Download

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Nanananannanana...Preview of our 1966 Batmobile Trip in Indiana


Initially we were going to bring you a teaser of our trip up to Logansport, Indiana on Thanksgiving (in case you weren't following the trip live) to check out the first ever officially licensed replicas of the 1966 Batmobile. However, as tends to happen with family holidays, everything went s(l)ideways. Now that the time is available, we've got a little something for you while we wrap up the full shebang.

Check back later in the week for the full story of how one man went from collegiate filmmaker to official Batmobile builder. Until then, enjoy a few pics below.

Read more »

Toyota to Voluntarily Fix 378,000 Prius Hybrids for Overheating Problems


Toyota's US division has issued what it describes as a "limited service campaign" (and not a recall…) on approximately 378,000 U.S-spec Prius hybrids from the 2004 and 2007 model years to resolve a potential problem with the water-pump that can cause the cars to overheat.

Read more »

Official: 2012 Audi A6 Sedan Adopts A7 Styling and Gains 2.0TFSI Hybrid Engine [81 Photos]


Audi has (officially now) lifted the sheets of the all-new 2012 A6 that will take on the latest generations of BMW's 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz's E-Class executive sedans. The new A6 is set to make its market debut in early 2011 and will be available at launch with a variety of four-cylinder and V6 petrol and diesel engines, and later on, with a hybrid powertrain claimed to combine the power of a V6 with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder unit.

With Audi continuing its "one-style-fits-all" approach to design, there's not much to add about the car's exterior and interior works that hasn't already been said on our A7 Sportback posts. Even though the most accurate description of the new A6 is an A7 with a boot, we won't disagree with those of you waving the "larger A4" or "smaller A8" banner.

Moving on to the more technical aspects of the new A6, the sedan is 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long and 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) wide, but just 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high. It has a trunk capacity of 530-liter (18.72 cubic ft).

Read more »

U.S. Government Buys 1 out of 4 Hybrid Models Produced by GM and Ford


Hybrid vehicles have been on sale for more than a decade now, but despite all the efforts, they have not yet won broad acceptance in the United States. Two years ago, President Obama’s administration set out to to simultaneously support auto workers and a national transition to fuel efficient technologies by heavily investing in a government fleet of hybrids. According to a report from Bloomberg, Uncle Sam bought almost one out of every four hybrid cars produced by Ford Motor and General Motors since President Obama took office in early 2009.

Read more »

Power to the People: BBR-Cosworth Supercharge Mazda MX-5 to 235HP


Owners of the latest generation MX-5 / Miata seeking more oomph from Mazda's best seller will be happy to know that BBR has joined forces with Cosworth Engineering to develop a supercharged conversion package for the 2.0-liter version. The BBR-Cosworth collaboration for the Mk3 2.0-litre MX-5 focuses around a fourth-generation Eaton MP62 supercharger mated to a Cosworth designed cast integral inlet manifold, which is said to be optimized for both performance and fuel economy - although we'd take the latter with a grain of salt.

Read more »

Find of the Day: 10 Famous Racing Driver Helmets up for Sale


Many car and motorcycle enthusiasts consider themselves to be far more skillful than your average drivers / riders. And true enough, some really are, constantly honing their skills during weekend track events. But the odds of an enthusiast becoming a Formula 1 World Champion are slimmer than winning a lottery ticket twice in a row.

Facing reality is never an easy task, but what can you do? Well, if your pocket can handle the cost, you can always keep your fantasy alive with some cool motorsports memorabilia like a famous driver’s racing helmet. Besides being a good investment, you’ll be the talk of the track day for sure. Check out our selection after the break, compiled from the extensive list found on The Memorabilia Experience (TME) sales site.

Read more »

BMW 7 Series LUMMA Design 2010

The unique aerodynamics package from LUMMA Design comes with selected applications made from genuine carbon and 22 inch light alloy wheels ensure that the BMW 7 Series with its noble finish exhibits independence while staying true to its sportiness. The fact that LUMMA Design has a sense of BMW’s design language already becomes apparent in the front spoiler bumper. The curvature of the bonnet and the kidney front grille find their match in the new LUMMA front, which integrates grid inserts, fog lights and LED daytime running lights. The new shapely look is completed by the cup spoiler sword.

LUMMA Design offers a set of deep door-sills that has been designed especially for the BMW 7 Series with its extended wheelbase, so as to bridge the parameterisation of the wheels arch extensions. The aerodynamics package is completed by the new rear diffuser. Besides ensuring additional downforce, the diffuser highlights the sporty aspiration of the refined limousine.

