Friday, March 21, 2008

2009 Infiniti FX35


The 2009 Infiniti FX will continue to use a 3.5-liter VQ engine to power the base model. Some speculated the 3.7-liter engine found in the G37 would appear under the hood of the FX to distance it from the new EX35, but that won't happen. Instead of a slight difference in displacement, the V-6 crossovers will be separated by only a few horsepower and a pair of gears in the transmission.

To be specific, the FX35 will produce 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 28 hp, but a loss of 6 lb-ft of twist compared with the outgoing FX35. Both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models use a new seven-speed automatic transmission with manual override and rev-matching downshifts. Magnesium paddle shifters are available for those who wish to maximize the effectiveness of the manu-matic option.


The FX35 will not be available with the 21-inch Enkei rims found on the FX50. Base models make do with 18-inch alloy wheels, but 20-inchers with a metallic finish are available. Another difference between the FX50 and FX35 is only the FX50 will have the option of active rear wheel steering.

Inside the FX, the V-8 model has an 8.0-inch information display to the V-6 model's 7.0-inch display. Features like heated and cooled seats, driver's seat memory function, aluminum pedals, and Bluetooth capability are optional on the FX35, but standard on the FX50.


Click the links below for high-resolution FX images, as well as our coverage of the FX50 that was recently unveiled in Geneva.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Suzuki Equator



To bolster its versatile and dynamic product line, enhance the company`s bold and adventurous brand identity and further expand the growing line of products marketed by approximately 500 Suzuki dealers nationwide, American Suzuki Motor Corp. debuts its all-new 2009 Equator midsize pickup truck at this year`s Chicago Auto Show. The introduction of the Equator marks Suzuki`s first entry into the midsize pickup truck market and expands the company`s offering of activity-oriented cars and trucks.

Leveraging Suzuki`s credibility as a maker of lifestyle-oriented, fun-to-use products, the Equator offers the perfect blend of style, utility and off-road capability that truck buyers – many of whom are current Suzuki motorcycle, ATV and marine product owners, loyalists and ambassadors – demand and enjoy. Developed as a joint effort with Nissan North America, Inc., and based on the Nissan Frontier, the 2009 Equator will be available in both Extended Cab and Crew Cab body styles and rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. The all-new 2009 Suzuki Equator pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2008. Pricing has not yet been announced.

"Since Suzuki has continued to strengthen its brand equity among outdoor enthusiasts, we thought now was the right time to produce a vehicle that meets the additional needs many of these people have," said Mark Harano, president American Suzuki Automotive Operations. "Truck buyers are a particularly good fit for Suzuki since they`re likely to participate in motorcycle riding, power boating and other lifestyle-oriented activities that fit with our brand identity and our product portfolio. The Equator provides Suzuki with an opportunity to build an authentic connection with a group of consumers who are familiar with our brand and, in many circumstances, own other Suzuki products."

To introduce the Equator, Suzuki is unveiling three separate representations of the truck during its Chicago Auto Show press conference. The three concepts, coined the RMZ-4 for off-road enthusiasts, Quad for outdoor adventurers and Quay for boating and watersports aficionados, showcase Suzuki`s diverse brand spirit, while illustrating the capability and flexibility of the all-new Suzuki Equator.

In addition to Chicago`s global reveal of the all-new Equator, Suzuki will showcase the SXForce, a sportbike-inspired concept reinforcing the link between the company`s rich motorcycle heritage and versatile line of fun-to-drive automobiles, as well as a range of outdoor and performance-oriented motorcycles and ATVs, including the KingQuad 450, LT-R450 QuadRacer and all-new Hayabusa sportbike, to name a few.

2009 Suzuki Equator Performance and Functionality
Built at Nissan`s manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tenn., the 2009 Equator features a fuel efficient 2.5-liter DOHC inline four with 152 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque or an optional 4.0-liter, V6 DOHC engine producing a class-leading 261 hp with 281 lb.-ft. of torque. Designed for outstanding performance and durability, the Equator`s V6 engine incorporates an aluminum block with cast iron cylinder liners, forged steel crankshaft, microfinished crankshaft and camshafts, Teflon®-coated pistons, variable valve timing and a silent two-stage timing chain.

