Get Your Automotive

The 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII Rolling Door Concept Car was designed back in 1993 but never made it to the market because, well, it’s ridiculous. Basically instead of opening, the door just disappears into the car. There’s an eBay sale of it going on (right now at $19,000) and according to their description:

“Lincoln executives were concerned about the heavy and wide doors on the Mark VIII in the early 1990′s especially in large cities with tight parking spots. They were toying with the idea of a Mark VIII that had doors that disappeared beneath the car which would require no additional space for the doors to swing open in order to allow the occupant to exit or enter. Back in the day, the major auto makers would sub-contract their concept designs to other engineering firms who specialiazed in auto concepts and executions. In this particular case, this Lincoln Mark VIII was shipped over to Joalto Design Inc. near Detroit…who created this amazing, one of a kind concept car and shipped it back to Lincoln for executive approval…Unfortunately, the Ford Motor Company executives did not like the design and ordered the car (and the concept) to be sent to the junkyard and destroyed. The current owner had been tracking this car for nearly 20 years and finally convinced the previous owner to part with it.”

Alfa Romeo launched at the Geneva Motor Show Alfa Romeo 4C impressive concept, called a compact supercar that will be a halo car company in 2012, when it is set to enter production. Alfa Romeo Concept 4C has a length of almost 4 meters and a wheelbase of less than 2.4 meters, and this is a two-seat coupé with rear-wheel drive machine in the center. Under the tent, we fing a 1750 4-cylinder turbo gasoline engine delivers more than 200 hp and mated with a new automatic transmission “TCT Alfa” twin dry clutches (see also the new Alfa Romeo Mito TCT). According to the manufacturer, this concept is supported by the “4 cylinder” 1750 Turbo Gasoline engine that provides a 200 HP, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h (62 mph) in less than 5 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 250 km / h or 155 mph.

4c GTA concept inspired by the 8C Competizione models such as Spider 8C and models, but takes design a step forward. While the two models are focused on getting more resources than most, with GTA 4c concept the company has focused on reducing vehicle weight thanks to the extensive use of carbon. Inspired by the model 8C, GTA 4c distinguished by graceful lines and clean the external, but also by design that maintains the on-board features and tools that directly reflects the spirit of sports car. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber concept weighs just 850 pounds. Chassis supports a body made entirely of carbon, in which there is room for driver and passenger, while the rear frame structure and crash boxes using aluminum extensively. This layout has improved center of gravity of the vehicle offers increased agility and drivability in the streets of the most challenging.

Performance

4c GTA concept is supported by the “4 cylinder” 1750 Turbo Gasoline engine located in the center at the rear of the vehicle and a new automatic transmission is paired with “TCT Alfa” dry twin clutch. With a total output of 200 HP, engine concept will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, while top speed rises to 155 mph. This concept is also equipped with a suspension layout is very sophisticated (high rectangle in front, MacPherson at the rear) combined with rear-wheel drive system offers a 40% weight distribution on the front axle and 60% at the rear axle.

Price

Alfa Romeo has announced that GTA 4C is not only a design exercise, but will go into production in 2012 in an effort to strengthen global growth of Alfa Romeo. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

At this point, the only comparison is important for GTA 4C is the KTM X-Bow itself. We have already touched on the overall weight of the two cars and as far as the powertrain is concerned, X-Bow has a inline engine Audi-sourced four-cylinder TFSI with about 220 horsepower on it with an upgrade that could take the output all the way up to 300 horsepower. The price tag, 300-horsepower version of the X-Bow retail for approximately, $ 55,000 is only about a ball park range from the expected price of GTA 4C. (more…)

It’s been stated that your auto or truck tires are the lone thing linking you and the road. To give you firm handling, and superior traction, make sure you get your tires checked regularly. Bald tires are a bad idea anytime.

If you want to prevent tire harm you ought to test your tire’s air pressure one time a month.

The proper tire pressure is found on the vehicle placard & can be found in the car owner’s manual, beneath the gas tank lid , all along the driver’s side door edge, and all along the door post.

Your air pressure found on the side of your tire is not the right air pressure for your car. That number is the utmost air pressure for the tire. Always also bear in mind to test the air in your spare tire.

Make sure you test your tire pressure one time a month. Inaccurate air pressure often is the principal cause of tire destruction

You need to prevent getting stranded or paying out costly towing fees. Verify your air pressure on your spare on a regular basis. When you’ve got different rims than came on your car originally, make sure that the bolts on your spare tire are the right fitting.

Failure to keep your tires properly inflated can encourage wear and will have a negative effect on your autos handling.

If you are checking and adjusting tire pressure, the following need to be kept in mind: (more…)