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The new Goodyear DuraPlus was launched recently in Malaysia and the company claims it is able to achieve mileage as much as 100,000km. That sounds like really good news for the budget-conscious consumer who just want to buy something, fit it on and forget about it for the next few years.
The 100,000km figure was obtained during Goodyear’s tests on company tracks in France and Luxembourg, as well as open roads in Thailand. According to Goodyear, 100,000km is a good estimate and the tyres actually lasted even longer during the tests. The tests were conducted using 185/65R14 tyres.
The key behind the durability of the DuraPlus is what they call TredLife Technology, which actually consists of a few key design features that enables the tyre to last longer. A wide face cavity leads to increased footprint and more wearable rubber in contact with the road. A higher land to sea ratio tread depth allows for more wearable rubber.
The key behind the durability of the DuraPlus is what they call TredLife Technology, which actually consists of a few key design features that enables the tyre to last longer. A wide face cavity leads to increased footprint and more wearable rubber in contact with the road. A higher land to sea ratio tread depth allows for more wearable rubber.
The tyre also uses a carbon-based tread compound so the tire has a higher resistance to frictional wear, contributing to the tire’s long tread life and also increased mileage due to the lower rolling resistance. A new carcass design incorporating a stronger fabric that provides less resistance to tire rotation, leading to improved fuel efficiency. The tread pattern is asymmetric, placing more rubber on the outside shoulder of the tire, resulting in increased grip during cornering.
11 sizes are available in Malaysia, for 13 inch to 15 inch wheels. The Duraplus replaces the Goodyear GT3 in the Malaysian line-up.
11 sizes are available in Malaysia, for 13 inch to 15 inch wheels. The Duraplus replaces the Goodyear GT3 in the Malaysian line-up.
Just a few years ago, Ford had so many luxury brands in its then considerable suite of marques that there were upscale offerings for just about any taste in every region of the world. Aston Martin, Land Rover and Jaguar are now in the hands of other owners and Volvo is on the outs, so how will Ford deliver luxury goods to other regions of the world? How about Lincoln?
The idea has been kicked around to no avail in the past, but with a growing luxury market in emerging markets like China, the Blue Oval may need a new global plan for its lone luxury marquee. Automotive News reports that Ford will only discuss expanding Lincoln globally when its North American operation gets turned around. Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields told AN, "We don't have any plans at this point to take it global. That doesn't mean in the future we wouldn't look at that, but it's very important for us to focus on North America."
If Ford waits for Lincoln to turn around in North America before looking at other markets, the process could take a while. Lincoln sales were down 23 percent in 2009, with sales dipping to a 28-year low of 82,847 units. Many of Lincolns newer models have arrived with a luke-warm reception from both journalists and the car-buying public, though there are high hopes for the recently introduced 2011 Lincoln MKX and its trick MyLincoln Touch interface. Another Lincoln that could help spur sales overseas is a smaller model based off of the Concept C from the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.
[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]
New details have emerged about BMW's facelifted 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible (E92/E93).
As our previous spy photos have shown, the updated 3-Series will feature modified bumpers, new LED taillights, and revised fog lights. Other changes will include new colors choices (both interior and exterior), Anthracite Bamboo wood trim, and revised paddle shifters. The M-Sport package will now feature 19-inch wheels (instead of 18-inchers) and automatic high beam assist will become an optional extra.
More importantly, BimmerFile is reporting BMW will offer a new "iS" model for the United States. It will boast a double-clutch transmission (a 'Sport Automatic' will also be available), an aerodynamic body kit, and several M styling cues.
Power will likely be provided by the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six used in the Z4 sDrive35is. This means the 3-Series iS will have at least 246kW (335 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque, which should allow it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than 5.2 seconds.
[Source: bimmerfile.com ]
The new Goodyear DuraPlus was launched recently in Malaysia and the company claims it is able to achieve mileage as much as 100,000km. That sounds like really good news for the budget-conscious consumer who just want to buy something, fit it on and forget about it for the next few years.The 100,000km figure was obtained during Goodyear’s tests on company tracks in France and Luxembourg, as well as open roads in Thailand. According to Goodyear, 100,000km is a good estimate and the tyres actually lasted even longer during the tests. The tests were conducted using 185/65R14 tyres.
