Modded Autos

U.S. Customers Get First Crack At ‘Sang Noir’ Veyrons

Bubba Walden — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:17:40 +0000

When Bugatti produced the “Pur Sang” special edition Veyron, customers all over the world were not happy to learn that they were only going to be sold to a special invitation-only group of buyers from Paris, France. This time around, Bugatti has created a new special edition Veyron labeled the “Sang Noir.” Only 15 of these $1.5 million supercars will be produced, and this time buyers from the United States will get the first crack. If all 15 aren’t sold within a certain pre-set time frame, the Sang Noir Veyrons will be sold to other countries. Don’t get your hopes up though, because all 15 Sang Noir Veyrons are expected to sell within the first couple of days after arriving to the U.S.

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New ZR1 Shatters Z06’s Nurburgring Lap Times

Bubba Walden — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:01:26 +0000

When the Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 went into production in the latter half of 2005, critics everywhere gawked at the unbelievably fast lap times it posted around Germany’s world known track, the Nurburgring. Beating cars more than 5 times it’s own price tag, the C6 Z06 lapped the Nurburgring in just 7:42.99. With a retail price of $70,000, it’s no secret that this car was the best money could buy.

All of that is in the past though, and Chevrolet is ready for a new challenge. If you thought Chevy was going to cease production of it’s fast, sporty models of their line to focus more towards fuel economy like most manufacturers, you were wrong. Coming out in 2009 is the all-new Corvette ZR1, and we all know better than to have low expectations for this car.

Just this past Saturday, while driving the Corvette ZR1, in completely stock form, including the tires, Jim Mero, GM’s development engineer, achieved an outstanding lap time of 7:26.4 on the Nurburgring. It looks like the new Nissan GT-R may not be as much of a threat to the ZR1 as people originally thought it would be.

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Ways To Help Save Some Gas

Dennis Burklen — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:05:47 +0000

Does this look like you? In light of the everlasting high gas prices we all wonder what we can do to save a dime at the pump. I have taken some time and compiled a few things that might help you out.

1. Keep your foot out of the floor
One of the easiest things you can do is slow down. The faster you drive on your daily commute the more gas you burn so slow down and drive the speed limit. Don’t believe me drive the speed limit for a week on a full tank see how much gas you use. Now drive at your normal rate of speed racer for a week on a full tank and see how much you use.

2. Air in tires is good
Having the recommended pressure in your tires can save you some cash also. Tires lose air due to time (about 1 psi per month) and temperature (1 psi for every 10 degree drop). Less air means more tire surface on the ground which means more resistance. More resistance means more work to keep them rolling causing less mpg. Check your tires most of them will tell you the recommended pressure right on the tire

3. Check your air filter
Dirty air filter can be a fuel economy killer. A dirty filter will restrict the air flow to your engine which hurts your cars performance thus hurting the fuel economy of your vehicle. You can check your filter easily by pulling it out and holding it up to the sun. If you cant see light through it its time to replace. A K&N or any other brand of reusable cotton based replacement filter is another great option. You clean them rather then replace them and they increase your cars performance and fuel economy.

4. You’re not at the track quit acting like it
Accelerating at a normal pace not putting the foot in the floor at every light will save you a ton of gas in the long run. Quick start’s use more gas so if you drive an automatic just take off normal and you’ll be fine. If you drive a stick shift early to keep the rpm’s down. Anticipate stops. Speeding up quickly then slowing down quickly is a waste of gas especially in city traffic.

5. Sweat a little
Turn the A/C off and roll down the windows and enjoy the breeze while in town to save gas. While on the highway keep the A/C on because the wind resistance from the open windows will cost as much on gas and the A/C does.

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Saturn Said To Drop ‘Green Line’ Label

Al Cala — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:26:31 +0000

Back in 2006, when Saturn first introduced the Vue Green Line, it was one of the first American-made, hybrid SUVs. At that time marketers deemed it a good idea to label Saturn’s more sedate eco-friendly models as ‘Green Line” and the sportier, performance oriented models, as ‘Red Line’.

The extended names, Saturn Vue Green Line for example, has proven to be confusing to customers, so for the 2009 model year, GM has decided to drop the ‘Green Line” label and the accompanying badge. Saturn spokesman, Mike Morrissey reported that “as more models are being introduced, it is becoming increasingly difficult to write short sentences mentioning the vehicles in advertisements.

At this time there are no plans for the ‘Red Line’ label, but as more models are added to the line-up, there is a possibility that it too could go.

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GM To Build Hydrogen Fueling Station In Los Angeles

Al Cala — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:12:52 +0000

General Motors has announced that it will build a hydrogen fueling station in Los Angeles in conjunction with Clean Energy Corp. The goal for this project is to promote the benefits of the clean-burning fuel, as well as G.M.’s progress in the field of alternative fuels. The two companies are also open to building the new hydrogen infrastructure in that hopes that it will build acceptance among consumers, and prove that hydrogen could one day be a successful alternative to fossil fuels.

Clean Energy is the leader in providing natural gas as fuel for transportation in North America and is lending its expertise at the storage and delivery of the fuel.

The hydrogen station will be used by drivers participating in Chevrolet’s Project Driveway, the world’s largest test of fuel cell vehicles, as well as the hydrogen fuel cell limo service being run by GM and Virgin Atlantic for its international travelers.

The project Driveway included more than 100 Chevy Equinox fuel cell vehicles leased to customers around the world, the first being delivered in L.A., New York City, and Washington D.C.

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