Monday, September 14, 2009

2009 Manhart BMW Z4 M V10


Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 2009 - Front Angle Picture

The M version of the BMW Z4 is famously known by nature for being anything but underpowered, since the chassis of the sports convertible already has a heck of a lot of work with the 343 HP and the forward thrust in the lower gears could last forever.



2009 Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 - Engine Picture

2009 Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 - Interior Picture

As is generally known however, the sport oriented motorist can never have enough power at his command. Sufficient cause for Günther Manhart, who by now has over 25 years experience in rebuilding BMW engines – a first for Europe – to transplant a brand new, much stronger heart into the Z4. The transplantation of the ten cylinder engine from the current M5 generation into the narrow engine bay of the roadster was anything but a walk in the park and it earned the Manhart Racing engineers quite a few grey hairs. Nevertheless: everything fitted in the end and now the fire of a 5.0 liter V10 engine with an impressive output of 550 HP blazes above the front axle of the Z4. A catalytic converter, a modified DME electronic control unit and the removal of the factory-set V-Max restriction up to 250 km/h are part of the rebuild. Consistent to the M5 V10 engine Manhart Racing has treated the Z4 to an original M5 E60 6 gear manual transmission which includes a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and a M5 E60 differential. An AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system with four muffler tips which was fitted with HJS racing catalytic converters caters for a perfect V10 sound at the rear.

The Manhart Z4 M V10 goes like hell and thanks to the perfectly tuned Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers, the virtually unrestrained power of 550 HP can be brought under control to the tarmac. Black BBS Challenge wheels rotate in the wheel arches of the Manhart Z4 M V10 with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tires and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tires.

Conclusion: 550 HP ten cylinders, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, kerb weight 1450kg, 2.6kg per HP… who could guess that these impressive figures belong to a Z4? Hardly anyone, however Manhart Racing turns dreams into reality and does this with 25 years experience.



2009 Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 - Rear Angle Picture

Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 2009 - Front Side Picture

2009 Manhart BMW Z4 M V10 - Rear Side Details Picture

2009 GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto


2009 GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto - Front Side Picture

The market for American cars has fallen into a sort of lethargy since the insolvency of Chrysler and General Motors. Vehicles like the new Cadillac CTS-V or the new Camaro only find their way over the big pond on the initiative of specialized dealers. But despite the crisis and the uncertain future of the American automobile industry, the fan base has not shrunk at all, in contrary the US car scene is as lively as ever.



GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto 2009 - Dashboard Picture

2009 GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto - Interior Picture

Karl Geiger, the founder of GeigerCars.de in Munich, has been importing, tuning and customizing American vehicles for more than 30 years. Thanks to a perfect network, the newest models are always available as the first in Europe on the large site in Truderinger Strasse, despite the stuttering US market.

One major enthusiasm of the Bavarian is and remains customizing, and once again Karl Geiger has achieved a masterpiece with this Hummer H2 conversion. The paintwork answers to the name “Latte Macciatto” and is a mix of a noble brown as the base color with many contrast elements in crème-beige. The combination of wheels and tires is exclusive, with 315/30R30 tires on gigantic 30-inch chrome wheels. Behind the almost full wheel rims are Brembo brakes with 380 X 34 mm riveted brake discs and 4-piston calipers at the front, and 380 X 32 mm discs with 2-piston calipers at the back. The chassis receives additional stabilizers, rear axle struts and adjustable sports shock absorbers, including lowering, which is certainly a good idea in view of the extremely high performance of the Geiger Hummer H2.

As is traditional, Geiger has fitted the Hummer motor with a supercharger, which increases the power to a full 547 PS at 5900 rpm and the maximum torque to a brutal 763 Nm at 4500 rpm. So the US giant covers the classical sprint from 0 to 100 kmh in slightly less than 7 seconds, and the forward urge is only gently held back by the air resistance at 228 kmh. In order that the outside world notices the H2 not only visually but also aurally, a special in-house stainless steel sport exhaust system gives out a real thunder.

