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Aston Martin snatches Maserati’s Head of Advanced Powertrain

Aston Martin seems to be pretty busy readying thier fleet of new vehicles, which is probably part of the after effect of its agreement with Mercedes-Benz AMG. The German automotive giant has agreed to supply engines to the Gaydon based automaker and has also acquired a 5% stake in the company.

The strategy is especially evident with its recruitment of ex-Maserati man, Joerg Ross as Chief Engineer of powertrains. Ross, is a seasoned veteran in the powertrain business having served as the Head of Advanced Powertrain division at Maserati.

Prior to this, he held senior management positions at IAV, Scuderia Ferrari F1 and Ford. In total, he has spent more than 25 years in the automotive industry and has no doubt seen his share of technological advancements.

He will be responsible for the development of Aston Martin’s engines, transmissions and electrification work. Ross will be based at the company’s HQ at Gaydon, Warwickshire and will be reporting to Vice President and Chief Technical Officer, Max Szwaj.

“We are delighted to welcome Joerg to the Aston Martin team. His considerable experience and knowledge will prove invaluable for the Engineering team as we prepare the business for the next generation of Aston Martin products,” said Max Szwaj.

Born in Remscheid, Germany, Joerg holds a degree and a PHD in Mechanical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. He speaks several languages including German, English and Italian.

Speaking of his appointment, Ross said, “I’m delighted to be joining Aston Martin at what is an exciting time for the brand. The company is at a significant point in its history, with the recent announcement of its first all-electric car the RapidE. I’m excited to play a part in developing Aston Martin’s future vehicle strategy.”

It seems like the UK based supercar maker has big plans for the not so distant future. Though many consider an AMG engine in an Aston Martin as sacrilege, their proven reliability and power delivery should complement the elegantly styled sporty bodywork of Astons of the future.

Jamiroquai’s Lamborghini Diablo is up for sale

The viola-metallic Lamborghini Diablo, made famous after being featured in Jamiroquai’s 1990s hit single, Cosmic Girl, has been put up for sale. It has been listed on Auto Trader, which is the UK’s largest marketplace for new and used cars.

It’s one of two identical car that were featured in the 1996 music video. The first car met its unfortunate end after a crash on the video set. This second car, took its place but it too encountered an unlucky incident. During filming, a precision camera fell on it from a considerable height, decimating the windshield.

Jamiroquai’s lead man, Jay Kay, decided to keep driving the car for the remainder of the filming without a front windshield. And as such, unlike many celebrity cars, this particular Lambo has had quite a past and probably a hex too.

Now, its up for sale with a price tag of £549,995 (RM 3,113,357) and happens to be one of only 16 right-hand-drive models in exsistance. Amari Supercars, a car dealership in the UK, claims to have sold it to the band in 1996. And since then, the Lambo has been past on two further owners before being returned to the dealership after spending sometime in Germany.

Speaking of the car, Auto Trader Car’s Editor, Andy Pringle, said, “One of three classic supercars used in the Cosmic Girl video – it’s the only one that the ‘Space Cowboy’ actually owned – so although it might price-out most music fans at over half a million pounds – there could be a love affair reunited on the cards if Jay Kay’s browsing Auto Trader this week.”

Celebrity involvement aside, the Diablo was one of the most iconic cars of the 1990s. It was the quintessential hypercar of an era when Traction Control and Stability Assist systems were almost nonexistent. It was a true driver’s car and one that required a significant amount of physical strength to keep it in check.

Built at Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, the Diablo, which is Spanish for devil, was a mid-engine hypercar built between 1990 and 2001. It had either a 5.7 or 6.0-litre V12 engine that was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

It replaced the wedge-shaped Countach and was a brute with 485bhp available from its spectacular V12 engine. It was capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds, which was incredibly fast for the time and capable of achieving a top speed of 325km/h.

Unlike the Countach, the Diablo came with better creature comforts including adjustable seats and steering wheel, power windows and Alpine stereo system. Despite this, the car was a real handful to drive because power steering and ABS only became available in later years.

It was eventually replaced by the Murcielago but we are quite sure that the one up for sale, will fetch a significant amount of money and will be an amazing collector’s item for the near future.

Ford builds F-22 themed F-150 Raptor

Ford’s F-150 Raptor is one powerful behemoth of a truck that needs no introduction. It’s a tough and capable off-roader that surmises the American dream of sticking it to the man as well as mother nature.

