-Royce “The Best Car in the World.” The new Ghost will bring that legacy to bear on the luxury-sedan class, reordering the segment’s hierarchy dominated by the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Mercedes S-class, and BMW 7-series. This steel-monocoque car might weigh as much as the Bentley (nearly a staggering 5500 pounds) but also produces an intimidating 563 hp and charges from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.8 seconds. Moreover, it will achieve total pricing supremacy when it gets here in early 2010, with a projected MSRP of about $245,000 to start. Some might argue that this makes it more of a competitor to the forthcoming Bentley Mulsanne than to lesser Bentleys. We prefer to think of the Mulsanne as an insufficiently expensive competitor to the Phantom.

You Sure It’s Not a 7-series?

Because Rolls is now under BMW’s stewardship, and because using common parts is essential for a manufacturer’s economies of scale (but mostly because Rolls-Royce admitted that the Ghost shares 20 percent of itself with the BMW 7-series, specifically, the V-12–powered 760Li), it’s tempting to think that the new car is simply an upsized BMW, a 9-series with an available metallic hood. That characterization is a little unfair to this new sedan. The 20-percent commonality hides in the climate-control system, the electrical architecture, parts of the floorpan, and some engine components. Both cars’ twin-turbocharged V-12s come from the same engine family, but the Ghost’s is stroked to 6.6 liters (up from the 760’s 6.0) and gets some revised internals such as a new crank. And whereas the BMW has only air springs at the rear, the Ghost uses adaptive air suspension at all four corners. The Rolls needed a more regal seating position, larger-diameter tires, and coach-style doors, which necessitated more changes. The new overall tire diameter meant new steering and suspension kinematics, and the raised seating position and center-opening doors meant reengineering the donor platform for crash safety.

Exotic Materials Up the Wazoo

Chief designer Ian Cameron has delivered a shape that is immediately recognizable as a Rolls-Royce, even though the car does not have the traditional Parthenon-type grille. Its sleeker expression of the chrome-vaned radiator housing is in keeping with the car’s trimmer proportions relative to the Phantom. Grounded by a terrifically powerful stance, the Ghost has fast-raking pillars and bodywork that tucks in around the wheels. The restrained, almost featureless body sides mask a subtlety of proportion and line that makes the car look much smaller than it actually is. As ever, the long prow dominates, with a perfectly proportioned dash-to-axle ratio.

Inside are the traditional Rolls-Royce touches, such as frosted white dials, chromed eyeball vents, organ-stop vent pulls, and violin-key switches. We love the almost yacht-like helm in the Phantom, but this steering wheel has a smaller diameter and a little thicker section. Still, it’s well-suited to the car. The club chairs are regally positioned, padded, and proportioned, giving a commanding view of the road ahead. Everything is wrapped in leather, either a coarse-grained hide on the door panels or smooth stuff on the armrests and seats. (The leather isn’t as soft as the Phantom’s, due to a different tanning process that emphasizes durability over suppleness.) Speaking of which, the rear seats are much like the Phantom’s in that you can opt for a standard couch or individual lounge seating. Entry and egress are even better than the bigger car’s, with rear doors that open to 83 degrees (there are still umbrellas in the front doors). Incorporated into all this clubbishness is the much-improved iDrive, as well as BMW’s memory-key system on the center console, whose eight presets can store map locations, radio stations, and phone numbers from an integrated iPhone.

Because it’s a Rolls, you will be able to order it in any color you want, with whatever color leather, and you’ll be able to choose any type of wood and inlays you can dream up. Want your family crest rendered in carbon fiber on the dashboard? No problem. Care for a mother-of-pearl inlay depicting Homer Simpson on a motorcycle, the devil hot on his tail? We’ve got you covered, says Rolls’s bespoke department. Only not just yet. It will take six months to a year to get the custom shop up and running on Ghosts. For now, you merely have the choice of 12 hand-rubbed exterior colors, eight hand-stitched leathers, and five hand-crafted woods.