The inside is pure luxury, because Karl Geiger lines every square centimeter with the finest leather in brown and crème beige. Dashboard, steering wheel, central console and door panels, all glisten in the same color combination as the outside paintwork, which makes the “Latte Macciatto” Hummer absolutely unique. Also remarkable is the fact that Geiger has refinished altogether 400 small parts in the interior with piano lacquer. The A, B and C columns and the underside of the roof have also been lined with finely structured Alcantara. A pioneer sound system including SatNav supplies the passengers with perfect sound and all important information, while a roof-mounted monitor in the back is ideally suited for playing DVDs.

Technical facts

Vehicle type: Hummer H2
Motor: supercharger conversion
Power: 547 POS (402 kW) at 5900 rpm
Max. torque: 763 Nm at 4500 rpm
Acceleration: 0-100 kmh: 6.9 sec.
Top speed: 228 kmh
Brakes: front and back, 2-part riveted brake discs 380 X 32 mm,
front with 6-piston calipers, rear with 4-piston calipers
Wheels/tires: Geiger aluminum wheel, 9.5 X 30 all round with 315/30R30
Chassis: strengthened stabilizers and rear axle struts, lowered
Interior equipment: 2-tone special leather lining, Pioneer sound system incl. navigation, Roof-mounted monitor incl. DVD player, reversing camera in the rear-view mirror
Special features: special paintwork in latte design, Geiger stainless steel sports exhaust system



GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto 2009 - Rear Interior Picture

2009 GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto - Rear Side Picture

GeigerCars Hummer H2 Latte Macciatto 2009 - Wheel Picture

2009 Hummer H3T Alpha


HUMMER H3T Alpha 2009 - Front Angle View

The H3T is bigger than a midsize truck and smaller than a full-size truck, creating its own niche in the market. It also is infused with the attributes expected of a HUMMER, including exceptional off-road capability and a premium interior that is as functional as it is comfortable.



2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha - Cockpit Interior View

HUMMER H3T Alpha 2009 - Front Side View

CHICAGO – HUMMER is bringing its unmistakable style and unmatched capability to the truck market with the 2009 H3T. It is based on the architecture of the popular H3, but features a five-passenger crew cab and a separate five-foot-long (1.5 meters) bed.

2009 H3T BRINGS HUMMER’S UNIQUE STYLE AND LEGENDARY CAPABILITY TO THE TRUCK MARKET
Exclusive standard full-time four-wheel drive with 32-inch tires and skid plates
Crew cab body style with seating for five
Five-foot (1.5 meters) bed capable of carrying two dirt bikes, a snowmobile or ATV and full sheets of plywood
Extensive portfolio of officially licensed accessories
Standard StabiliTrak and head curtain side air bags
H3T Alpha with 5.3L V-8 and a 5,900-lb. (2,676 kg) towing capacity

“With its unique size and HUMMER traits, the H3T is ideal for the customer who works hard and plays harder,” said Martin Walsh, HUMMER general manager. “It offers the combination of truck versatility and HUMMER off-road prowess that delivers customers to the trail in style.”

In addition to its segment-defying size, the H3T also stands apart from other trucks with its signature HUMMER off-road capability. It is the only midsize truck to come standard with full-time four-wheel drive, 32-inch tires and functional skid shields. It also is the only midsize truck to offer front and rear locking differentials, as well as 33-inch tires. The V-8-powered H3T Alpha can tow up to 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg).

The H3T is offered in four trim levels, including five-cylinder models and the popular, V-8-powered H3T Alpha edition. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2008 at GM’s Shreveport, La., assembly plant, with vehicles arriving at HUMMER dealerships shortly thereafter. HUMMER will sell the H3T in North America, Europe and the Middle East.

