Meet the Focus RS of the pick-up world. The Ford Ranger Raptor is the most extreme vehicle in the one-tonne truck class, with a body and stance that makes it look as if it鈥檚 ready for the a run in the Dakar Rally. It鈥檚 designed to broaden the appeal of pick-ups in Europe - where vans rule supreme. The aim is to transform the big-selling Ranger into what marketing types call a 鈥榣ifestyle vehicle鈥? The Raptor is a pick-up that can鈥檛 carry or tow as much as its workhorse counterparts, switching versatility for power and performance. Inside, the standard instrument cluster is replaced by a sportier dash display, while the steering wheel is thicker and features a new red centre stripe. Furthermore, the sports seats have thicker side bolsters and Raptor logos stitched into the fabric. Under the skin, Ford has created a bespoke chassis set-up with coil springs at the rear (rather than leaf springs).
There鈥檚 a wider track, too, and rally-inspired heavy-duty shock absorbers matched with off-road tyres. The bulging front wings are made of high-strength plastic, but the matching bulges at the rear are stamped out of metal. The bumpers are tapered for improved clearance off road, and the side steps are made from magnesium in a vain attempt to trim weight. It鈥檚 still a hefty vehicle, however. At 2,404kg, the Raptor is up to 200kg heavier than a standard Ranger. Thankfully, four-wheel disc brakes provide decent stopping power. The performance of the chassis is profound, too, whether on or off the road. On rough tracks, the Fox shocks smooth out most bumps, and provide almost serene comfort on the highway. The tyres produce surprisingly little road noise, and the steering has a precision rarely seen in the pick-up class. Just be careful when parking around town; there鈥檚 a massive 12.9-metre turning circle.
The shorter front and rear overhangs and taller ride height mean the Ranger Raptor can negotiate most off-road obstacles with ease, however. There is just one sizeable caveat in this otherwise impressive overall package: the engine is a little bit underdone. It鈥檚 a new twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, and falls just short of where it needs to be. Despite having more power and torque than the Ranger鈥檚 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel - and the extra gear ratios for brisker acceleration - the Raptor hasn鈥檛 made the gains you might expect given its bold appearance. While vehicles like this aren鈥檛 meant to accelerate like supercars, the latest V6-powered Volkswagen Amarok and Mercedes X 350 d show there鈥檚 appetite for powerful (and ultimately expensive) pick-ups. But Ford says the Raptor is not about straight-line speed and more about its next-level off-road capability. And that鈥檚 a shame. There鈥檚 no denying it鈥檚 an awesome-looking truck, but we can鈥檛 help thinking it could have been better. Here鈥檚 hoping the upcoming joint venture between Ford and Volkswagen鈥檚 commercial vehicle divisions might one day see the Amarok鈥檚 V6 under the bonnet of the Raptor. Only then would we truly have the hot Focus RS-inspired pick-up we鈥檝e long been waiting for.
Hi folks -- it started as a project to add two Weltmeister springs to a worn shifter mechanism. It is now something bigger! Once I got the shifter mechanism off I noticed that the lockout plate was worn. It should be a totally straight piece of metal. I got a new one at Automotion (very prompt order delivery!). I put that on and decided to first pout the two stock springs on. First one went on pretty easy -- just I just strained my guts for about 5 minutes. The second proved near impossible. After exhausting myself and taking a break, I came back to th project after looking at the photo in my Porsche shop manual. This time using my magic self made tool the spring went on. Shifting still somewhat difficult in terms of avoiding reverse when I go from first to second gear. I did readjust the coupler to no avail. Next step putting in those Weltmeister springs, after I finish grading papers. Note the special modified screwdriver. You need to make this no matterwhat else you do, or otherwise you will be doomed.
Length 脳 Width 脳 Height in:n.a. Base Price: 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster - n.a. Lamborghini is presenting the new version of the Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. The Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster benefits from the same extensive modifications to the bodywork and mechanics as the LP640 Coupe, as well as delivering its own distinct character. In their re-interpretation of the Roadster, the designers of the Lamborghini Centro Stile have remained true to the original style principles of purism, sportiness and functionality. As with the Coupe it has now assumed a more aggressive appearance, a substantial influence being the new front and rear bumpers. On the latter there is a new rear diffuser, in which the exhaust system is integrated within a tailpipe. The rear lights are also new, increasing the distinguishing features and making the Murcielago Roadster as unmistakable at night as in daylight. The asymmetrical design of the sides is particularly striking. Whilst the area behind the air inlet on the right is almost closed, on the left there is a large opening for the ventilation of the oil cooler.