The Equator is matched to either a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission (I4 and V6), five-speed manual transmission (I4) or six-speed manual transmission (V6), and offers an available shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system with an electronically controlled part-time two-speed transfer case. For enhanced off-road capability, the rugged Equator offers a comprehensive off-road traction system, including four-wheel limited slip, electronic locking rear differential, Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), hill descent control and hill start assist.

The Equator`s strong, fully boxed frame anchors a long 125.9-inch wheelbase (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed), enhancing driver and passenger comfort and stability, while its overall length of 205.5 inches (Extended Cab or Crew Cab/regular bed) provides the perfect balance of utility, maneuverability and composure for a midsize pickup truck. The 2009 Equator features an all-steel double-wishbone front suspension and solid axle rear suspension with overslung leaf springs and a long suspension stroke for optimized off-road dynamics. Maximum towing capacity is rated at 6,500 pounds. EPA fuel economy estimates are still preliminary.

Other Equator powertrain components include engine-speed-sensitive power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering for responsiveness and good on-center feel and standard four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Equator also features a variety of available wheel and tire packages, including 16-inch off-road style wheels with rugged 265/75R16 tires and 17-inch wheels with 265/65R17 tires.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

2009 Volvo XC60


Volvo Press Release

Volvo XC60 2009Here are the first pictures of one of this year's most exciting new car models - the new Volvo XC60! "It's not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it's also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?" says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva on March 4 and the first cars will reach dealers in Europe in autumn 2008.

Volvo Cars' new crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment, boasting an exciting mix of two car styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, capable XC muscles are pumped up, creating a strong athletic body mated with high ground clearance and large wheels. Up above, the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of a coupe.

"This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We're elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you'd recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance," says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

Volvo XC60 2009A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60 model's special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

"We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision," says Fredrik Arp.

The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

Volvo XC60 2009"One might say that this could be the C30 owner's next car. It's as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we're widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle," explains Fredrik Arp.

Equal volumes to Europe and North America
The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 hp, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.

"During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 rating of around 170 g/km," reveals Fredrik Arp.

The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.

The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.

Wheels and Tires For Your Vehicle - What You Need To Know


If you have bought a new vehicle and come to the point where you need to replace the wheels and tires, there are quite a few ways to precede further. How to select them with some ground-floor facts when it comes time to make a replacement tire purchase or a wheel-and-tire upgrade?

Here is a list of what you should think about before choosing the tire to buy for your wheels and of course this information also applies when you are doing a wheel upgrade as well.

Speed ratings signify the safe top speed of a tire under perfect conditions. The part of what you're paying for the speed rating is something you will never use. Be alert that tires with higher speed ratings are more often than not made from a softer rubber compound and generally will have shorter UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading) tread life ratings and will not truly last as long in the real world. If you live in Oregon or Washington you will want to look more closely at a capable wet-weather tire than if you are in Nevada or Arizona. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires every manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG labeling system and set up ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance.

Actual performance of the tire can differ significantly depending on situations, but the tire's UTQG tread life number can help you get an idea of how long a tire will truly last. A low-profile tire such as a 50 or a 40-series looks great, but can be harsh over bumps or potholes when compared to a 55 or 60. Lower profile tires also have stiffer sidewalls, which improves handling but damage ride quality. Some tread designs are noisier than others and it varies significantly between tire brands and tread designs. A good salesperson will be able to tell you which tires are quieter among those in road noise. Balancing is a must anytime tires are mounted on wheels.