Silent and Swift

BMW is an amazing interpreter of English automobiles. It has done great work with Land Rover and Mini, and the Rolls-Royces done on Munich’s watch revere that brand’s heritage and gestalt. BMW understands that Rolls-Royces need to have an eerie combination of silence and swiftness. The Phantom has it, and so does this Ghost, albeit in a slightly different proportion. Whereas the Phantom glides (R-R calls it “wafting”) over the road, the Ghost bears down on it. The ride is still sensational, just a bit more positive in its transmissions of the road surface. With 575 lb-ft of torque available at 1500 rpm (and some 90 percent of that available before torque-converter lockup), the V-12, in combination with the foie gras–smooth ZF eight-speed automatic, feels almost like an electric motor. The car slinks away in a constantly building crescendo of momentum. Transient responses are disciplined for such a huge, heavy machine, as is path control. The steering is very linear and appropriately slow at 3.1 turns lock-to-lock, but it is more aggressively weighted. And as much as this car’s silent cabin feels a world away from the relative chaos of those econoboxes with which it competes (we’re joking, Bentley), we did hear a bit of unexpected tire noise from the optional 20-inch Goodyear run-flats over concrete surfaces.

It Is As It Should Be

That said, the best story we heard about this car’s development was the one about the interior engineer who spent two weeks in a sound booth in the plant listening to the Ghost’s headrest motors going up and down. He was attempting to correct an “acoustical imbalance” in the motors, all part of Rolls-Royce’s obsessive focus on the reduction of noise, vibration, and harshness in this new car. This kind of thing is what links the new Ghost to its namesake—and to its bigger brother. But whereas the Phantom, by virtue of its scale, seems to have one axle in the ’30s and one in the Aughts, this new car feels more completely contemporary. It is incredibly fast and rewarding to drive—sporty, even—but it does not sacrifice the serenity, the calm, and the effortlessness that are essential to a Rolls-Royce. The Ghost cossets and insulates, but it also flies.

Suzuki Boulevard M109R

The award winning Suzuki Boulevard M109R recreated the power cruiser market upon its introduction. Its unique style and exhilarating performance – born of championship-winning Suzuki race heritage – have made it the leader in the class. 

The Boulevard M109R’s exhilarating performance begins with its 109-cubic-inch, fuel injected V-twin engine. It’s tuned to produce massive torque all the way from idle to redline, which translates into acceleration that you just have to feel to believe. It’s the most powerful cruiser Suzuki has ever produced. To reward every one of your senses, the big V-twin also produces a throaty, aggressive exhaust note—just what you’d expect from the hottest cruiser on the road.

Like Suzuki’s sport bikes, the Boulevard M109R balances extraordinary performance with crisp handling, thanks to a technically advanced chassis and suspension, matched by world-class brakes. And when it comes to wrapping that performance package in cruiser styling, a picture is worth a thousand words. Check out its sleek, flowing lines and GSX-R inspired styling touches, and you’ll realize that the Boulevard M109R is in a class of its own.

New for 2011: The M109R features an instrument cluster with a digital tachometer and LED indicator light; a newly included gear position indicator; and it is now relocated from the handlebars to the top of the headlight cowl. In addition the M109R will be available in Candy Indy Blue.

Key Features

•  The Boulevard M109R is offered in a new Candy Indy Blue finish.

•  The Boulevard M109R features a new instrument cluster with a digital tachometer and LED indicator light; a newly included gear position indicator; and it is now relocated from the handlebars to the top of the headlight cowl.

Engine Features

•  The Boulevard M109R’s 1783cc, 8-valve DOHC, 54 degree, liquid-cooled, fuel injected V-twin engine is designed for strong throttle response and quick acceleration.

•  Suzuki’s class-leading electronic fuel injection system features the Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve system (SDTV) with 56mm throttle bodies, which maintains optimum air velocity for smooth low- to mid-range throttle response.

•  The Boulevard M109R features a massive 112mm bore and 90.5mm stroke, utilizing huge 112mm forged aluminum alloy pistons with short skirts, and cut away sides riding on chrome moly steel connecting rods.

•  Each engine bore is lined with Suzuki’s race proven SCEM (Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material) for optimum heat transfer, tighter piston-to-cylinder clearances and reduced weight.

•  A dual spark plug per cylinder ignition system is controlled by the Boulevard M109R’s powerful 32-bit ECM for improved combustion efficiency and reduced exhaust emissions.

•  The Boulevard M109R uses Suzuki Advanced Sump System (SASS), which is a compact dry sump lubrication system that provides reduced engine height, a lower crankshaft position and a lower center of gravity.

•  A unique two-stage cam drive system creates a compact cylinder head design, reduces overall engine height and creates a lower center of gravity.

•  The 2-into-1-into-2 stainless steel chromed exhaust system features Suzuki’s digitally controlled SET (Suzuki Exhaust Tuning) system for optimum engine performance and a powerful V-twin sound.

•  The Boulevard M109R has a three piece, 9.5 liter volume airbox (with dual intakes), working through a pleated fabric air cleaner element.

