Lotus Magazine

Elise and Exige Ending Production

admin — Sat, 21 May 2011 22:34:22 +0000

Because Toyota has stopped making the 2ZZ-GE four-cylinder engines that power them, U.S. versions of the Lotus Elise and Exige as we know them will cease production this summer. If that weren’t enough, Lotus’s waiver to build and sell the cars in the U.S. without smart airbags expires in August. We’re also told the cars don’t meet new, stricter stability-control regulations, but the lack of engines seems like a pretty solid death blow—re-engineering and re-certifying the cars for new airbags and engines wouldn’t be cheap and, despite what CEO Dany Bahar says, Lotus doesn’t have money to burn. (Unless it’s on C-list celebrities.) The company will continue to build and sell models with the smaller, 1.6-liter 1ZR-FAE engine and not-so-smart airbags elsewhere.

How about putting in the Honda K20 or k24 engine? Type R anyone…?

Lotus’s grand plan calls for several new models in 2014 (Elan, Elite, Esprit), followed by a new Elise coupe for 2015. Reality, however, may call for something else entirely.

Either way, as of July, the only U.S. Lotus will be the Evora. The larger 2+2 is sprouting derivatives, including a higher-power S model and an automatic-equipped version. If you’re a fan of the two-seat, unassisted-steering Lotii, now’s a good time to start stockpiling. Lotus plans three “Final Edition” models to close out the cars’ U.S. runs.

Lotus Elan Now Coming in 2016

admin — Sat, 21 May 2011 22:29:27 +0000

Lotus will not sell a reborn Elan (pictured above) for at least five years, a spokesperson for the company told us today. A car bearing the Elan name—a two-seat, mid-engine coupe unveiled in concept form at the 2010 Paris auto show—was originally scheduled to launch in 2013 or 2014. According to that plan, the similar Evora would then be dropped from the Lotus lineup. But now the company says that the Evora, introduced in 2009, will be “allowed to have a more traditional life cycle.” This will extend for five to six years from now, and it remains possible that the Evora name will live into a second generation. If not, Lotus says, it’s Elan time. What isn’t clear from our conversations is whether this means the 2016 car is one vehicle with two possible names, or if Lotus is considering two different vehicle proposals, one for the Elan name and one for Evora II.

In any event, we should expect new variants of the Evora over the next several years, the company says. This includes the 345-hp Evora S and automatic-gearbox-equipped Evora IPS, both launching in 2011. These two models are welcome additions to the line, but they won’t pay the company’s bills. Lotus’s execs know this, and more tweaked Evoras are coming. The car was designed from the start to accommodate an open-roof version, and we could see that within a couple of years, too. Finally, we wouldn’t be shocked if Lotus followed its modus operandi for nearly every car it’s ever produced and introduced a lighter-weight, track-oriented Evora.

Until the Esprit (another of Lotus’s Paris debutants) arrives in 2013, the Evora alone will be responsible for carrying the Lotus brand. Production of the iconic and beloved Elise and Exige ends this summer. Even if the Esprit lands in showrooms on schedule—and Lotus assures us that the supercar is still coming in 2013—a substantial six-figure price tag will mean that the Evora has to account for most of the Lotus brand’s sales in the U.S.

Lotus trumpeted its plans for six models in Paris this past September, and we remain skeptical that the company can follow through. Building cars—even when major components like engines are sourced from other manufacturers—is time consuming and very, very expensive. And so the delay of the Elan comes as little surprise; our instincts tell us to expect similar announcements covering other Lotus projects, which include an Elite sports car, a four-door called the Eterne, and a wee city car.

Lotus Evora S Review

admin — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:09:03 +0000

There’s an awful lot going on at Lotus at the moment. So much so, that the plethora of promised new metal – Elan, Elise, Eterne, Elite and Esprit – has completely overshadowed the ongoing development of what is at risk of becoming the forgotten jewel in Hethel’s crown: the Evora.

First unveiled at the 2008 British Motor Show, the two-seater or two-plus-two coupé seemed to deliver almost perfectly on the promise of being a grown-up Elise. Sure enough,when it was launched a year later the mid-engined car instantly became the benchmark for ride and handling, and the darling of the UK motoring press, scooping a handful of Car of the Year gongs.