Design

Like all HUMMER models, the H3T has a purposeful design. Its consistent and iconic styling cues include a wide, aggressive stance; a low roofline and high beltline; and large, off-road tires. The wide, seven-slot grille and round headlamps mounted in square housings are signature HUMMER design elements.

“Form following function is at the core of HUMMER’s design philosophy, and the H3T’s capability reflects that mantra,” said Carl Zipfel, HUMMER director of design and former motocross professional. “It has a distinctive look that could be mistaken for nothing except a HUMMER – and it also has the functionality to get the driver to and from the trail in style.”

The crew cab body shares H3 styling and components from the B-pillar forward, while the rear section of the cab and the separate bed are unique to the H3T. The five-foot bed is similar in design and function to GM’s recently redesigned full-size trucks, including an easily removable tailgate and provisions for a bed-rail accessory system. A full-size spare tire is mounted beneath the bed.

The bed is sized to carry a wide range of popular outdoor necessities, from hauling motocross bikes to Baja, a quad to camp, or backcountry gear to the trailhead. One of the industry’s largest portfolios of accessories complements the H3T’s bed, offering different cargo management options to suit all of those lifestyle interests.

Accessories
One of the industry’s broadest portfolios of vehicle accessories has been developed for the H3T. Centered on active lifestyles, items such as removable and lockable bed-mounted storage boxes; an adjustable bike chock that can be used to help secure mountain bikes or motorcycles; and a bed extender make full use of the standard bed-rail cargo management system. A range of additional accessories that improves off-road capabilities, provides passenger entertainment and enhances exterior styling is also available. There are more than 75 HUMMER Genuine Accessories offered.

In addition to the factory-developed accessory portfolio, HUMMER has partnered with top automotive aftermarket companies to develop more than 50 Officially Licensed HUMMER Accessories – a first for the brand. A variety of exterior enhancements, such as a Slant Back Bed Cover, hard tonneau covers and a winch are offered, along with cargo management solutions such as the BedSlide and bed divider, offering countless possibilities to personalize the H3T.

Interior
The H3T’s crew cab cabin offers seating for five adults, with a 60/40-split rear bench seat that folds flat for increased cargo-carrying options. The cabin’s layout is essentially identical to the acclaimed H3 SUV, with premium materials and attention to detail that give the vehicle a functional yet refined aesthetic.

Standard amenities also include air conditioning, power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. An AM/FM radio with CD is standard and a premium Monsoon audio system is available. XM Satellite Radio also is standard and includes three months of trial service.

HUMMER’s Rear Vision system and a navigation system are available. The Rear Vision system uses a camera mounted on the rear bumper, directly above the trailer hitch mount, to provide a view of objects directly behind the vehicle. Also, the safety and security of OnStar is standard, with Turn-By-Turn Navigation and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity available.

Powertrain
Standard in the H3T is the Vortec 3.7L I-5 with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. This inline five-cylinder engine offers an excellent combination of power and efficiency, delivering 242 horsepower (180 kW) at 5600 rpm* and 242 lb.-ft. of torque (328 Nm) at 4600 rpm. It is backed by a five-speed manual transmission or an available four-speed, electronically controlled automatic.

The H3T Alpha’s 5.3L engine is a powerful and efficient member of GM’s legendary small-block V-8 family. It is rated at 300 horsepower (224 kW)* and 320 lb.-ft. of torque (434 Nm).* An aluminum cylinder block is used with the H3 Alpha’s engine. It helps reduce overall mass and maintains a more desirable front-to-rear weight balance.

A Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 5.3L engine. Flat towing is enabled on all H3 and H3T models.

Chassis
The H3T’s frame and suspension system are based on a stretched version of the H3 SUV’s chassis and suspension – the same race-proven design found on Baja 1000-winning stock-class race trucks. The wheelbase measures 134.2 inches (3,409 mm) – 22 inches (86 mm) longer than the H3 SUV.