Chassis Features

•  A high-tensile double cradle steel frame is built to comfortably handle all the power and torque while delivering agile handling and a plush smooth ride.
Inverted front forks featuring race-proven cartridge internals with 46mm stanchion tubes provide 5.12-inches of wheel travel.

•  A cast aluminum alloy swingarm works with a progressive shock linkage and a preload adjustable single rear shock delivers 4.66 inches of wheel travel working through a shaft drive system.
The Boulevard M109R front brake system includes radial mounted four piston front calipers and 310mm front brake rotors. The rear brake system includes a dual piston caliper and 275mm rear disc.

•  Spiral spoke cast aluminum alloy wheels measure 3.50 x 18 inch up front and a massive 8.50 x 18 inch rear. The rear wheel wears a huge 240mm rear Dunlop radial tire—the largest ever used on a Suzuki motorcycle.
The Boulevard M109R is equipped with a sleek and wide fuel tank with a 5.2-gallon fuel capacity that flows into integrated side covers; a comfortable low seat; and a stylish radiator cowl.

MSRP $TBA

Engine:

Displacement 1783cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 54° V-twin

Fuel System Suzuki fuel injection

Starter Electric

Ignition Electronic ignition (transistorized)

Chassis:

Overall Length 2450 mm (96.5 in)

Overall Width 875 mm (34.4 in)

Wheelbase 1710 mm (67.3 in)

Ground Clearance 130 mm (5.1 in)

Seat Height 705 mm (27.8 in)

Curb Weight 347 kg (764 lbs)

Transmission 5-speed constant mesh

Final Drive Shaft drive

Suspension Front Inverted telescopic, coil spring, oil damped

Suspension Rear Link type, coil spring, oil damped

Brakes Front Disc brake, twin

Brakes Rear Disc brake

Tires Front 130/70R18 M/C 63V tubeless

Tires Rear 240/40R18 M/C 79V tubeless

Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 L (5.2 US gallons)

Fuel Tank Capacity CA 18.5 L (4.9 US gallons)

Warranty:

12 month unlimited mileage limited warranty.

Suzuki Hayabusa

With performance credentials that have established it as the hottest sportbike on the planet, the Suzuki Hayabusa is designed for the serious sport rider who will settle for nothing less than the best. Its combination of unsurpassed power, crisp handling and superb aerodynamics creates the ultimate sportbike. You could say that the 2011 Hayabusa is so intense, that it’s in a class of its own. For 2011 Hayabusa will get new colors and graphics (Pearl Mirage White with gold trim and Pearl Nebular Black with red trim).

The 2011 Suzuki Hayabusa is powered by a 1340cc, in-line, DOHC liquid-cooled engine with 16-valves engine and gets a a large volume 4-2-1-2 exhaust system with a large capacity catalyzer, dual triangular canisters and closed loop system. The Hayabusa comes with an optimized 6-speed transmission. Oil spray to the 4th, 5th and 6th gears reduce wear and mechanical noise during highway cruising.

Chassis Features

* A lightweight and rigid twin-spar aluminum frame minimizes weight while maintaining high torsional strength.
* The Hayabusa has been outfitted with a fully adjustable inverted front fork featuring DLC (Diamond-Like Coating) coated inner tubes. The front suspension offers minimal friction resistance and provides outstanding suspension performance over a variety of riding conditions.
* A bridged aluminum alloy swingarm features a cross-sectional shape for increased rigidity, which also helps cope with improved rear tire grip and increased engine output. The Hayabusa’s fully adjustable rear shock absorber has a 43mm piston and 14mm rod diameter.
* Radial-mount front brake calipers offer maximum braking performance and allows for smaller 310mm front brake rotors resulting in reduced unsprung weight and improved handling. A lightweight single piston rear brake caliper works in conjunction with a 260mm rear brake disc.
* 3-spoke cast-aluminum-alloy wheels are shod with 120/70ZR17M/C (58W) front and 190/50ZR17M/C (73W) rear radial tires.
* Vertically stacked twin headlights provide increased light intensity, improved light distribution and match the elegant flow of the Hayabusa styling.
* The Hayabusa’s instrument cluster features four analog meters for speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and water temperature with a S-DMS mode indicator, gear position indicator and adjustable engine-rpm indicator.
* Advanced aerodynamics offering superb wind protection both for normal and completely tucked-in seating positions.
* The Hayabusa comes with a bright, durable LED taillight, with clear inner lens and red outer lens.