It wasn’t, however, faultless. Build quality was patchy, ergonomics disastrous and the combination of 3.5-litre V6 engine and six-speed manual gearbox from Toyota’s Camry saloon simply didn’t match the Evora’s dynamic high points. The car Lotus built to take on Porsche’s Cayman and 911 needed more if it was to topple the Germans.

The “more” is the car you see here: the new Evora S. That’s S for Supercharged (in this case a Harrop HTV 1320 unit), which takes power of the V6 from 276bhp to 345bhp at 7,000rpm, while torque swells from 258lb ft to 295lb ft at 4,000rpm. Couple this to the fact that at 1,437kg to Evora S remains a relative lightweight, and you’ve got enough to propel you from a standstill to 60mph in 4.6 seconds and a 172mph maximum.

For reference, a basic Porsche 911, with an identical 345bhp manages to sprint to 62mph in 4.9 seconds and maxes out at 180mph. The Porsche costs from £64,256, while the Lotus weighs in with a £57,550 asking price (rising to £58,995 if you specify your Evora as a two-plus-two to match the Porsche’s layout).

Two things to note at this point: firstly, that the S carries a £9,000 premium over a standard, naturally aspirated Evora, and secondly, that Lotus’s options list is a far more affordable hunting ground than that offered by Porsche. Fully specified – as our test car was – with heated seats, satnav, reversing camera, and optional 19- and 20in wheels with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres it came in at £67,770. Given the performance on offer that seems not at all unreasonable.

Ah yes, the performance. On a spectacular test route that ran around a series of hills in southern Spain, the Evora S soaked up what crumbled tarmac we could find among the perfectly surfaced, glass smooth roads in an impeccable manner. This is despite Lotus carrying out a mild fettling of the Evora’s suspension (revised damping, new front upper wishbones to increase castor angle and a rear anti-roll bar boosted in size by 0.5mm) to cope with the extra power, plus fitting those larger wheels. Never does the Evora jar over bumps or throw its occupants around uncomfortably. Rather it glides, sending an uninterrupted stream of detailed feedback through the steering wheel, a result says Lotus of bush stiffness being increased in a lateral and not longitudinal direction.

MATCHBOX SPORTS CARS LOTUS EVORA 08
US $3.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:05:14 PST
| Watch this Item

Lotus Evora Limited Edition Tie Pin Badge NEW
US $23.71 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:45:14 PST
| Watch this Item

Xenon HID Conversion Kit For Lotus Elan Elise Esprit Evora Exige Jaguar XJS XK
US $88.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 14:12:35 PST
| Watch this Item

Xenon HID Conversion Kit For Lotus Elan Elise Esprit Evora Exige Jaguar XJS XK
US $88.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 14:48:30 PST
| Watch this Item

Lotus IPS 2012 Lotus Evora IPS 2+2 (automatic)
US $71,000.00 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 15:17:21 PST
| Watch this Item

The fitment of a supercharger sees the engine finally realise its potential too. Tractable from barely above tickover, and getting seriously into its stride beyond 2,000rpm, the V6 snarls effortlessly to a 7,200rpm redline, delivering a delicious shove in the back as it does so and making passing slower traffic laughably easy.

The brakes (cross-drilled and vented as standard) are beyond criticism, with perfect feel and more than enough power for road and track use. The latter we can vouch for following an afternoon spent lapping the Monteblanco circuit near Seville.

The freedom of a track also brought with it the chance to try out the Evora’s DPM Dynamic Performance Management traction and stability system. “70 per cent Bosch and the last 30 per cent Lotus” according to Lotus principal vehicle dynamics engineer Alan Clark, DPM debuts on the S but will become standard fitment on all Lotus cars from January. With three settings (on, Sport and off) it works brilliantly, reigning in all understeer and oversteer in the “on” setting, allowing a small degree of slip in Sport mode and disengaging completely (rather than “sleeping” until it thinks it’s needed as some systems do) when you want to indulge in some tail-out, tyre smoking hooliganism.

So far this is all sounding rather rosy for the Lotus, but it is not without fault. Build quality, while much better than earlier Evoras, is still not perfect. Jumping between cars I encountered two with loose gear knobs and one where the carpet was flailing around in the driver’s footwell.