The dynamic appearance of the LUMMA BMW is enhanced even further by the genuine carbon applications produced by the refining experts in Germany. These include exterior mirror caps, the kidney front grille frame, all door handle covers, the boot lid trim and the four-piece pillar trim set for doors and mud guards.

Naturally the wheels also contribute to the more sporty appearance. The impressive 22-inch light alloy rims are fitted with 265/30 high-performance Vredestein tyres in the front and 295/25 in the rear.


BMW X3 xDrive20d 2011

The four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW X3 xDrive20d has a maximum output of 135 kW/184 bhp. Power output has been increased by 5 kW compared to its predecessor. At the same time, average consumption in the EU test cycle has been reduced by 14 percent to a mere 5.6 litres/100 km.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20d now offers better performance and higher efficiency than any of its comparable rivals. It is powered by a 2-litre fourcylinder turbo diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection, delivering a maximum power output of 135 kW/184 at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 380 Nm between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The engine develops sufficient power to allow the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds, reaching top speed at 210 km/h.

With an average fuel consumption of 5.6 litres/100 km, the BMW X3 xDrive20d establishes a new benchmark for efficiency in this vehicle segment (CO2 emission level: 149 g/km in conjunction with manual gearbox, 147 g/km in conjunction with automatic gearbox).

The Auto Start Stop function is also a standard feature in the X3 xDrive20d with manual gearbox. The car is additionally equipped with a gear shift indicator. Furthermore, the equipment featured in all model variants, which include brake energy regeneration, EPS Electric Power Steering, demand-controlled ancillary components, intelligent lightweight construction and tyres with reduced rolling resistance contribute towards lowering fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels.


BMW X5 Mansory 2011


The striking appearance of the Mansory BMW X5 is assisted by a wide range of performance kits for the standard engines. The highlight is a vigorous upgrade for the BMW X5 M aggregate. Approximately 670 hp /493kW and a torque of 950 Nm at a rate of 5900 Umin (series: 555 hp / 408 kW and 680 Nm at a rate of 1500 – 5650 Umin) results from the use of a completely new exhaust system along with headers as well as optimised engine electrics. Thanks to these changes, the 4×4 accelerates in only 4.2 seconds to a speed of 100 km/h and achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h.


MANSORY provides an alloy rim especially made to meet the requirements of the BMW X5, which is significantly better for handling and additionally sharpens the vehicle’s optics. The silver monoblock cast wheels with the description M10 are fitted with tyres of the dimension 315/25R23, which guarantee proper grip. In connection with lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity by 40mm with sport springs on the front axle as well by 40 mm on the back axle with adjusted vehicle height, the masculine appearance of the MANSORY BMW X5 M is glamorously rounded off. In addition, the sports suspension improves handling. A sports break system with larger discs and multi-piston brake callipers is already being tested.

Further information about the exclusive refinement programme for BMW Automobile can be found on the website www.mansory.ch

VIDEO: New Range Rover Evoque 5-Door Launch Film


Now that Land Rover has unleashed most of the details surrounding its new Range Rover Evoque 5-door, the British company is turning its attention on promoting the crossover model to the social media. Beginning from Wednesday, December 1st, the automaker will share a new animated film of the five-door Evoque on its official social media pages including Facebook. For those curious enough (or bored...) to want to take a look, follow the break for the official clip.

Read more »

Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Widestar 2011


The new Brabus Widestar wide version represents a custom-tailored designer suit for the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. In addition to the extravagant high-tech carbon-fiber body program for the gullwing the tuner also offers ultralight forged wheels, an electronically adjustable Ride Control smooth-ride suspension, a titanium high-performance exhaust system with electronically controlled sound management and custom Brabus interiors.

To give the SLS an even more muscular appearance the Brabus designers have developed custom-tailored Brabus Widestar components for the rear axle. Like all other body components they are made from extremely light yet very strong carbon fibers identical to the ones used in Formula 1 racing. The add-on parts for the rear fenders and the rear fascia create an even more spectacular look and make room for special wheels that widen the rear track by 20 millimeters for even further improved driving dynamics.

The suspension engineers developed custom-tailored versions of the ultralight Brabus Monoblock F Platinum Edition forged wheels in sizes 9.5Jx20 in front and 11Jx21 on the rear axle for the wide version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. These wheels are available with a brushed-design or ceramics-polished surface and can also be painted in any desired color. The staggered wheels with 20- and 21-inch diameters on front and rear axles further emphasize the wedge-shaped look of the sports car.