Engine Features

* The Hayabusa is equipped with a 1340cc, in-line, DOHC liquid-cooled engine with 16-valves, and Twin Swirl Combustion Chambers (TSCC).
* Lightweight aluminum alloy pistons with a compression ratio of 12.5:1 are used for maximum performance in all conditions. Hard, smooth chrome-nitride Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating on the upper compression and oil control rings on each piston reduces friction while improving cylinder sealing.
* Suzuki Composite Electrochemical Material (SCEM) cylinder plating improves heat transfer, durability and ring seal.
* Lightweight titanium valves allow the use of light valve springs and high lift while maintaining accurate valve control. Iridium spark plugs are used for high combustion efficiency.
* The Hayabusa’s engine is fed via Suzuki’s SDTV (Suzuki Dual Throttle Valve) fuel injection system with dual 12-hole, fine-spray injectors per cylinder and ram air intake with large volume airbox.
* Suzuki Pulsed-secondary AIR-injection (PAIR) system ignites unburned hydrocarbons and reduces carbon monoxide emissions.
* S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the rider to choose from three different engine settings depending on riding conditions or rider preferences.
* The Hayabusa comes with a large volume 4-2-1-2 exhaust system with a large capacity catalyzer, dual triangular canisters and closed loop system.
* A high efficiency curved radiator features dual electric fans controlled by the ECM for increased cooling capacity. The oil cooler has 10 rows cores for increased heat dissipation.

Transmission Features

* The Hayabusa comes with an optimized 6-speed transmission. Oil spray to the 4th, 5th and 6th gears reduce wear and mechanical noise during highway cruising. Suzuki Clutch Assist System (SCAS) serves as back-torque-limiting system for smooth downshifts and also contributes to a light clutch pull.

Top 4 GPS DEVICES

Portable GPS devices are great tools to help you find your way, but many people nowadays opt to just use their GPS-equipped smartphones for directions.

But if you don’t own a smartphone or simply like the idea of having a single device that performs one sole function well, then here are some portable GPS devices to consider, as recommended by London-based Patrick Connolly, an analyst at ABI Research, a technology research firm.

No. 1: TomTom’s Go Live 1005 – This unit, with a 5-inch touch screen, is intended for the European market and lists for a steep 300 pounds (or about $500.) Connolly likes it because it offers connectivity via a subscription service with the first year free, enabling high-quality real-time traffic information, local searching, and local speed camera warnings. The connectivity also offers the potential for future applications.

No. 2: Garmin 3790 LMT – Connolly likes the ergonomics of this device, which has a 4.3-inch screen and is only 9 mm thick (about the same as a pencil.) It lacks connectivity, and you update maps through a computer connection—but you can do that free for life. Otherwise Connolly liked its predictive routing features, and also its lane assist feature (which tells you what lane to be in to make a particular exit.) This unit is made for the continental U.S., and average price is about $375.

No. 3: Magellan RoadMate 9055-LM – This unit (aimed at the US market) has a larger than usual seven-inch screen and Connolly was impressed by the fact that it can be hooked up to video feeds so it can be used with rear-view backup cameras. It receives traffic data and map updates, gives lane assistance, and has tourist information. Thanks to its Bluetooth feature it can be paired with your cell phone for hands-free calling. The average price is about U.S. $250.

No. 4: Garmin Nuvi 3790T – While not one of Connolly’s picks, we’d like to cast our vote for the Garmin Nuvi 3790T as an example of what's new among conventional GPS devices. Garmin crammed just about everything it could into this unit, including a high-resolution 4.3-inch screen display with 800 by 480 pixels (double what you normally get in both directions) plus pinch-and-zoom touch controls. There's also speech recognition, lifetime traffic updates, a Bluetooth interface, and nearly six million points of interest. But the effect is to drive the price up to about $300, when plain-vanilla devices go for half that.

NEW BMW HP2 SPORT BIKE

2011 BMW HP2 Sport

With a staggering 130 horsepower, the HP 2 Sport features the most powerful Boxer engine ever designed by BMW Motorrad. For the first time ever, double overhead camshafts are included in our famous opposed twin cylinder motor, kicking out even more revs. Making the HP2 Sport even more track-ready is new Quickshifter technology, which means faster gear changes without having to chop the throttle or use the clutch. Add a fully adjustable Ohlins sport front and rear suspension, Radial mounted Brembo Monobloc brakes, a lightweight carbon fiber aerodynamic fairing, not to mention forged racing wheels and tires and a MotoGP-inspired cockpit that computes lap times and other racing data, and the result is one of the most advanced sport bikes to ever scorch the tarmac.