A ladder-type frame is the truck’s foundation and it has a modular, three-piece design that incorporates fully boxed components for outstanding strength and stiffness. An independent SLA torsion bar front suspension and multileaf Hotchkiss-type rear suspension are used. There are two suspension packages available:

Z85 Heavy-Duty Handling and Trailering – This standard suspension delivers an excellent balance of on-highway comfort and off-road capability. It includes 32-inch all-terrain tires mounted on 16-inch, smoke-color steel wheels, specially tuned heavy-duty shocks and either a 4.56-ratio (3.7L) or 4.10-ratio (5.3L) rear axle.
Off-Road Adventure – Designed for more aggressive off-road performance, this optional suspension package includes taller, 33-inch tires, specifically tuned shocks, locking front and rear differentials, 4.03:1 low-range gearing in the transfer case and industry-leading crawl ratios of either 68.9 with the manual transmission or 56.2 with the automatic.

To support the torque output of the 5.3L V-8, the H3T Alpha’s front differential case is made of cast iron; other models feature an aluminum case. V-8-powered vehicles also receive higher torsion bar rates to support the increased mass and specific shock valving. The chassis and suspensions were validated in real-world testing on off-road trails in Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail in California, and other challenging off-road venues.
Off-road capability
The H3T lives up to HUMMER’s legendary off-road reputation, with best-in-class extreme off-road capability. Highlights include:

Ability to climb a 60-percent grade and traverse a 40-percent side slope
Exceptional 10.2-inch (285 mm) ground clearance (with 33-inch tires)
38.7-degree approach angle and 30.1-degree departure angle (with 33-inch tires)
* Segment-first available front- and rear-locking differentials
* Standard HUMMER Hill Hold Assist for improved hill ascension

“For most lifestyles, there’s almost nothing the H3T can’t handle,” said Walsh. “It’s a truck with HUMMER’s immutable capability.”

Complementing the features that enable the H3T’s impressive off-road prowess are a host of first-class protective elements, including four standard skid shields: a front shield, an oil-pan shield/front-axle shield, a transfer case shield and a fuel tank shield.

Safety
Continuing HUMMER’s tradition of delivering a broad range of safety systems, the H3T offers the following standard features:

* Dual frontal air bags with GM’s passenger sensing system
* Head curtain side-impact air bags
* StabiliTrak electronic vehicle stability control system
* Four-wheel ABS with traction control
* Tire pressure monitoring system
* LATCH rear child seat anchors
* OnStar with one-year Safe & Sound service

The H3T was also designed for vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a crash, and its rigid body structure provides good passenger protection.



2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha - Rear Angle View

2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha - Rear View

HUMMER H3T Alpha 2009 - Side View

2009 Hummer H2 Black Chrome Limited Edition


Hummer H2 Black Chrome Limited Edition 2009 - Front View

Available later in the ’09 model year is the Black Chrome limited edition model. Only 1,300 will be offered worldwide. These special H2 SUV and SUT models are distinguished on the outside with black chrome details, including:



2009 Hummer H2 Black Chrome Limited Edition - Cocokpit Interior View

Hummer H2 Black Chrome Limited Edition 2009 - Front Angle View

• Twenty-inch chrome-clad wheels
• Grille
• Hood latches and handles
• Fuel filler door
• Door handles
• Mirror caps
• “H2” badges
• Side air vents
• Spare tire cover emblem
• Body-colour wheel flares, rocker mouldings and hood louver

Three exterior colours are available with the Black Chrome edition: the new-for-2009 Silver Ice Metallic, Sedona Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic. Silver Ice Metallic and Carbon Black Metallic examples are offered with the Ebony/Shale interior combination, while the Sedona Metallic colour is exclusive to the Black Chrome edition and is offered only with the Sedona interior.

Specific interior trim is included with the special model, as well as a heated and power-tilting steering wheel.



Hummer H2 Black Chrome Limited Edition 2009 - Side View