Despite the wheels’ bigger size they deliver a weight reduction of up to 12 percent compared to the SLS production wheels. The reduced unsprung weight further results in even more agile handling. Brabus technology partners Pirelli and Yokohama supply the optimal high-performance tires in sizes 275/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 21.

The ride-height lowering by up to 30 millimeters (1.2 inches) also plays an important role in the striking appearance of the Brabus-modified SLS. The Brabus suspension is height-adjustable and was developed in cooperation with technology partner Bilstein. At the push of a button its integrated Ride Control function also offers a smoother ride than the production car. From the cockpit the driver can at any time – even while driving – switch between damper settings that offer a more comfortable or a sportier ride than the production car.

The Brabus high-performance exhaust system with four slanted exhaust tips with diameters of 84 millimeters (3.3 inches) is somewhat atypical for traditional tuning. Its sound management, controlled by the driver and activated by a pneumatic flap, includes a ‘coming home’ setting that is quieter than the production exhaust. In ’sport’ mode the 6.3-liter eight-cylinder engine produces an even more powerful exhaust note than with the production exhaust. The Brabus exhaust system is manufactured from extremely lightweight titanium and weighs 12 kilograms (26 lbs.) or 40 percent less than the production exhaust. Another welcome by-product of this exhaust is an increase in power output by 10 hp / 7.4 kW.


Honda Fit EV Concept 2012

Honda has unveiled the all-new Fit EV Concept electric vehicle at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. Alongside the plug-in hybrid vehicle, the Fit EV Concept is integral to the Honda Electric Mobility Network as an advanced environmental approach to reducing CO2 emissions.

Powered by a high-density motor derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, The Fit EV delivers excellent efficiency with a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid.

Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the LA Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. Inside, an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces is outfitted.


Mazda Logo Evolution through the Century - Plus 185 Historic Pictures


Mazda, the maker of cars such as the RX-7, RX-8 and MX-5/Miata, turned 90 this month. So what a better time to take a trip down memory lane and see how the Japanese company’s logo and cars evolved over the past century.

The first corporate logo dates back to 1936. It was registered as a trademark when Mazda began manufacturing its first three-wheeler. The name itself is a derivative from Ahura Mazda, the god of wisdom, intelligence and harmony in early Asian cultures. It also derives from the anglicized version of the founder’s name, Jujiro Matsuda.

Read more »

VIDEO: Bang, Bang, Bang it's the 2012 Hyundai Azera Sedan


Having wow'd us with teaser renderings at first followed shortly after by official real-life photographs, Hyundai continues to build hype around its all-new-2012 Azera before the full reveal by giving the car a promotional role in a South Korean TV drama called "The Fugitive Plan B".

While official information around the new Azera, which will be sold as the Grandeur in its home market, remains scarce, one of our South Korean readers, Jinhwan H. claims that word around local news sites is that the car will be offered locally with a choice of three engines. These include the Sonata's 2.4-liter GDI with 200hp and 184.4lb-ft torque, a 3.0-liter V6 GDI delivering 263hp and 225.7lb-ft torque plus a 3.0-liter LPI running on Liquefied Petroleum Gas with 230hp, 204.7lb-ft torque.

Read more »

Honda Brio Prototype Previews New City Car for Asian Markets


As a follow up to the New Small Concept model showcased this past January at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi, India, Honda revealed the pre-production version of its new small city car called the Brio at the 27th Thailand International Motor Expo (press day: November 30, public days: December 1-12.).

Developed for Asian markets and scheduled to be introduced in Thailand and India in 2011, the Brio has a small footprint measuring just 3,610mm in length, 1,680mm in width and 1,475 mm in height. Even though the Brio keeps the basic styling theme of the concept car, the pre-production prototype's design has been watered down with the new grille looking like a last minute addition and a not very attractive one at that.

Read more »

BREAKING: 2012 Audi A6 Sedan Photos Leaked


We can now add the 2012 (or 2011, depending on your market) Audi A6 sedan to the long list of leaked reveals as the first pictures of the Ingolstadt's executive mid-sizer have surfaced on the Dutch car site Autoblog.nl. We’ll soon bring you a full plate of info on the all-new A6 sedan, but for now, you can check the full image gallery after the jump.