Outstanding race results are inexorably linked with BMW Motorrad’s flat twin “Boxer” models. So it is an obvious step to build a high-end version! The result is the BMW HP2 Sport: the uncompromising realisation of the 24-Hour Endurance racer as a road machine. 100 per cent motor racing genes, licensed for the road. An exclusive sports machine by BMW Motorrad for motor racing connoisseurs and 2-cylinder enthusiasts which puts racing expertise into serial production – with power and authenticity. With an incredible air/oil-cooled 98 kW (133 bhp) and 115 Nm – a unique performance for a serial production “Boxer”!

For ambitious sports riders, the BMW HP2 Sport is the non plus ultra: consistent lightweight construction, excusive details and top-class materials give it truly unique quality. The self-supporting front and rear sections in carbon, even lighter forged wheels and filigree components reduce the dry weight to an impressive 178 kg. Exclusive motor racing features to be found in serial production for the first time such as the shift assistant which allows shifting without accelerator release and clutch disengagement, and the DOHC cylinder head with its four radially arranged valves. A maximum engine speed of 9500 rpm provides pure Grand Prix feeling! Speed fans can enjoy complete banking freedom since the aerodynamic high-quality steel exhaust system has been moved under the engine and seat and ends in an attractive rear silencer in the single-section rear. The large-volume silencer provides an inimitable “Boxer” sound - an acoustic thrill for racers. The 2D GP dashboard derived from Moto-GP racing provides all information to the cockpit. The chassis, ergonomics and vehicle geometry are individually adjustable, guaranteeing excellent handling. This orientation to the rider’s personality is highlighted by the use of carbon: due the consistency of this material the trim is made almost entirely by hand, making every BMW HP2 Sport a unique specimen.

In short: the refinement of the BMW HP2 Sport combines impressively high riding performance and exclusive visual appearance to provide maximum riding pleasure as you have never experienced it on a flat twin “Boxer” before!

 

2011 BMW HP2 Sport Features

When BMW Motorrad presented the BMW HP2 Sport in autumn 2007, a dream came true for many boxer fans. Not only is the BMW HP2 Sport still the sportiest and most powerful series production flat twin of all time tailored to meet the needs of ambitious two-cylinder sports riders – its numerous exclusive details used up to now only in motorsports which entered series production for the first time on the HP2 Sport are truly fascinating.

Now BMW Motorrad is following up with the road-licensed “HP2 Sport Motorsport” special model.

The HP2 Sport achieved numerous successes in scores of races all over the world in the past 3 years, among other things with the BMW Motorrad Works Team in selected Endurance World Cup races. The racing boxer took part in renowned 24-hour classics such as Le Mans or Bol d'Or.

Like the factory machines the fairing, fuel tank, seat bench, front mudguard and engine spoiler are painted in the BMW Motorsport colours Alpine White, Lupine Blue metallic and Magma Red. The forged aluminium wheels are in Lupine Blue metallic at the front and Alpine White at the rear. In addition this exclusive special edition with the green and black start number areas on the seat body as well as the factory sticker set is visually very close to the successful BMW Motorrad Motorsport works motorcycle.

The HP2 Sport Motorsport has the same technical basis as the HP2 Sport launched in 2007. The flat twin engine equipped with double overhead camshafts and high-engine-speed capable cam followers used for valve operation delivers 98 kW (133 hp) at 8750 rpm. Maximum torque is 115 Nm at 6000 rpm, maximum engine speed being 9500 rpm.

The stainless steel exhaust system runs underneath the engine and generates the inimitable throaty boxer sound from a silencer which is aerodynamically well placed under the seat bench.

A further exclusive racing feature is the shift assistant in conjunction with the closely synchronised gearbox which permits fast upshifting without having to operate the clutch or stop accelerating. In order to reverse the shift pattern for motorracing if required, a respective substitution pressure sensor is available as an option.

The equipment and suspension of the BMW HP2 Sport Motorsport also features motorracing technology. The spring elements of the Öhlins sports suspension are fully adjustable and a Brembo braking system with radially bolted monoblock four-piston fixed callipers ensures optimum deceleration even in tough motorracing conditions.

Optimum ergonomics are ensured by the adjustable foot rest system, the cast aluminium adjustable handlebar ends as well as the radial-hand Magura instruments. The standard 2D dashboard, which stems directly from MotoGP racing, provides the rider with conventional information as well as with lap times and further motorsports relevant data.

Lightweight construction was a major factor in designing all components. This not only includes the self-supporting front fairing and the self-supporting rear made of carbon or the weight-optimised forged wheels, but also hidden details such as the lightweight generator used in motorsports.

