weblogUpdates.ping Xtreme Driving http://www.xtreme-driving.blogspot.com/ Xtreme Driving Xtreme Driving: February 2009

News and information on some of the hottest vehicles.

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Park My Car

Park My Car

Description:

Park the expensive cars of the stars in the parking lot without damaging them!

How to play Park My Car:
Up/Down arrows = Accelerate/Reverse Left/Right arrows = Turn front wheels left/right Spacebar = Honk horn (or use weapon when available)

Enjoy..


About Me

Name : Alvine

Codename: Revenanti

Occupation: Programmer


Birthdate: September 28, 1985

Nationality: Filipino

People associate me to: A robot


Dream: To be an astronaut/ to go to outer space

Sign: Libra
Element: Wind

Afraid of: Spiders, Heights

Movies: Action and Comedy. Doesn't like horror.





Likes



Animals. I have a dog and I'm wanting to have a cat and a fish to take care of.






Reading mangas and books. My favorite genres are adventure, action, comedy and romance.




People with good hygiene. Of course always clean myself too..



Music.
I am good at singing and I want to learn to play the guitars and bass.





Dancing and singing. I suck at dancing though.




And of course, my family and friends. They support me and guide me. They always care for me so I care for them. They bring me closer to God. ^_^

Ducati - Monster 1100 : Absolute Monster


Ducati - Monster 1100

The arrival of the new 1100 and 1100 S now increases the size of the Monster family, a family that redefines the naked motorcycle and stakes its claim as the new icon of Italian excellence.

The 'less-is-more' philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati's never-ending pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles, but these new models have succeeded in being even more 'pared down' than their predecessors. The Monster 1100 weighs 169kg (168kg for the S version), making it by far the lightest bike in its category.

The new Monster 1100 design perfectly balances sports performance, riding pleasure and stunning looks. With its new single-sided aluminium swingarm, high level of componentry, race-oriented chassis and 15 years of evolution, the Monster 1100 now takes its place at the head of the Monster family.

The Monster 1100 S is a pure concentrate of lightness, power, design and exclusivity. The 'S' features 43mm Öhlins forks and progressive Öhlins rear shock absorber. Carbon fibre cam belt covers, silencer guards and front fender reduce weight by a further 1kg (2.2lb). The distinctive racing gold coloured 5-spoke wheels of the Monster 1100 S give it an elegant style and the same sporting look as historical Ducati racing models.

Both versions of the new Monster 1100, which comes factory-personalised with removable single seat covers and neat micro-bikini fairings, are powered by the charismatic two-valve 1100cc Desmodromic twin-cylinder engine delivering 95hp at 7500rpm and an impressive torque of 10.5kgm (79.5lb-ft) at 6000rpm.

The first public appearance for the Monster 1100 will be at the International Motorcycle Show in Cologne, Germany (INTERMOT - Hall 8) starting form the 8 to the 12 October.

Reference: Ducati Monster Official Website

Ducati tested the water with the new Monster 696 in 2008 with New looks....New Engine....New Chassis......but somehow retaining the same soul this model was recieved well worldwide and in the UK, demand far outstripped supply.

For 2009 the new Ducati Monster 1100 and 1100S have been released. Only days after its release the Monster 1100 is recieving excellent reports from those journalists fortunate enough to have ridden this all new Ducati machine.

As with the M696, this is far from a simple cosmetic makeover. Ducati follow one path of development; everything stems from their racing experiences (except for artistic flair perhaps - that we think has to come from within). The development of the Ducati Monster 1100 is no exception to the rule.

The Ducati Monster 1100 is some 40 mm higher in seat height than the Ducati 696, however with a replacement seat this difference can be brought down to a mere 20mm.

What's been changed........

  • Brakes - The Ducati Monster 1100 now has radially mounted brembo calipers and radial master cylinder
  • Steering angle has been made steeper to ensure faster "turn in" when demanded.
  • Single sided rear swing arm
  • Desmosedici style frame that has been combined with a cast alloy subframe to produce this all new chassis.
  • An all new stylish digital dashboard.
  • Increased fuel tank capacity.
  • Using the dual spark 1100 aircooled engine derived from the Hypermotard this is the most powerfull aircooled monster to date. Weight has been saved in the engine department with the new vacuum cast crank and outer cases.
  • Improved rideability - especially at low revs thanks to a new ECU .
  • Improved night vision with a triple parabola headlamp and bright LED tail light.
  • Weight has been reduced substantially which married with the geometry changes mentioned above make the Ducati Monster 1100 a most flickable machine

These are only the major changes to the Ducati Monster 1100....................................