The key behind the durability of the DuraPlus is what they call TredLife Technology, which actually consists of a few key design features that enables the tyre to last longer. A wide face cavity leads to increased footprint and more wearable rubber in contact with the road. A higher land to sea ratio tread depth allows for more wearable rubber.
The key behind the durability of the DuraPlus is what they call TredLife Technology, which actually consists of a few key design features that enables the tyre to last longer. A wide face cavity leads to increased footprint and more wearable rubber in contact with the road. A higher land to sea ratio tread depth allows for more wearable rubber.
The tyre also uses a carbon-based tread compound so the tire has a higher resistance to frictional wear, contributing to the tire’s long tread life and also increased mileage due to the lower rolling resistance. A new carcass design incorporating a stronger fabric that provides less resistance to tire rotation, leading to improved fuel efficiency. The tread pattern is asymmetric, placing more rubber on the outside shoulder of the tire, resulting in increased grip during cornering.
11 sizes are available in Malaysia, for 13 inch to 15 inch wheels. The Duraplus replaces the Goodyear GT3 in the Malaysian line-up.
11 sizes are available in Malaysia, for 13 inch to 15 inch wheels. The Duraplus replaces the Goodyear GT3 in the Malaysian line-up.
European pricing for the Ferrari 458 Italia will begin at €162,900 excluding tax, according to a leaked pricing sheet obtained by TeamSpeed.com. The document also indicates that UK pricing should begin at £149,246, with value-added tax costing an additional £26,118 in that country.A second sheet, found on Dutch website AutoGespot, indicates VAT in the Netherlands as €30,951, with an additional passenger car tax of €77,271, making the on-the-road cost €271,122.While these prices are higher than the F430, which this vehicle replaces, they are not as high as expected. Naturally, Ferrari has set option prices for the 458 Italia that could easily add thousands of Euros, Pounds, or Dollars to the pricetag.Metallic paint sets you back €2,350 (£2,153), but if you want the car painted in a signature 1950s or 1960s color, expect to pay another €7,050 (£6,459). If you order the €2,200 (£2,016) electric seats, add another €2,030 (£1,860) to include racing harnesses. Painted brake calipers may look nice inside the €3,500 (£3,207) 20-inch forged alloy wheels, but add another €850 (£779) for the design touch.
In an interview with Car and Driver, Bez said US homologation is currently underway. While he declined to say when the model will be available, he stated that the car's initial production run of 1,000 units could be expanded. Boasting a 6.0-liter V12 engine, with 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 570 Nm (420 lb-ft) of torque, the Vantage can run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.2 seconds. If you keep your foot planted, the car will eventually top out somewhere in the neighborhood of 190 mph (305 km/h).
In other Aston Martin news, Bez said the company is targeting 2,000 Rapide sales a year. He also confirmed the Cygnet will be launched in early 2010, 50 One-77 supercars have been sold, and the hideous Lagonda SUV concept is being "further developed" for production.
BMW filed for a trademark on the name "All4" in July, 2009. The designation gives BMW the approval to exclusively use the term as it relates to "Motor vehicles and parts," as well as "Miniatures of motor vehicles." They also filed for "MINI Center Rail" several months earlier. This would give BMW the right to use the term as it relates to "Structural parts of automobiles." Several features were announced with the MINI Crossover Concept's unveiling at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The precursor to the Countryman included a system that passes torque to the wheels via a new all-wheel-drive. The crossover was also shown with a "universal, multifunction fastening rail," that is supposed to provide innovative storage space, while allowing front passengers to pass items to rear passengers.
In a press release, the automaker referred to this as the "MINI Center Rail." Recent reports have also suggested that the "All4" term would be used to describe MINI's AWD. We should find out for sure at the MINI Countryman's expected unveiling in Geneva next March.