With a dry weight of only 178 kilograms (199 kg fully fuelled according to the DIN norm), the BMW HP2 Sport Motorsport provides playful handling and great motorsports potential, be it on country roads or on the racetrack.

As an option BMW Motorrad offers ABS especially adapted for sports use. An additional pressure sensor in the front brake circuit permits more sensitive brake regulation and prevents the control unit from releasing the front brake too early when weight is taken off the rear wheel suddenly. The ABS can also be deactivated for racetrack use.

The HP2 Sport Motorsport is now available for order and limited to 400 units









2011 BMW HP2 Sport - Specifications
USA MSRP - $25,500 USD
Canada MSRP: See Dealer for Current Pricing

Engine

Type Air/oil-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke flat twin ('Boxer'), two camshafts, four valves per cylinder in radial arrangement, central balancer shaft

Bore x stroke 101 mm x 73 mm

Capacity 1,170 cc

Rated output over 133 bhp (98 kW) at 8,750 rpm

Max. torque 85 lb/ft (115 Nm) at 6,000 rpm

Compression ratio 12.5 : 1

Mixture control / engine management Electronic intake pipe injection / BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, single-spark ignition

Emission control Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3

Performance / fuel consumption

Maximum speed over 120 mph (200 km/h)

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h no data available

Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h no data available

Fuel type Unleaded premium

Electrical system

Alternator Three-phase alternator 480 W

Battery 12 V / 12 Ah, maintenance-free

Power transmission

Clutch 180 mm dry, single plate w/ hydraulic actuation

Gearbox Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox with helical gear teeth

Drive Enclosed driveshaft with two universal joints


Chassis / brakes

Frame Tubular steel space frame, front and rear made of self-supporting carbon

Front wheel location / suspension Telelever, spring pre-load continuously variable, compression damping, rebound damping and vehicle height adjustable

Rear wheel location / suspension EVO Paralever, Öhlins central spring strut, spring pre-load continuously adjustable, rebound and compression damping adjustable, vehicle height adjustable

Suspension travel front / rear 4.1 in (104 mm) / 4.7in (119 mm)

Wheelbase 58.5 in (1,485 mm)

Castor 3.4 in (86 mm)

Steering head angle 66 °

Wheels Milled cast aluminium wheels

Rim, front 3.50 x 17"

Rim, rear 6 x 17"

Tyres, front 120/70 ZR 17

Tyres, rear 190/55 ZR 17

Brake, front Dual disc brake, floating brake discs, 320 mm diameter, Brembo monobloc 4-piston caliper

Brake, rear Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, double-piston floating caliper

ABS BMW Motorrad ABS as optional extra, deactivation function, with brake pressure detection

Dimensions / weights

Length 84 in (2,135 mm)

Width (incl. mirrors) 29.5 in (750 mm)

Height (excl. mirrors) 45.8 in (1,163 mm)

Seat height, unladen weight 32.7 in (830 mm)

Inner leg curve, unladen weight 71.3 in (1810 mm)

Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 1) 439 lb (199 kg)

Dry weight 2) 392 lb (178 kg)

Permitted total weight 728 lb (330 kg)

Payload (with standard equipment) 289 lb (131 kg)

Usable tank volume 4.2 U.S. gallons (16 litres)

Reserve approx. .8 U.S. gallons (3 litres)

MSRP:
MSRP: $25,500


Options
ABS: $1,000

NEW FERRARI CALIFORNIA

The new Ferrari California will satisfy even the most demanding of owners in term of its superb vehicle dynamics and driving pleasure. The new model will be available exclusively as a convertible with a folding hard top. Both chassis and bodywork are aluminium, in line with the rest of the current range. The California will be powered by a new V8 engine mounted for the first time in the marque's history in the mid-front position.

In line with Ferrari tradition, the new model also features several innovations. Apart from its folding hard top, these include the original 2+ concept which guarantees exceptional versatility of use in the rear of the car. The California's 4,300 cc V8 engine features direct fuel injection and a "flat" crankshaft. It generates 460 CV at 7,500 rpm with a torque curve that enhances vehicle dynamics and provides maximum driving pleasure which is typical for Ferrari.

As per the traditional Ferrari transaxle layout, the engine, which allows the Ferrari California to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4.0 seconds, will be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission that boosts the car's performance while enhancing the driving pleasure, improves ride comfort and reduces fuel consumption and emissions (c.310 g/km CO2). The comfort is further enhanced by a new multilink rear suspension system. The Ferrari California is also equipped with the exclusive F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano and has been further honed to suit the typical driving conditions expected for this new GT. Brembo brakes featuring carbon-ceramic material disks as standard guarantee superbly efficient braking.