The Blue Oval has taken its latest Raptor and customized it to incorporate design cues of the US Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet. This particular truck has been auctioned off during the annual auction at AirVenture Oshkosh.

The purpose of this really cool customization job is to raise money and awareness for the Experimental Aircraft Association Gathering of Eagles. It’s an organization and an event committed to aviation and encouraging youth involvement in flight.

Over the years Ford has raised more than $3 million (RM 12,856,500) for this annual event since 2008 by creating these customized one-of-a-kind vehicles. The automaker has also served as exclusive automotive sponsor of the 2017 AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

This F-22 inspired F-150 Raptor was eventually picked up by Gary Ackerman of Gaudin Ford in Las Vegas, Nevada for a whopping $300,000 (RM 1,285,650). Ackerman serves as Honorary Commander/Ambassador for the United States Airforce’s F-22 Squadron at Nellis Airforce Base in Nevada.

Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt and Ford Performance led the design and engineering work of the F-22 F-150 Raptor, said, “Our job – both in the air and on the ground – is to intimidate the competition.The money we raised will enable Young Eagles to reach for the skies as well.”

The modifications that were made are more than skin deep and Ford has released an extensive list of features that set this particular Raptor apart from its civilian counterpart. The vehicle has custom suspension, unique exterior trim pieces and off-roading equipment that help it tackle the worst of conditions.

The following is what the truck comes with:

Whipple-intercooled, high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost® making 545 horsepower and 895Nm of torque
Modified Addictive Desert Design front suspension and bump stop kit
Deaver rear spring pack to provide a smooth, progressive suspension
Fox bypass series shocks with adjustable compression and rebound valving to customize damping for on-road and off-road use
Innov8 Racing custom forged beadlock wheels with Falcon Wildpeak tyres
Upgraded Alcon six-piston painted calipers, oversized rotors, high-friction pads
Modular off-road 1.3-million candela LED lighting system by KC Hilites
Kicker audio system with 1,500 watts of amplification
Unique Sherwin-Williams exterior paint integrating F-22 Raptor jet cues including titanium grille with front silhouette of the aircraft; jet cues
featured on the interior as well
Amp Research power retracting steps
DeBerti two-tyre, gas and ProEagle jack holder
LineX sprayed bedliner
All-stainless-steel cat-back Borla exhaust system with carbon fiber tips
DeBerti carbon fiber fender flares, hood and fender vents
Paint hand-cut and polished to a mirror finish by Independent Detail

The US Air Force’s F22 Raptor is a technological marvel for the 21st century. It is considered a stealth fighter that is able to evade enemy radar with relative ease. Unlike conventional fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, its weapons are stored internally. Once the pilot has chosen the target and is ready to fire, only then do its pod bay doors open, exposing the precision weaponry.

This aircraft is one of the deadliest fighter jets in existence and as such, its no wonder that Ford chose it as the the design theme for its ever popular powerhouse, the F-150 Raptor.

Maserati to take the electric route before 2022

Tesla’s resilience when faced with almost insurmountable challenges of making a practical electric car, has had an impact on the industry. It wasn’t too long ago when many mainstream automakers suggested that producing a practical electric car was still some ways off, and that the internal combustion engine was here to stay.

Now however, many have changed their tune and are willing to step into relatively uncharted waters and begin mass producing electrified powertrains. Not long ago, Volvo announced that it will only be building hybrid or fully electric vehicles from 2019 onward. Hyundai too are planning on a similar strategy sometime in the near future.

And if an article published by Autocar UK is to be believed, it would appear that Maserati, a well known Italian sports car company has decided to take the electrified route as well. It’s parent company FCA (Fiat Chrysler Autombiles) who also owns Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Dodge, want Maserati to take the lead and produce electrified vehicles and technology.

This same technology can then be adapted by the rest of the brands under the FCA umbrella and ensure that about half of the company’s model range comprises of either hybrid or EVs by 2022.

That said, the first electrified Maserati, which will probably be a hybrid, is predicted to be unveiled by 2020 at the earliest and may be based on the Alfieri concept that debuted at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The article goes on to speculate that Prior to the launch of that vehicle, Maserati might hybridize other current generation vehicles like the Levante SUV. Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but we won’t be surprised if the Italian automaker chooses to go fully electric in the not so distant future.