One of the two main reasons the majority people consider a wheel change is just for looks. Plus sizing your wheels and tires is the most excellent way to improve both the performance and appearance of your vehicle. Besides plus sizing the benefits of a good-quality alloy wheel are numerous. Either way you end up with reduced weight compared to steel wheels. This is a factor affecting a vehicle's road holding ability. The added strength of a quality alloy wheel can also decrease tire deflection in cornering. Your life depends on a few square inches of rubber when you drive your car or truck.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

The All-New 2008 Audi R8 Similar to Porsche and Ferrari



Audi the producer of top-of-the-line Audi oxygen sensor has introduced a supercar that can function well as an everyday transport and as source of power whenever you get the urge for a high revving road action. The new 2008 Audi R8 supercar with its dynamic styling, 420 horse power, V8 engine placed behind the seats together with a plethora of other high-tech innovations has put the R8 to the level of Porsche and Ferrari.


The R8 makes use of an all-wheel-drive configuration and a choice of manual-shifting automatic or manual transmission. The R8’s frame and body utilizes lightweight aluminum-frame structure. The underside is also fully enclosed like a race car to boost aerodynamics.

The R8 was developed in connection with the Lamborghini Gallardo, which is also owned by Volkswagen so it is not surprising that the R8 will possess similar components as that of the Gallardo. The big difference however according to those who have driven it, is the fact that the R8 feels like an everyday vehicle that is comfortable in stop-and-go mph. The price of the R8 is set at $118,000 when equipped with the six-speed R Tronic automatic gearbox.

Some details on the all-new 2008 Audi R8

Bodystyles: 2-Dr Coupe;
Engines: 4.2L V 8;
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual; 6 Speed Semi-Automatic;
Drivetrains: All Wheel Drive;

2008 Audi R8 Performance & Efficiency Standard Features

- 4,200 cc 4.2 liters V 8 front engine with 12.5 compression ratio and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Gasoline direct injection fuel system
- Main premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 313 kW , 420 HP SAE @ 8,250 rpm; 317 ft lb , 430 Nm @ 4,500 rpm

2008 Audi R8 Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features

- Four-wheel ABS
- Brake assist system
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Immobilizer
- Stability control
- Multi-link front and rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

2008 Audi R8 Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features

- Body color front and rear bumpers
- Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors indicator lights
- Projector beam lens Bi-Xenon headlights
- Luxury trim alloy on gearknob
- Gloss paint
- Fixed rear window with defogger
- Trunk/hatch spoiler
- Tinted glass on cabin
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor

Friday, March 7, 2008

2009 BMW X6




Just three months after the official debut of the X6 Concept, BMW has revealed the production version of the X6 coupe-crossover, which it calls a "Sport Activity Coupe." Along with the wild exterior comes an all-new twin-turbo V8 that will find its way into other new BMWs next year.

BMW is the first automaker to bring such an SUV to market, although other automakers are said to be planning similar coupe-like utility vehicles. Land Rover, for example, recently unveiled its LRX coupe-crossover concept.

Compared with the concept, very little has changed. In fact, you'll have a hard time noticing any differences at all. The only obvious design tweak was made to the crossover's side windows. On the concept, the B- and C-pillars are not visible, but on the production car they clearly divide up the glass.

Even the X6's complex front fender design made it to production. Each front quarter panel surrounds the entire headlamp, creating a very seamless appearance. The X6's aggressive front fascia is also carried over from the concept, with its large air intakes and stylish fog lamps.


Daring design

As the photos show, the X6 is anything but a conservative design.

The X6's roofline begins arching downward after the B-pillar and continues plunging right to the X6's rising waistline. As a result, second-row headroom and rear cargo volume are both compromised.

The new X6 will be longer and lower than the new X5, seating only four. But what the sporty X6 loses in seating and storage, it is expected gain in performance.

Compared to the X5, the X6 has almost an inch of additional wheelbase length, and two inches of added width. The overall height of the X6 is a whopping 3.3 inches lower than that of the X5.

All-new twin-turbocharged V8

The range-topping X6 xDrive50i is propelled by an all-new twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 unit producing 407 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 446 pound-feet of torque between 1750 rpm and 4500 rpm. The sprint to 62 mph takes just 5.4 seconds and fuel economy is estimated at around 19 mpg (U.S. gallons).