In addition to sporting the marque's classic styling cues, the cabin has also been beautifully trimmed using quality materials by Ferrari's own skilled artisans. New accessories and equipment, such as the seats, steering wheel, instrument panel and infotainment system, together with optimised aerodynamics ensure that this is a highly ergonomic and enjoyable car to drive regardless of whether the top is up or down.

The Ferrari California is aimed at owners who desire a car which embodies everything the Prancing Horse represents in terms of sporty design and innovation, but also seek a car with greater versatility than ever.

Price :  $192,000

Honda CBR250R

The most anticipated motorcycle of 2011 the Honda CBR 250R is finally here in India. When we rode the CBR 250r in Thailand we were very impressed but, a quick spin in Indian conditions was what we were curious to know more about.

The ride started at Saki Naka, one of the most congested areas in Mumbai, that too in peak office hours. The CBR's 250cc engine is a short stroke design developing 25bhp of power at 8500rpm. Robust 2.3kgm of torque is developed at 7000rpm. However, even at low rpms there's sufficient torque in tap. The CBR felt quite at ease crawling through traffic. It didn't have to be kept on the boil. Instead, shifting up a gear or two on the slick 6-speed gearbox works well as the torque takes care of the rest. The crisp light action of the clutch doesn't put any strain either.

The most action packed zone is in the mid range. Snap the throttle open, let the revs cross the 4000rpm mark and the CBR just leaps forward. It will pull relentlessly to its near 11000rpm redline. Honda claims a top speed of 150kmh. liquid cooling and 4-valve technology let the CBR feel effortless even when pushed hard.

The conventional down tube forks at the front and the pro-link rear may feel a bit soft for the race track, but out on our far from perfect roads, the CBR felt incredibly comfortable to be on. It glided over un-tarred patches, and didn't crash in potholes either. The seating position isn't too hunched over so there isn't any strain on your wrists or shoulders. Steering it through traffic was a breeze too. While it was light to steer, the wide fairing mounted mirrors took a bit of getting used to, but after that it was no problem to slip through gaps. A must have feature is the combined abs system; Knowing that the wheels cannot lock up and land you on the tar makes riding a lot more fun, especially since unpredictable and potentially dangerous surfaces are in no short supply. So, the CBR felt comfortable in more ways than one over our roads.

This delicious motorcycle has already attracted 3600 bookings. It's VFR1200 inspired headlamp, the CBR1000RR inspired fairing give it a really upmarket, big bike look. The pricing too is hard to miss. The non-ABS version costs Rs1.51lakh while the C-ABS version costs significantly more at Rs 1.77L. The CBR 250R promises to be a versatile motorcycle that'll be easy to live with. Stay tuned for a full

report as we test the CBR250R's claims and put it through its paces.

New Kawasaki Ninja 250r

Overview of Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Kawasaki has marketed the Ninja 250R since 1986 as an entry-level sport motorcycle intended for use on paved roads. The bike is marketed in the US as the Ninja 250R, as the ZX250 in the UK, and as the GPX250 elsewhere. Bajaj India has launched the much awaited Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market and deliveries are going to start immediately.  

Update: New 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Unvieled at EICMA

Kawasaki has unvieled the 2011 model of Ninja 250R at the EICMA Auto Show 2010. The 2011 Ninja 250R gets new graphics, new instrument cluster and new shades.

For more details - New 2011 Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Looks & Styling of Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Ninja 250R is the best looking 250cc sports bike in its segment. Though there is no direct competition to Ninja 250R as it is the only proper 250cc bike on sale in India. It comes with complete fairing with large plastic and steel parts. Ninja 250R features a very aggressive look when viewed head-on, as it features dual-lamp headlamp. The rear view mirrors are mounted the smart fairing which is very well integrated in line with the overall look of the bike.

Between the mirrors, there is black tinted windscreen that offers protection for the rider. Front turn indicators, however, are in the conventional style that also come out of the fairing. The mask fairing goes down at fuel tank and engine. Only the bike monogram is pasted over the petrol tank and airscoops. Ninja 250R comes factory fitted with 6 spoke black alloy wheels which looks very stunning with racing strips at rim. Under the rear seat, there are two helmet holders. The tail side is also have sporty looks. The tail protection cover is slim and sharp. Step-up seat is another attracting feature of the bike.