The gearchange isn’t the best in the business either, not enjoying being rushed during the second to third change, and the ergonomics, from a very tight pedal box to a complete inability to see any switches let alone anything out of the tiny rear window, are no better than before (which is to say woeful).

You tend to forgive the Evora S these faults the moment you remember how well it goes, stops, rides and steers though. Very few other modern cars offer their drivers such subtle degrees of information and no other sports car immerses you in the simple pleasures of driving quite this thoroughly.

Better than a Porsche then? As a car to drive everyday, no: a Cayman S or basic 911 might not reach the Evora S’s dynamic brilliance, but they are really not far off at all and boast many other worthy qualities (dials that you can actually read and a wing mirror switch that adult hands can operate to name but two).

As a weekend toy, something to bring out every now and then to clear the cobwebs, however, the Evora S is king.

If Lotus can instill this kind of magic in its new model army and at the same time iron out the idiosyncrasies then we could be about to witness something very special indeed.

THE FACTS

Tested: Lotus Evora S, 3.5-litre V6, supercharged, petrol

Price/on sale: from £57,550/now

Power/torque: 345bhp at 7,000rpm/295lb ft @ 4,500rpm

Top speed: 172mph

Acceleration: 0-60mph in 4.6sec

Fuel economy: 19.4mpg (Urban)

CO2 emissions: 239g/km

VED band: L (£750 first year)

New Car Buying Tips

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:37:08 +0000

A new car usually is the second-largest investment for most people, ranking right behind the purchase of a home. Before making a final decision about buying a new car, take time to research the options available in the market. Buying a new car without such research is a gamble — and you could end up overpaying or buying something that doesn’t suit your needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help ensure you get a fair deal and a suitable car.

1. Identify what type of vehicle you should buy by asking yourself these questions:

• What features matter to you?

• What’s the most you want to pay?

• What type of vehicle fills your needs and fits you aesthetically?

• Is your main concern safety, power or mileage?

• Do you really need to buy this car?

Whats for sale right now:

New S.W.A.T.R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ IR Remote- Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $49.85 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 11:50:02 PST
| Watch this Item

New SWAT LOCK-R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ Remote - Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $69.88 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 11:54:44 PST
| Watch this Item

New S.W.A.T.R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ IR Remote- Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $49.85 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:10:24 PST
| Watch this Item

New SWAT LOCK-R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ Remote - Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $69.88 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:15:01 PST
| Watch this Item

New S.W.A.T.R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ IR Remote- Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $49.85 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:51:49 PST
| Watch this Item

New SWAT LOCK-R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ Remote - Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $69.88 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:56:18 PST
| Watch this Item

New S.W.A.T.R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ IR Remote- Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $49.85 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 13:15:53 PST
| Watch this Item

New SWAT LOCK-R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ Remote - Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $69.88 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 13:20:25 PST
| Watch this Item

New S.W.A.T.R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ IR Remote- Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $49.85 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 13:45:22 PST
| Watch this Item

New SWAT LOCK-R Steering Wheel Car Alarm w/ Remote - Affordable Theft Deterrent
US $69.88 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 13:50:07 PST
| Watch this Item

2. Research your options. Once you have determined how much you can spend and have decided on a particular type of car, research the options available within your budget. You can read user reviews online, test-drive cars that interest you and talk to people who already have the model you plan to buy. Shorten your list of possible cars to two or three.

3. Get the best price. You can save a considerable amount of money by negotiating the price with your car dealer. Before you do this, however, do some homework to determine the fair market value of the vehicle. Also, get price quotes for the same car from two or three dealers and compare what each is offering (in terms of upgrades and warranties) before you make a final decision. If you buy a new car in the last week of the month, some dealers are more willing to negotiate so they can sell the car and reach their sales targets for the month.

4. Consider all offers. Inform yourself about car manufacturers’ offers, which can include anything from a cash discount to free accessories.

Car Insurance For Parents

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:30:30 +0000

One of the biggest nightmare for parents is their children getting behind the wheel of a car. For these parents, car insurance is beyond a necessity. Young drivers have a much higher accident rates. And being able to cover costs of any auto insurance is a must.

Use our free car insurance calculator found here to see the lowest rates: Free Insurance Calculator

Because teenagers are considered risky drivers, auto insurance companies usually charge more for coverage. So where can moms and dads go to find a good car insurance for their children?