Many car buyers around the world are beginning to embrace hybrid and electric vehicles as the future of personal mobility. And as soon as there is sufficient infrastructure to sustain their practicality as daily drivers, that will be the final nail in the coffin of the internal combustion engine.

Source: Autocar UK

Honda to offer racecar for road use

Ever wanted to own a racing car that could also double as your daily driver? Well, wonder no more because Acura, Honda’s performance arm in the US will be offering the race spec NSX GT3 for sale globally. The race-winning car is certified for professional competition and has been through extensive on-track development.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress and success of the NSX GT3 in our inaugural season,” said Art St. Cyr, President of HPD. “Winning at Detroit and Watkins Glen, two very different circuits, in this highly competitive class illustrates the breadth of capabilities of the NSX GT3. We look forward to seeing the car in Victory Circle at tracks around the world in 2018 and beyond.”

The carbon-fibre paneled car will be offered to customers with the full aero kit including front splitter, rear diffuser and GT wing. In fact, its chassis consists of a mutli-material body structure and TIG-welded chrome-moly roll cage. This NSX GT3 will be built along side the regular production car in Honda’s NSX exclusive manufacturing facility in Ohio, USA.

It’s engine will come from the same place that supplies the standard NSX with its powerplants. Technically the one in the NSX GT3 shares the same specs as the 3.5-litre turbo V6 in the standard car. They have the same block, heads, valve train, crankshaft, pistons and dry-sump lubrication system.

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed, sequential-shift racing gearbox and unlike the regular car, this race-ready car is only rear wheel drive. Final assembly takes place in Italy where everything is put together and tested to ensure that it adhere’s to Honda’s stringent standards of quality and safety.

On top of that, the Japanese automaker will also be offering customer support for those who purchase the car, which includes parts, servicing, training and engineering services. The car carries a price tag of €465,000 or (RM2,338,682) and will be available to order from Acura’s specialized dealer network that include HPD for North America, JAS Motorsports (Europe, Middle-East, Asia) and Mugen for sales in Japan.

Though the relatively steep asking price won’t be to everybody’s liking, the NXS GT3 is an exceptionally capable racer that is worth the money. It has already won a number of races in its inaugural season of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition. And those wanting something a little more visceral than that offered by the standard NSX, won’t be disappointed with this race-ready car.

Mitsubishi owner buys 14th vehicle

Brand loyalty isn’t as important to car buyers as it used to be. These days, many tend to look for models that offer the best bang for their buck rather than stick to a familiar nameplate. However, that isn’t the case for 78 year old Clif Hodson who is known for his love affair with the brand.

Hodson, a UK resident recently picked up a 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage from a dealer in Cheltenham. And it happens to bw his 14th Mitsubishi to date. His loyalty for vehicles made by the Japanese automaker is astounding to say the least. According to him, his affinity for the brand stems from their ability to produce vehicles that are both reliable and comfortable to use as a daily driver.

His first purchase was made in 1979 for a Mitsubishi Colt and in the following years, he and wife, Ann have bought a number of other models including a Sigma, Galant, Lancer, Spacestar, ASX and Mirage. In fact, they have sampled the various types of vehicles too, from MPVs and sedans to hatchbacks and crossovers.

Speaking of his love for the brand, Hodson, said, “The only issue I’ve ever had has been the coil failing on one of my first cars and when I called out the AA the patrolman said he’d never been out to a Mitsubishi before! I like all the equipment too, and my passion for the brand has rubbed off on my family with my daughter owning a Lancer and my granddaughter a small Colt.”

His financial situation has no bearing on his purchasing decisions either, Mitsubishi cars are all he desires. This became evident when he stated that, if he were to win the lottery, he’d rush out any buy a new ASX to use as the daily runabout and a Lancer Evolution for hooning about on a racetrack.

Amanda Gibson, Press & Public Relations Manager, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said, “We’re delighted that Mr Hodson is so passionate about Mitsubishi and with this year being the brand’s 100th anniversary, it’s great to hear of customers who are so fond of our cars. We really appreciate his enthusiasm and wish him many more miles of happy Mitsubishi motoring.”

In this age of ‘value deals’ its good to know that some car buyers value heritage and track record as much as their daily bread. Mitsubishi as a manufacturer is known for producing robust cars for the masses. A number of Proton cars were based on several versions of the Lancer and one on the Charisma. Their strong and reliable engines were at the heart of these dependable workhorses.

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