All in all this has produced a new generation Ducati Monster that is the lightest bike in its class at a mere 169kg

Both Ducati Monster models are offered standard with a thatcham approved immobiliser.

Model differences :- Ducati Monster 1100 vs Ducati Monster 1100S
Feature
Monster 1100S
Monster 1100
Front Suspension Ohlins 43mm Adjustable forks with TiN slider coating Showa 43mm fully adjustable forks
Rear Suspension Preload and rebound adjustment Ohlins Monoshock Preload and rebound adjustable Sachs monoshock
Carbon Fibre Silencer cover, cam belt covers and front mudguard None

Front Brake

Aluminium disc carriers Steel disc carriers
Wheels Racing gold Y-shaped 5-spoke in lightweight alloy Silver Y-shaped 5-spoke in lightweight alloy

Ducati Monster 1100 Specifications

Chassis

Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame with cast alloy subframe
Wheelbase: 1450 mm / 57.1 in
Rake/Trail: 24° / 32 °
Front Suspension: Showa 43 mm upside-down fork (Ohlins fork on "S")
Front Wheel Travel: 130 mm / 5.1 in
Front Brake: 2 x 4-piston radial caliper , radial master cyclinder
Front Wheel: Y-spoke light alloy 3.50 x 17
Front Tyre: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear Suspsension: Progressive with preload and rebound adjustable Sachs monoshock (Ohlins shock on "S" model)
Rear Wheel Travel: 130 mm / 5.1 in
Rear Brake: 2-piston caliper
Rear Wheel: Y-spoke light alloy 5.50 x 17
Rear Tyre: 180/55 ZR 17
Fuel Capacity: 15 L / 3.85 US gal (includes 3.5L / 0.9 US gal reserve)
Dry Weight*: 169 kg / 372 lbs
Seat Height: 810 mm / 31.9 in
Instruments: Digital display unit: speedometer, rev counter, neutral light, oil pressure warning light, low fuel warning light, high beam indicator, turn signals, immobilizer system, LCD clock and over rev warning
Warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage
Colour combinations (Tank-Frame-Wheels)

Red-Red-Silver
Silver-Red-Silver
Black-M.Blk-Silver

Features: Includes nose faring & seat cowl as standard

Engine & Transmission

Type: L-twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder Desmodromic; air cooled
Displacement: 1078 cc
Bore and Stroke: 98x71.5
Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
Power*: 69.8kw, 95 hp @ 7500 rpm
Torque*: 10.5 kgm (77.4 lb-ft) @ 6000 rpm
Fuel injection: Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45 mm throttle body
Exaust: 2 aluminum mufflers with valve system
Emissions: Euro3
Gearbox: 6 speed
Ratio: 1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
Primary Drive: Straight cut gears; ratio 1.85
Final Drive: Chain; Front sprocket 15; Rear sprocket 39
Clutch: Dry multiplate with hydraulic control

Reference: seastarsuperbikes.co.uk

Other Images:

1100:

Front View
Back View
Side View
Wallpaper

1100S:

Front View
Back View
Side View
Wallpaper


3rd Generation Prius


3rd Generation Prius

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, unveiled the third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle at the 2009 North American International Auto show. The new version of the world’s top-selling hybrid vehicle (more than one million sold in 44 countries) offers better mileage ratings and enhanced performance, as well as new design features.

The first-generation Prius, which was EPA rated at 41 mpg US combined city/highway, was replaced by the current model, which is EPA rated at 46 mpg US, combined. Using a combination of technologies, fuel efficiency was increased to an estimated 50 mpg US combined for the new Prius.

Hybrid components like the inverter, motor, and generator are now smaller and lighter. An exhaust heat recovery system, exhaust gas recirculation, and an electric water pump contribute to a more efficient hybrid system with a net horsepower rating of 134.

The battery module carries over from the tried-and-true technology from the current Prius. Engineers applied enhancements throughout the entire vehicle to achieve 50 miles-per-gallon, more consistent efficiency in real-world driving, and further reductions in CO2 emissions.

Electric power consumption has been reduced through the use of a more efficient air conditioning system and new, optional LED head lamps. Internal tests show that Prius’ zero-to-sixty acceleration time has dropped from the previous generation’s mid 10-second range to 9.8 seconds, making it comparable to that of an average mid-size sedan with a 2.4-liter engine. This is in response to customer expectations for better every-day performance. In short, the entire Prius package has been made more efficient from overall power consumption to output.