When it comes to ensuring teen drivers, insurance companies at different options. Allstate has a couple policies that can help parents. Policies and extra protection like accident forgiveness, and new car replacement can really help families. Roughly 67% of teen drivers have admitted they felt unsafe riding with a friend. There are a couple things and incentives that all state uses to help make teenagers are drivers. They have safe driving bonus, deductible rewards, and a good student discounts.

GEICO is another insurance company can be good between drivers. Though parents can have a teenager on their plan, GEICO offers a family pricing program that will allow parents to move young adult drivers to their own GEICO policy.

There many companies that offer insurance plans for parents of teen drivers. Getting multiple rate quotes and comparing them is the best way to find good auto insurance coverage at a low price for new teenagers.

California Student Sues FBI Over GPS

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:23:39 +0000

A 20-year-old Egyptian-American college student in California filed a lawsuit against the FBI on Wednesday, saying the agency violated his civil rights when it secretly placed a GPS tracking device on his car, the Associated Press reported.

2012 Lamborghini Aventador

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:17:19 +0000

It’s called the Aventador LP700-4, and it’s Lamborghini’s newest V-12–powered suckerfish. From its scything mandibles to its gawping monopipe, the 691-hp V-12 replacement for the Murciélago is all-new, we’re told. That flushing sound you hear is Swiss bank accounts being emptied in anticipation of its August 2011 arrival at a price of $379,700.

The styling for Lamborghini’s latest Concerto for Creases and Trapezoids borrows much from the 20 Reventón coupes that preceded it. The full-figured lines of the old Murciélago have been pulled out and toned up, as if the big goombata has discovered Pilates. Naturally, the scissor doors endure, while a buyer can choose from three au courant matte-finish colors (black, white, and brown), along with the usual assortment of metallic and pearlescent paints.

Carbon? Si!

Overall, the Aventador is one big Lambo, longer by almost seven inches than the car it replaces, with an NBA-sanctioned 1.4 inches added to the wheelbase. (Overall length is 188.2 inches.) The roof height is unchanged at a low-flying 44.7 inches, but the car is slightly narrower. The dry weight is a claimed 3472 pounds which, if accurate, and with a full tank of 23.8 gallons and a full oil sump of 13.7 quarts, plus coolant, should put the curb weight somewhere between 3700 and 3800 pounds, a few hundred pounds lighter than the old steel-frame Murciélago.

BBC TOP GEAR 2011 UK Edition Car Magazine LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR LOTUS Type 125
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 11:57:55 PST
| Watch this Item

HoT WheelS 2012 012 Orange '12 Lamborghini Aventador New Models C Case Release
US $3.01 (4 Bids)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:17:26 PST
| Watch this Item

NEW Burago Lamborghini Aventador Lp 700 4 Replica Diecast 1:18 orange
US $48.80
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 12:39:51 PST
| Watch this Item

CUFFLINKS LAMBORGHINI diablo GIFT BOX FREE SHIP USA countach Aventador gallardo
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 13:07:39 PST
| Watch this Item

CUFFLINKS LAMBORGHINI diablo GIFT BOX FREE SHIP USA countach Aventador gallardo
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Feb-22-2012 14:47:06 PST
| Watch this Item

Lamborghini’s flagship finally joins the carbon-fiber club founded by cars such as the McLaren F1 and Ferrari F50, encircling occupants in a molded structural tub. Said to weigh 325 pounds naked and 506 with body panels attached, the Aventador’s passenger cell will be made in-house at Lamborghini’s own Sant’Agata plant.

The tub is assembled from carbon-fiber panels, boxes, and tubes with foam and aluminum reinforcements, using a variety of molding techniques. They include high-pressure resin-injection for many of the core structural parts and “prepreg,” or mats of carbon-fiber pre-impregnated by the supplier with heat-curing liquid resin, for surfaces that need a smoother finish for painting or ornamental clear-coating.

Lamborghini builds up the tub in part by employing already-finished carbon-fiber parts as molds for the next pieces to be added. Epoxy foam strengtheners are added at strategic points to increase stiffness of the monocoque and to dampen noise and vibration, while aluminum inserts are laminated into the front and rear of the tub as mounting plates for the front and rear subframes, which support the powertrain as well as the front- and rear suspension. The arrangement cuts production costs and simplifies crash repair, relatively speaking, of course.