Instrument Cluster & Features of Kawasaki Ninja 250R

The instrument cluster of Ninja 250R disappoints a bit as it comes in analog format. Speedometer, odometer, trip meter and tachometer are in analouge mode. It looks a bit boring in comparison to other Indian bikes we are used to, like we have digital cum analog instrumet cluster for Apache RTR, Pulsar 220 and Karizma ZMR. The cluster features some warning lights such as low oil, low fuel, choked air filter, high oil temperature and low battery indicators.

Engine & Trasmission of Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Bajaj has launched the European Spec Kawasaki Ninja 250R in Indian market. It is powered by a 249cc liquid cooled, parallel twin, DOHC petrol engine which develops maximum power of 32 Bhp at 11000 rpm with maximum torque of 22 Nm at 8200 rpm. The Ninja 250R features a six-speed transmission that has been revised for smoother shifting, and is mated to a more durable clutch. It also features an entirely new radiator provides better cooling while being lighter in weight.

The engine of Ninja 250R has been tuned to deliver smooth, step-free power with an emphasis on low- and mid-range power for rider-friendly response. The Pistons feature reinforced heads and strengthening in the pin boss area for increased durability and also thick piston (longitudinally) rings help minimize oil consumption. The combustion chamber has been designed and optimized to maximize combustion efficiency and reduce emissions

Performance Figures Of Kawasaki Ninja 250R:

1) 0-100km/h : 5.75 sec
2) Top speed : 176km/h
3) Fuel economy : 42.5 Kmpl - Claimed By Bajaj India

Ninja 250R features refined intake and exhaust ports contribute to good off-idle response and smooth power delivery. Also the valve timing and lift has been designed for strong low- and mid-range torque while direct valve actuation ensures reliable high-rpm operability. And valves with thin heads and stems reduce reciprocating weight with 2-into-1 exhaust system contributes to the Ninja 250R’s low- and mid-range torque and smooth, step-free power curve. It meets strict emissions with dual catalyzers; one in the collector pipe and the other in the silencer positioning the first catalyzer as close to the exhaust ports maximizes its efficiency as well

The silky smooth 6-speed Gearbox features involute splines reduce friction and backlash between gears and shafts for easier gear meshing and smooth shifting under power. Also with spring-type clutch damper reduces jerkiness at very low speeds and minimizes shocks when rolling on and off the throttle for a smoother clutch feel. The paper-base friction plates help increase clutch durability.

Chasis, Suspension & Brakes of Kawasaki Ninja 250R

On the chassis front, Ninja 250R features a new diamond-type frame constructed of high tensile steel provides a steeper steering head rake angle, which results in an unchanged wheelbase when mated with a longer swingarm. The fork is larger and stiffer, with revised settings in comparison to 2008 model of Ninja 250R. Ninja's 37mm telescopic front fork with firm settings contribute to the 250R’s smooth, stable handling and enhanced ride control.

Also with uni-Trak rear suspension which compliments the rigid frame and re-tuned fork and provides great road holding ability. Rear shock features 5-way adjustable preload, enabling ride height to be maintained whether riding solo or with a passenger. The stopping power of Ninja 250R comes from large-diameter, 290mm front hydraulic disc at the front and a balanced action two-piston caliper offers excellent braking performance and a natural, direct feeling at the lever. The rear features two-piston caliper grips the rear 220mm petal disc

Price Of Kawasaki Ninja 250R

Though it was speculated that Ninja 250R is going to be priced around 2 lakh rupees but Ninja 250R is priced at Rs. 3.03lakhs (On-road Mumbai) which is very high and will keep many prospective buyers away from buying this awesome bike.

Shades Available in Kawasaki Ninja 250R

- Lime Green
- Ebony Black

Ninja 250R is available in 2 shades - Lime Green and Ebony Black. Though it is also available in red and blue in other global markets but Bajaj has launched it here in only two shades. It looks best in Lime Green shade for which all kawasakis are known for like we have yellow for a Lamborghini, red for a Ferrari & blue for a Yamaha.

Leaked images of Lenovo's 7-inch Ideapad A1-07 tablet hit Internet Posted by

he seven inch Lenovo tablet apparently looks different from its sibling the K1. The tablet comes with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen along with three physical buttons. The tablet is likely to support a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution and will have a capable TI OMAP3621 processor. In addition, it supports GPS and 3G. Lenovo will offer a standard MicroSD card slot and sport a 3700 mAh battery. The notable feature of the A1-07 is that it runs on standard Android OS. The seven inch Lenovo tablet is likely to be a low-cost device.