—Bob Carter, Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager

The new Prius also features what Toyota is calling a “Solar Moonroof”. A small array of photovoltaic cells automatically powers a ventilation system on hot days. The system allows fresh air to circulate into the vehicle, cooling down the cabin so that the air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, thereby conserving power.

Preliminary 2010 Prius Powertrain Specs
Engine 1.8L I-4 with VVT-i
Engine power [hp (kW)] 98 (73)
Torque [lb-ft (Nm)] 105 (142)
Motor power [hp (kW)] 80 (60)
Motor torque [lb-ft (Nm)] 153 (207)
Net power [hp (kW)] 134 (100)
Emission rating SULEV (w/ AT-PZEV)
Battery pack NiMH
Est. combined fuel economy 50 mpg US

A larger and more powerful 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle, four-cylinder engine powers the new Prius. The larger engine helps improve highway mileage. By making more torque, the new engine can run at lower average rpm on the highway. When operating at lower rpm, the new engine uses less fuel. Mileage is especially improved in cold-start conditions and at higher speeds.

Use of an electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system also contribute to the engine’s efficiency. The 1.8-liter Prius engine is the first Toyota power plant that requires no belts under the hood for better fuel economy and less potential maintenance.

The patented Hybrid Synergy Drive system in the 2010 Prius is 90% newly-developed with significant improvements over previous models:

  • The transaxle is lighter in weight and reduces torque losses by as much as 20% compared to the previous model.

  • The inverter, which converts direct current to alternating current, has a new direct cooling system to reduce size and weight.

  • Taken together, the inverter, motor and transaxle are smaller and 20% lighter.

  • A newly developed electronically controlled regenerative braking system has been adopted, with control logic optimized to enhance regeneration.

The new Prius will offer three alternative driving modes. EV-Drive Mode allows driving on battery power alone at low speeds for about a mile, if conditions permit. There is also a Power Mode, which increases sensitivity to throttle input for a sportier feel, and an Eco Mode, which helps the driver achieve the best mileage.

Dimensionally, the new Prius has the same wheelbase as the current generation. Overall length is slightly increased by 0.6 inches, in part by moving the front cowl forward. Designers preserved the triangle form of the current model, but made alterations to the overall profile, pillar position and angle. The overall height of the Prius is the same, but the roof profile is altered by moving the top of the roof 3.9 inches to the rear. This emphasizes the wedge shape, and also allows for enhanced rear headroom and improved aerodynamics.

The new Prius received more wind tunnel hours of testing than any other Toyota vehicle yet. By focusing on the shape of the body, underfloor, wheelhouse liner and shape of the wheels, the designers of the new Prius were able to reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) value to 0.25, compared to 0.26 for the previous model. The airflow under the car was studied extensively. Engineers made changes to the shape of the fender liner, front surface of the underfloor, and added a fin at the rear floor cover to increase linear stability.

The next-generation Prius is built on a new platform, which enables improved handling stability, quieter operation, and collision safety. The suspension consists of front struts and a rear intermediate beam design, as before, but handling stability is advanced by improving the stabilizer layout, higher caster angle and tuning the bushing characteristics. Disc brakes are now used on all four corners, replacing the front disc/rear drum brakes in the current model.

Weight was saved through use of aluminum in the hood, rear hatch, front suspension axle and brake caliper and super high-tensile steel in the rocker inner, center pillar, and roof reinforcement. To meet customer expectations for everyday performance, zero-to-60 acceleration has been improved to 9.8 seconds, more than a second faster, in internal testing.

Better-performing sound insulation, working with improved vibration damping, has been installed in various locations to reduce road noise.

Toyota will use plant-derived, carbon-neutral plastics in the 2010 Prius. The newly-developed plastics, known as “ecological plastic,” will be used in the seat cushion foam, cowl side trim, inner and outer scuff plates, and deck trim cover. Ecological plastic emits less CO2 during a product lifecycle (from manufacturing to disposal) than plastic made solely from petroleum; it also helps reduce petroleum use.

Sales of the 2010 Prius will start simultaneously in both the US and Japan in late spring, followed shortly by Canada and other countries. Toyota forecasts first full calendar year sales in the US will be around 180,000 units.

We expect a large portion of this volume to come from current Prius owners. That’s because more than 90 percent say they will buy another Prius.

—Bob Carter
Reference: Green Car Congress
Other Images:

Front View
Back View
Interior with available options
Interior with available options 2
Solar Roof