Official Car Thread :: Vol 2 :: Now with More Bikes!

[Tones]

There was a rotary production motorcycle in the '70's:

Suzuki RE-5

Supposedly it wasn't anything too special other than its unique powerplant.

[Wildkat]

There was a rotary production motorcycle in the '70's:

Suzuki RE-5

Supposedly it wasn't anything too special other than its unique powerplant.

One of the guys in the local auto clubs here has one. It is a screaming bitch to find parts for, but he calls it the "anti-harley" because the engine runs so smooth.

[Tones]

I can imagine it would be hard to find parts... a one-off engine that was used for two years, and didn't sell. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of them had to be custom fabricated nowadays, being 30 years old.

[Tones]

Here's a few awesome 2 strokes from another forum I frequent:

Kawasaki H2 triple


Yamaha RD400

[Advocate]

Official from the NYC Auto Show

2009 Dodge Challenger:

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The R/T, powered by an updated version of the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 also found in platform-mates Charger R/T and 300C, is the first modern Hemi car available with a manual transmission: a six-speed unit — borrowed from the Viper — with a pistol grip shifter reminiscent of the original Challengers from 35 years ago. As reported earlier, Dodge officially announced the range-topping SRT-8 will also have the stick option.



All 5.7 liter Hemis get a bump in power for 2009 that amount to 30 more ponies along with an extra 8 lb-ft of torque, for totals of 370 horsepower and 398 lb-ft. This is accomplished via variable valve timing as well as a higher compression ratio, now 10.5 instead of 9.6. Opting for the Tremec six-speed in place of the five-speed auto on the R/T bumps those numbers further, to 375 and 404, respectively, though requires premium fuel to do so. Dodge estimates that fuel economy is 5 percent better as well, now rated by the EPA at 15 mpg in the city and 23 mph on the highway, with the stick burning one more mpg in the city. Acceleration to the 60 mph benchmark is under six seconds, Dodge says.


The R/T version is expected to weigh about 130 lbs less than the 425 hp SRT-8, which is slated to hit showrooms in the spring. The rolling stock will consist of 18-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires, with a Classic R/T version launched in 2009 getting unique 20-inch wheels and more styling hints to bring back memories of the original Challengers.


The lowest-priced Challenger will be the SE, powered by Chrysler’s long-serving 3.5 liter V6 good for 250 horsepower and torque. It is mated exclusively to a four-speed automatic and will ride on 215/65-16 size tires mounted on 16-inch alloy rims. Fuel economy is expected to be 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, as per EPA estimates.


Dodge has yet to announce pricing for the Challenger SE, but Jim Press — vice chairman of Chrysler — said that the car will retail in the "very low $20,000s."


Safety features on all the rear-wheel drive Challengers will include ABS, ESP, brake assist, side airbags, traction control and tire pressure monitoring system among others. A hill start assist program will hold the manual transmission-equipped car in place on inclines.

2010 Pontiac G8 ute:

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The sport truck is powered by the same 6.0-liter V8 used in the G8 GT sedan. It puts out 361 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. The combination of a six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management technology provides good fuel economy and a zero to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.


The ST seats only two occupants. Behind the seats is a large interior cargo area with more than 8.5 cubic feet (245 liters) of storage space. There are two covered storage compartments beneath the load floor and a pair of cargo nets.


A 73.9-inch cargo bed offers 42.7 cubic feet of space and a durable composite bed liner. It also can carry a payload of more than 1,074 pounds and tow a 3,500-pound trailer.


The G8 sport truck rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with P245/45R18 summer performance tires. All-season tires are available. An optional Sports Package includes 19-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels with P245/40R19 summer performance tires.


The sport truck shares the G8 GT's four-wheel disc brake system, featuring 12.64-inch front and 12.76-inch rear rotors. Front rotor thickness is 1.0 inch, while the rear rotors are 0.87-inch thick. Twin-piston, front alloy calipers and vented rotors and single-piston, alloy rear calipers with vented rotors are standard, as is ABS.


According to Lutz, the only major mechanical difference between the G8 sedan and pickup variants is a heavy-duty suspension for added hauling ability in the pickup variant.

2009 Pontiac Soltice coupe:

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The coupe is powered by a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower, while the GXP version is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine with 260 horsepower. The Solstice Coupe will be produced at General Motors' Wilmington, Del., plant.

Because the change to a coupe body style resulted in only a slight increase in curb weight, no drivetrain or suspension changes were necessary to shift from the convertible body structure. Initial tests have shown that the Solstice coupe will deliver ride and handling, acceleration, braking and fuel economy comparable to the convertible model.

2010 Hyundai Genesis:

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Hyundai confirmed that the stylish Genesis Coupe will offer two engines - a turbocharged four cylinder and an upgraded version of the 3.8 liter Lambda V6. The four cylinder will put out an estimated 212 horsepower using regular grade gasoline and 223 on premium. The V6 will put out 306 on regular and 310 on premium, which Hyundai says will make it the least expensive 300 horsepower coupe in the world.


Hyundai claims that the V6 model will hit 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. The top-line SE model will include Brembo four-piston brakes (14" in front, 13.4" in rear - both ventilated) and a Torsen limited-slip differential. It will also come with 19" wheels, whereas other models will come with 18" wheels.


The Genesis Coupe is based on the same rear wheel drive architecture as the Genesis sedan, although as of yet there is no news of V8 availability in the Coupe.

[Error]

I like that Solstice Coupe. (Or CoupA as them blokes on Top Gear say it)

[Tones]

The Hyundai looks like one of Conan's "Celebrity Babies" of a G35 and Tiburon. AKA, not in a good way.

At least its RWD.

[Rumpy]

That Solstice looks like a James Bond car.

[Thief Silver]

It reminds me of a Jaguar they had on the price is right last Friday.

[Rhydant]

Hot damn. I like that bike.

I've always wanted a motorcycle. But the insurance for it would probably cost more per month than the bike itself.

That, and I'd probably get hit by a truck.

89,000 miles on my 2004 Scion xA.

Coming up on 40,000 with the Saturn (2006). My average daily trip (7 days weekly) was about 35-55 miles for over two years. Now I live 1.3 miles from work and 2.4 miles from school. AWESOME.