Porsche 918 

This race-bred powerplant descended from the championship-winning Porsche 918 Spyder’s racing V-8. The Porsche 918 salient features that take it to the outer limits of power per cubic inch include centrally located direct fuel injectors.Porsche 918  variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, finger-follower valve actuation with Porsche 918  hydraulic lash control, forged

titanium connecting rods, dry-sump lubrication, and a flat (180 degree) forged-steel crankshaft. Porsche 918 crank’s flat configuration enhances cylinder filling while adding wickedness to the exhaust note. There are no belt-driven accessories in the Porsche 918. Porsche 918 clutch between the V-8 and the centrally located 154-hp electric motor provides stop-start operation to eliminate fuel consumption in some operating modes.Porsche 918 is the first-ever naturally aspirated engine with exhaust ports located in the valley (hot-V configuration). Porsche 918  turbocharging, a longstanding Porsche strength, was not employed here because two electric propulsion motors provide ample torque at the low end of the rev range, freeing the engine tuners to strive for spectacular high-rpm power.

Porsche 918 

There are three clutches and seven forward gears but not a clutch pedal or an H-pattern in sight. Porsche 918 With two masters to serve—speed and fuel efficiency—technology has moved past the conventional manual transmission Porsche 918 used so satisfyingly in the 2004 Carrera GT. Versus the previous supercar’s,Porsche 918 today’s dual-clutch seven-speed provides a 37-percent-greater ratio spread, no interruption of power delivery during upshifts, and faultless operation that doesn’t depend on a skilled driver. In simple terms, the Porsche 918 dual-clutch way is quicker and significantly more fuel efficient. The driver gets shift paddles to play with and a dash toggle (park, neutral, drive, reverse) that looks suspiciously like a Toyota Prius’s shifter.

Porsche 918 

The porsche 918 shares three gear ratios and the basic layout of the 911 Carrera’s PDK transaxle. Porsche 918 suit this mid-engine layout and to lower the height of the engine and its electric-motor teammate.In Porsche 918 the gearbox is rotated 180 degrees about two axes—vertical and horizontal—versus the 911’s orientation. As a result, the center of gravity is approximately 14 inches, five inches lower than in the current 911 Carrera. Porsche 918 Inconel Pipes Meet Ceramic Balls Minimizing weight through the use of exotic materials is the best means of maximizing performance and fuel efficiency without compromise. Toward that end, the Porsche 918’s structural core is a resin-injection-molded passenger tub bolted to a composite space frame that surrounds and supports the engine, transaxle, and rear suspension. Making Porsche 918 supplementing the mostly carbon-fiber structure and body panels, the brake rotors are carbon ceramic, the optional wheels are forged magnesium, the exhaust system is Inconel (a nickel-based alloy containing chromium, iron, and other elements), and the Porsche 918 fuel tank is super-formed aluminum. The Porsche 918 engineering team chased every gram, resorting to ceramic balls to trim 18 ounces from the optional Weissach package’s wheel bearings.

courtesy  by http://www.caranddriver.com

peugeot 206

Peugeot 206 seems to have stumbled across a winning formula with its 205 replacement, the 206. We aren't talking about Peugeot 206 a few meaningless industry awards here; rather this is a car Peugeot 206 that has been among the most popular in its class for over half a decade
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 It may not go down in history in the same way as its forebear but this small hatchback continues to be a hit with British buyers.The UK-built  Peugeot 206 comes with three or five doors as a hatchback, in Coupe Cabriolet guise or in estate form, known as the SW. Peugeot 206 appeal spans all age groups, classes and demographics, which was something Peugeot hadn't managed since the discontinuation of the 205.The Coventry charmer comes with an impressive choice of powerplants and there should be something to suit all driving styles, budgets and tastes. Peugeot 206 also more specification levels than you can shake a stick at, ranging from the base level Independence up to the top of the range GTi 180.

peugeot 206

While Peugeot 206 looks good and comes well equipped, the hot hatch model isn't as sharp as the old 205 GTi. A cheaper diesel hot hatch is available in the form of the HDi GTi. While this is something that would have been unimaginable in the 205's era, the poky little oil burner actually makes a lot of sense in today's climate of high fuel prices and insurance premiums. 

That even today the Peugeot 206 doesn't give much away to its more modern competitors is testament to how sorted the original design from 1998 actually was.Our verdict on the Peugeot 2061.6 HDi GTi It may be older than much of the competition but the Peugeot 206 still has a fresh and contemporary look that strikes a chord with UK buyers. Peugeot 206 extensive powerplant line-up and nimble chassis make it one of the most entertaining small hatchbacks on the market.

peugeot 206

Peugeot 206 good fuel economy from the diesel unit and right across the Peugeot 206 range (with the exception of the GTi 180) will make pump rendezvous mercifully infrequent. Peugeot 206 although the 180 has a high insurance grouping, the rest of the line-up is much lower, which should keep premium costs down. Peugeot 206 average service and repair costs shouldn't price many potential buyers out of this market.Peugeot 206 space and practicality Space and Practicality Rating 5.There is a surprising amount of legroom in the back, although headroom is rather limited. Peugeot 206 being a small hatchback it would be unfair to expect MPV-like practicality from the Peugeot 206. That said, there is enough stowage to meet the needs of a couple of adults with up to two small children. A small glovebox and limited in-cabin storage are inconvenient, however.

courtesy by http://www.theaa.com