Being based on the more upscale A7 Sportback, it comes to no surprise that the new A6 looks like a sedan version of the first with a less curvalicious roofline and a more mundane rear-end that brings to mind the smaller A4 sedan. The similarities are far more evident in the interior as with a few exceptions aside such as the door panel detailing, the A6's cabin is identical to the A7 Sportback.

Read more »

All-New Buick GL8 Minivan Fully Revealed, Only for China


After selling more than 330,000 units of the original Buick GL8 since 1999, General Motors unveiled an all-new version of its MPV model featuring several key improvements and innovations, destined exclusively for the China market. Built by the firm's Shanghai GM joint venture, the new GL8 is said to offer an "unmistakable Buick experience" - always according to the automaker.

“The new GL8 was developed by Shanghai GM in cooperation with the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai with the specific needs of our customers in mind”, said Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. “It offers everything that consumers have come to expect from Buick, including a dynamic, smooth, quiet and comfortable ride. Like its predecessor, the new GL8 is the right product at the right time.”

Read more »

Wimmer RS Brings a Surplus of Ponies to the Ariel Atom 3


Combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged Honda engine at the rear pushing out up to 300-horsepower with a lightweight construction that tips the scales at just 469 kg (1,034 pounds), and you don't need to be an expert to know that even in completely stock form, the Ariel Atom 3 is a one helluva pocket rocket.

Nevertheless, the tuning industry is always eager to push the limits on any type of vehicle. This time the culprit is Germany tuning house Wimmer RS, which has introduced a new power kit for the Atom 3 300.

Read more »

Nissan Leaf Wins the 2011 European Car of the Year Award


While our readers favored the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in our poll, the jury of the 2011 European Car of the Year Award (COTY) announced that the Nissan Leaf is the winner, earning a total of 257 points. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the competition that the award goes to an electric vehicle.

“The jury acknowledged today that the Nissan LEAF is a breakthrough for electric cars. Nissan LEAF is the first EV that can match conventional cars in many respects”, said Håkan Matson, President of the Jury, Car of the Year.

The Giulietta came in second with 248 points, while the Opel/Vauxhall Meriva took the bronze, with 244 points.

Read more »

Fiat to Supply Opel with Commercial Vehicles Made in Turkey


In this day and age, automakers are either buying each other up forming new groups or constantly deepening their cooperation with their counterparts. The Fiat Group, which recently acquired a 20% stake in Chrysler, is now expanding its commercial vehicle joint ventures to include GM's European Opel and Vauxhall units.

The Italian company, which has a joint venture for larger LCVs with the PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group, has signed a contract agreement with GM to supply vehicles comprising of several variants to Opel starting from December 2011. The new model will replace the German firm's Combo light commercial vehicle, keeping the same name. The range will include a number of derivatives, such as cargo vans, passenger vehicles and chassis cabs.

Read more »

Monday, November 29, 2010

At Your Service

It's been an absolute age since i wrote some erotica, so i hope you like the following that just came into my head:

Shopping was on my mind. The sales were in full swing in all of the department stores in town, so there seemed no better time to buy some new lingerie. It’s one of my favourite pastimes – shopping for sexy underwear for my man. Not that it stays on long enough for Him to appreciate it, of course… but i guess i buy it for myself, to feel good in. That tiny lacy thong underneath my skirt that only i know i’m wearing, that sort of thing, you know?

i headed out to one of my much-loved stores and took the escalator to the lingerie section. Some cute sheer panties and erotica-themed bras seemed to be calling to me. i spent quite a time browsing and getting lost in my lusting. Armed with my selection of sexy lingerie, i headed for the changing rooms to thrill myself further with how they would look. There was a small queue and so i patiently waited my turn. It was a busy time and there were several store assistants rushing about showing customers to their cubicles.

Out of the corner of my eye, i noticed a very striking young assistant, with gorgeous long flame-red hair, a very petite but perfectly proportioned body and stunning blue eyes. i thought to myself ‘surely she should be a model and not be working here’. i thought she was very attractive and then spotted her walking back towards me. my turn in the queue had come and she was walking me towards to my cubicle. i followed, my eyes drawn down to the most exquisite stilettos i had ever seen. They brought her height up level with my own. She walked so elegantly in them.

i was transfixed by her as she showed me to my booth, placed my underwear inside and then said “if you need any assistance, there’s a bell there... unless you require our bra-fitting service, then I can help you with that now?”. She waited for my response. “Well, yes, that would be good - i’ve never really known my size” i replied. my heart was racing now, i was getting excited… and moist.