The engine is designed as a replacement to the company's current 4.8-liter naturally-aspirated V8. It is expected to filter into other models like the 5-Series, 6-Series and 7-Series in the near future.

The engine seems to represent the second stage in a shift at BMW from high-displacement naturally-aspirated motors to slightly smaller turbocharged powerplants. BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that powers the 335i and 135i has been met with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and it appears BMW is hoping for similar results with its new V8.

The X6's other engine is also a twin-turbo setup. The xDrive35i will come with the aforementioned 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i, producing 306 horsepower.

A diesel model will be offered in Europe, but it is unlike to come to America.

X6 to be BMW's first hybrid?

BMW has comitted to delivering an X6 hybrid, but official details have not yet been released. Visually the hybrid is identical to the regular X6 but BMW claims that the model is 20 percent more fuel-efficient.

Various reports indicate the X6 will be BMW's first production car offered with the option of a hybrid powertrain.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren



The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is one of the world's most fascinating sports cars. Following their credo that the best is just good enough for BRABUS the engineers and designers at BRABUS have developed an exclusive sport program for the two-seater. It lets owners of the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models further individualize their vehicles.

BRABUS equips the SLR with a special self-locking differential. Its 40 percent locking rate further optimizes the super sports car's traction and thus further improves acceleration.

In BRABUS Racing version with performance-improving fuel cooling, custom camshafts and an open racing exhausts system maximum power output of the supercharged V8 engine increases to 660 hp / 486 kW at 6,500 rpm. The exhaust system is not certified for use on public roads. Thus equipped the SLR storms to 100 km/h from rest in just 3.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 340 km/h.

BRABUS further offers professional modifications to body, suspension and interior that further amplify the sports talents of the SLR.

For further improved directional stability at high speeds the BRABUS designers developed a new spoiler for the front air dam. The exposed-carbon aerodynamic-enhancement part reduces lift on the front axle and adds another shot of racing looks. The rear diffuser is also made from exposed carbon.

The multi-piece BRABUS Monoblock VI 20-inch light-alloy wheels with six double spokes command immediate attention. The fully polished wheels in size 9.5Jx20 in front and in size 11.5Jx20 on the rear axle fill out the available space below the wheel arches perfectly.

BRABUS chose high-performance tires in sizes 255/30 ZR 20 and 305/25 ZR 20 as the optimal solution. The conversion to the BRABUS 20-inch tire/wheel combination gives the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren even more dynamic handling prowess.

BRABUS also adds new sporty and exclusive highlights in the interior. The company-own upholstery shop created a BRABUS interior from an exclusive black and red combination of leather and Alcantara, perfectly crafted down to the last detail. The waffle-design stitching of the SLR leather floor is especially elaborate and it alone uses 7,800 meters of the finest thread.

For easier entering and exiting BRABUS manufactured a custom BRABUS sport steering wheel with an ergonomically shaped rim that is flat on the bottom. For manual shifting of the SLR's automatic transmission the BRABUS steering wheel features buttons integrated into the spokes.

The BRABUS interior designers developed precise-fit applications for dashboard, center console and door panels, all made from exposed carbon. They extend the BRABUS exterior carbon look into the interior.

The BRABUS super sports car sells for 600,000 Euros. Included in the price is the SLR's airfreight shipment to anywhere in the world.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe


2008 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO COUPE: Available in Coupe and Spyder (convertible) forms, the '08 Gallardo is an exotic two-seat Italian super car, smaller and lighter than the V-12 MurciĆ©lago. High performance motoring comes by way of the 520 horsepower, 5.0-liter V-10 engine. The V-10 is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, or optional six-speed automatic, and permanent four-wheel drive with viscous traction. Optional robotized sequential shift paddles are located on the steering column. From a standing start, the Gallardo hits 62 mph in a mere 4.2-seconds, and achieves a top speed of 196 miles per hour. Fabrizo Giugiaro, son of legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, is credited with the car’s striking body shape.

Monday, March 3, 2008

BMW M3 ALMS Race Car


BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."

Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."

Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Lotus Elise



The 2008 Lotus Elise continues the tradition of refined motoring with a sublime sports car that handles and performs like a race car. The Elise has numerous improvements installed as standard equipment including a new Lotus Tire Pressure Monitoring System that provides instant warning if there is a puncture or if pressures fall below safe levels.

Other upgrades include a stylish new instrument display with a high-definition LCD message panel, clutter-reducing "hidden until lit" warning and shift lights and customizable display options. An alarm/immobilizer system is also incorporated with central locking functions into a new integrated ignition key design.

Specifications

USA MSRP $46,270 USD
CANADA MSRP $54,500 CDN

CHASSIS
· Lotus Designed Lightweight Structure of Epoxy Bonded
Aluminum Extrusions
· Integral Steel Seatbelt Support Structure and
Lightweight Steel Rear Sub-Frame
EXTERIOR
· RTM Composite Fiberglass Body
· Black Soft-Top with Stowage Bag
· LED Taillights with Integral Reflectors
· Daytime Running Lights
· Aerodynamic Rear Diffuser with Central Twin Exhaust
· Solid Paint - Ardent Red or British Racing Green
SUSPENSION
· Fully Independent Suspension with
Unequal Length Wishbones
· Bilstein Mono-Tube Gas Damper, Eibach Coaxial Coil Spring
· Front Anti-Sway Bar
· Cast Alloy 8-Spoke Wheels in Silver Finish
· Front Wheels: 5.5J x 16 - 175/50R16
· Rear Wheels: 7.5J x 17 - 225/45R17
· Yokohama Advan Neova AD07 LTS Sports Tires
· 4-Wheel Ventilated/Cross-Drilled Disc Brakes
· Lotus/AP Racing & Brembo Calipers with
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
INTERIOR
· Black Cloth Seats with ProBax™ Anatomical Padding
· Air Conditioning, Starter Button, Tinted Glass and
Carpet Foot Mats
· Airbags - Driver and Passenger (Passenger Airbag
Cannot Be Deactivated)
· Factory Anti-Theft Alarm System with Engine Immobilizer
and Remote Locking
· Aluminum Trim - Gear Knob and
Handbrake Sleeve
· Leather-Trimmed Momo Steering Wheel
· Alpine 4-Speaker Stereo with In-Dash CD Player
· Intermittent Windshield Wiper
ENGINE
· 189 Horsepower 1.8 Liter, Mid-Mounted 4-Cylinder with
DOHC and VVTL-I (Variable Valve Timing
and Lift Intelligence)
· Multi-Point Fuel Injection System with
Electronic Ignition and Throttle Control
· Capacity: 1796 cm3
· Bore/Stroke 82.0 mm/85.0 mm
· Maximum Power: 189 hp @7800 rpm
· Maximum Torque: 133 lb ft @6800 rpm
· Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
· Fuel Tank Capacity: 10.6 Gallons
TRANSMISSION
· 6-Speed Close Ratio
PERFORMANCE

· 0-60 mph 4.9 sec
· 0-100 mph 12.9 sec
· Top Speed 150 mph
· Fuel Consumption 21 City / 27 Highway
· Curb Weight 1984 lbs

WARRANTIES
· 3-YEAR/36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
· 8-Year Chassis Corrosion Warranty

Saturday, March 1, 2008

LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP640


2008 LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP640: The MurciƩlago LP640, which refers to its engine position -Longitudinal Position- and to its 640 hp, is the most extreme and fastest sports car in its class. Designers and engineers have reworked the 12-cylinder powerplant from 6.2-liters to 6.5-liters; and linked it to a six-speed gearbox, tougher rear differential and new axle shafts. An e-gear automatic tranny is available, and the LP640 zooms from 0-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. Visually, the exotic body is constructed of sheet steel and honeycombed carbon fiber, featuring scissor doors and an exhaust system that terminates in the diffuser on the rear bumper. Inside the two-seater leather upholstered cockpit is a new instrument panel and optional navigation system..