F1-like Suspension

Aluminum upper and lower control arms support the body. To centralize and lower the mass as well as reduce un-sprung weight, the Aventador uses inboard coil-over shocks laid horizontally and actuated by pushrods. The front units are at the base of the windscreen, the rears lie just aft of the engine.

Lamborghini says the rigid mounting of the shocks to the body also allows engineers to dial back spring rates for a more livable ride. A pushbutton jacking system on the front axle allows the driver to raise the nose by a crucial 1.6 inches for speed bumps or steeper driveways.

The steering has hydraulic assist with three boost modes tied into the driver-configurable stability and shift controls. The 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rears are encased in 255/35 Pirelli P Zeros up front and huge 335/30 hunks in back. The carbon-ceramic brake discs—satellite dishes, really—measure 15.7 inches in front, 15.0 inches in back, with six-piston calipers doing the clamping at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.

A New Engine, Backwards as Usual

Although it’s described as a clean-sheet design, the 6498-cc V-12, known internally as the L539, carries over several key aspects of the Murciélago’s engine. They include its 60-degree V angle, port fuel injection, chain-driven four cams, unusual quad-throttle-body intake, dry-sump lubrication, and backwards mounting, the latter trait descending directly from the original Countach. At 76.4 mm, however, the stroke is much shorter, which helps make it possible for the engine to rev past 8000 rpm. (Click here for our full story on the Aventador’s powertrain.)

With a compression ratio of 11.8:1, you’ll definitely want to spring for premium fuel, especially to reach the 691-hp power peak at a frantic 8250 rpm. The torque crests at 509 lb-ft at 5500 rpm. Unlike the Gallardo’s V-10, the V-12 will be assembled entirely in Italy by Lamborghini.

Between the seats is a new single-clutch, seven-speed paddle-shifted automated manual that Lambo dubs the ISR (Independent Shifting Rod). No manual will be offered. The 154-pound ISR uses four hydraulically actuated shift forks, and its software hastens gear changes by overlapping the motions of the forks of successive gears during shifts, a technique that has already been embraced by Ferrari in its single-clutch gearboxes. Lambo claims shift times that are 40 percent quicker than in an e-gear–equipped Gallardo.

The Aventador’s transmission also operates as a full automatic. As with the stability control, the shift profile can be altered by the driver depending on whether he or she selects the “Strada” (street) or “Sport” modes. There is also a “Corsa” (track) setting, which is manual-only and includes launch control for maximum acceleration from a standing start. During upshifts, it probably makes the car feel as if it’s being rear-ended.

As denoted by the 4 in its name, the Aventador is all-wheel drive. Power transmits to the front axle via an electronically controlled Haldex clutch; zero to 60 percent of available torque is sent forward depending on the surface conditions and speed.

A More Intimate Cockpit

A more focused dashboard positions digital displays and warning lights around a large central combination tach/speedometer. At the driver’s whim, the thin-film transistor (TFT) display in the cluster can be toggled to show either a large tach or a speedometer. Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod port, and other modern conveniences are standard.

Options include a transparent engine cover, a stereo upgrade, parking distance sensors, a rear-mounted camera, and brake calipers painted in wild colors. (The parking sensors and backup camera are pretty much required for any Lambo.) A package of contrasting two-tone leather is also available, or, as has always been the case at Lamborghini, you can go in and order whatever psychotic combination of colors and materials your wallet and bad taste can realize.

Forsaking steel in Lamborghini’s V-12 flagship is both a substantial and long overdue change. With its German-built aluminum space frame, Lamborghini’s smaller Gallardo was technologically years ahead of the pricier Murciélago. With buyers asked to lay out almost 400 large for the big Lamborghini, now is the right time to add F1-like technology to the F1-like price tag.

998 Porsche Spyshots

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:14:16 +0000

The current 997 generation Porsche 911 is still being updated for its mid-cycle refresh, with only the standard Carrera, Carrera 4, and Targa variants receiving the update. Still in the works are the new Turbo and the GT3 models, though they too are drawing near to their expected unveiling.