She closed the cubicle door behind her. “If you’d like to undress down to your bra, we can see how well that fits you.” i wasted no time in complying and stood before this young beauty in my slightly tatty Wonderbra. i wished i had put on something a bit newer now. She produced a tape measure from her pocket and positioned me in front of her to face the mirror. Her small hands wandered up to my shoulders and around my upper back to check my bra. “It seems to be a little small for you, as it’s pinching at the sides – can you see?” she said, as she ran her fingers down the sides of my ribcage. i nodded as they then moved up to rest across the top of my chest. “So you really should have more room here.” she continued.

At that point, her hands began to wander down to reach inside my bra, and found their way over my nipples. she pinched them gently. Not doing anything to stop her, i watched her in the mirror. She had now pushed my bra cups down and was slowly massaging my breasts, and i felt her hot breath on my neck. i closed my eyes as sheer exhilaration took over me. i was now half-naked as she turned me around to face her.

She gently pushed me down onto the seat and lowered her mouth to lick and caress my nipples. i reached out my hands to touch her breasts through her shirt. They felt so perfect. She had now pressed herself up close against my hips and thighs to almost straddle me. i managed to undo a few of her shirt buttons and slipped my fingers inside her lacy bra to stroke her nipples.

my pussy was now aching and extremely wet, and i knew i had to satisfy my urge. i hitched my skirt up to reveal my stockings and soaked panties. She moved slowly downwards, tracing her tongue along my thighs and parted my legs. She was on her knees, her long red hair brushing against my arm and across my lap. Her mouth found its way to my wetness and i felt her hot breath again, but now against my crotch. i sighed as her tongue teased and tickled me over my panties. A second later, she was sliding them down my ankles. The anticipation that had built up inside me was so strong now.

There she ended up, with her warm lips covering my pussy, her tongue busily circling my clit and lapping at my juices. Waves of pleasure washed over me and my gasps became more urgent. There was no let up, as she continued her delicious onslaught on me. Her tongue began to quickly dart in and out of my hole. It felt so sensual and dirty at the same time. Only a few moments later, an incredible orgasm exploded within me. i quickly placed my hands over my mouth to suppress my post-climax euphoria. She looked up at me and smiled. i stroked her hair as she rested her head on my lap and said “do you come here often?”

New Audi TT GT4 Concept with 340HP comes to Life at DTM Race in Shanghai


When we saw the Ginetta G55 GT4 class racecar, we were impressed. Packing a potent 370HP engine at an affordable price, it's good looking, too, even though for obvious reasons that matters a lot less in the world of motorsports. Now, Audi also wants a piece of the GT4 action. On the occasion of the DTM race in Shanghai, the German automaker presented the concept of a GT4 car based on the TT sports coupe.

Read more »

Fiat's Split Into Two Groups Results in New Logos


In about a month's time, on the 1st of January 2011, Italy's Fiat will have completed the separation of its truck and tractor business from its car making operations. The split will result in the creation of two separate groups; Fiat SpA with a clear focus in the automobile sector, and Fiat Industrial SpA incorporating the firm's truck, commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction equipment, and related powertrain divisions.

Read more »

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Oh NOOOO!!! Missed Blog Birthday and Boucher

I MISSED MY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!

Well my blog's birthday anyway. For some reason I had it in my
head that our second Birthday was on the 28th, but it turns out it was on the 25th!!! Nooooooooo
oo!!!!!

Oh well. That was Thanksgiving this year, so at least it was a well celebrated day! :D

In other news :) I'm working on my research topic for one of my art history seminars and it turned very fun :). I got to chose the topic and picked the sprawled out female nude. Sweet!

So, as part of my presentation tomorrow, there is definitely a Playboy picture thrown in. It is meant to illustrate how one would have felt looking at images such as the Venus of Urbino at the time, and not as we do today. We have become desensitized to images such as these, which are both "artistic" in nature, and thus deny some of the punch of the nudity, in part due to their iconic nature. So I just picked a random Centerfold and hopefully she will convey the emotion I am trying to describe. Oh! And in her pictorial she just happens to be an artist! ;)

Also, Boucher's little Louise O'Murphy! (see above)
I don't care that she was 15 when she modeled for him and then became the favorite of the King and his mistress, she is just adorable! And who doesn't love this pose? I'm reading a (make that 10) book right now, this one in particular discussing this pose and how it is unique in art history and particularly degrading, and I just keep thinking, really? I think this looks like fun! :)


xoxo
Princess Kelley