Recently a test mule was spotted in Germany by our spy photographers, suggesting that Porsche engineers may have already begun testing the next-generation 998 model, and now we have a new images of a prototype for the upcoming car. Note that the side vents on the car are fake.

Clear differences between the 998 and the current 911 model are a pair of more upright headlights, a slightly longer body, and the side mirrors are now positioned at the side of the doors and not at the window.

It’s still too early to determine what changes Porsche has in store for the engine lineup, but expect to see the recently revised flat-six engine range carry over with only minimal updates – possibly for emissions and economy standards. The new PDK dual-clutch gearbox will also carry over as will a standard six-speed manual.

The next 911 isn’t expected to arrive in showrooms until late 2011, but we expect to see much more of the car from spy photographers as it develops.

Also in the works is the next-generation Boxster convertible, which you can see a prototype for by clicking here.

2011 Porsche 911 998 spy shot:

Ferrari FF First Update

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:10:31 +0000

Amedeo Felisa, Ferrari’s chief executive and veteran engineer, says his all-new Ferrari FF four-seater is as fast around a track as a 599. “Not the GTO,” he adds hastily, “but the regular 599.” For the FF to be as fast as the shattering (and shatteringly hard-to-drive) GTO would be impossible. For it to be as quick as the regular 599 is merely miraculous.

Ferrari people are suspiciously keen to stress the Ferrari-ness of their new car. Could this be because the last time they strayed from their supersports heartland with the California, they suffered a squall of criticism for going soft and selling out?

Well, if the California tore the envelope of the traditional Ferrari ideal, then the new FF straight-up shreds it. It’s got four adult-sized seats, a hatchback, and all-wheel-drive.

But here are some stats that might nudge it back towards Ferrari-ness in your mind. The car retains a 53-percent rear-axle weight distribution, and that weight is just 220 pounds more than a 599. Which, incidentally, makes it some 1000 pounds less than its nearest conceptual rival, the new Bentley Continental GT.

At 8000 rpm, the FF’s new 6.3-liter direct-injection V-12 generates some 651 horsepower. Did that get your attention? It means a better power-to-weight ratio than the 599 GTB Fiorano, never mind the 612 Scaglietti, which the FF replaces. The über-responsive seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is mounted as a rear transaxle, aiding weight distribution. As a result, Ferrari can plausibly claim a 0-62 mph figure of 3.7 seconds.

Felisa says the 612 Scaglietti accounted for just 10 percent of the company’s worldwide sales, and that wasn’t enough. His head of product marketing, Nicola Boari, said customer requirements were important in determining the direction of the new car, which in turn impacted the concept and execution. So it can seat four 6-foot, 2-inch occupants and carry two golf bags, or offer 15.9 cubic-feet for four weekend bags, or with the rear seat folded, two sets of vacation luggage — all of which are accessible through the FF’s hatchback. A full rear-seat AV system is available. And the AWD system means it’s usable in wet climates.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/exotic/1102_ferrari_ff_first_look/index.html

Lotus Elise Oil Change

admin — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 05:02:47 +0000

How to Change Your Oil In A Lotus Elise

It is more difficult to change the oil in a Lotus Elise because the oil plug and filter are difficult to access. They are located behind an access panel. In order to remove the access panel, the car must be raised. As a result, the dealer will charge $300 or more for an oil change. Changing your own oil is easy and provides a good first step in learning how to take care of your car.

Please do not attempt this if you do not have the proper equipment and if you are not confident of your abilities I can accept no responsibility of you damage your car or hurt yourself.

Basic Steps:

1. raise one side of the car
2. remove the access panel
3. place car on jack stands
4. drain oil
5. remove oil filter
6. install new filter
7. replace oil plug
8. remove jack stands
9. replace panel
10. lower car
11. add oil and test

Tools and Materials

* oil filter
* oil plug gasket
* 5 quarts oil (Lotus recommends Havoline 5w-40 synthetic, similar is OK)
* Allen head wrench (remove access panel)
* 10mm hex head socket (remove access panel)
* wheel blocks (any wood pieces)
* automobile jack
* oil filter removal tool (not essential but recommended)
* two jack stands (not essential but recommended)
* torque wrench (not essential but recommended)
* funnel
* drain pan

To continue reading the full tutorial please head here:

Sands Museum