Dodge Charger Review

The Dodge Charger is an American automobile manufactured by the Dodge division of Chrysler. There have been several different Dodge vehicles, built on three different platforms and sizes, all bearing the Charger nameplate. The name is generally associated with a performance model in the Dodge range; however, it has also adorned subcompact hatchbacks, full-sized sedans, and personal luxury coupes.

Maserati Quattroporte Review

The Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury four-door saloon made by Maserati in Italy. The name translated from Italian literally means "four doors". There have been five generations of the car, each separated by a period of roughly five years.

transmissions

Duo Select

The Duo Select transmission was available at the launch of the fifth generation Quattroporte, in 2004. Duo Select was an advancement of the Camcorder unit first used in the Maserati Coupe. It is a Ferrari based semi-automatic transmission, located at the rear of the car, with the clutch located in a bell housing attached to the rear of the engine.

Automatic

Maserati Quattroporte

Because of reliability problems and rough shifting with the Ferrari based semi-automatic transmission, a full automatic transmission with 6 speeds  was presented at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007 with the first cars delivered right after the launch, marketed as the Maserati Quattroporte Automatic.The Automatic was made available with paddle-shifters on the Sport GT model as standard, but on the base model and the Executive trim levels paddles became an optional extra. With the Automatic, Maserati completely redesigned the under pinning of the car to fit the new conventional automatic transmission and torque converter right behind the engine. They also converted to a wet sump oiling system for cost saving purpose.

Ferrari FF Review

The Ferrari FF (FF meaning "Ferrari Four", for four seats and four-wheel drive) is a grand tourer revealed by Ferrari on January 21, 2011. The official presentation was made on March 1, 2011 in Geneva Motor Show. It is unusual on two points: it is Ferrari's first production four-wheel drive model, and Ferrari's first production shooting-brake. It will replace the 612 Scaglietti. The FF has a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph) and it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds. Ferrari states that the FF is the world's fastest four-seat automobile. The FF sells for $300,000 USD, with 800 being produced during the first year.
The elements within its name, FF, clearly show that Ferrari intends this car to be much more usable than either its predecessor, the 612, or its stablemates: its four-wheel drive system will allow the car to be driven in relatively hazardous driving scenarios, such as heavy rain or snow, while its four seats, coupled with the vastly expanded boot space courtesy of the shooting brake design, make it much more practical.

Engine

The Ferrari FF has the largest capacity Ferrari engine ever produced: a 6,262 cc (6.3 L; 382.1 cu in) naturally aspirated direct injected 65° V12, which produces 660 PS (485 kW; 651 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 683 N·m (504 lb·ft) of torque at 6000 rpm.

Transmission

The FF is equipped with a 7-speed double-clutch semi-automatic paddle shift system similar to the California

Four wheel drive system

The new four-wheel drive system, engineered and patented by Ferrari, is called 4RM: it is around 50% lighter than a conventional system, and provides power intelligently to each of the four wheels as needed. It only functions when the marionette dial on the steering wheel is in the "comfort" or "snow" positions, leaving the car most often in the traditional rear wheel drive layout.
This system is based around a second, simple, gearbox (gears and other components built by Carraro, taking power from the front of the engine. This gearbox (designated "power take off unit", or PT U) has only two forward gears (2nd and 4th) plus reverse (with gear ratios 6% taller than the corresponding ratios in the main gearbox), so the system is only active in 1st to 4th gears. The connection between this gearbox and each front wheel is via independent haldex type clutches, without a differential. Due to the difference in ratios "the clutches continually slip" and only transmit, at most, 20% of the engine's torque. A detailed description of the system (based on a conversation with Roberto Fedeli, Ferrari's technical director) has been published.

Ferrari California Review

The Ferrari California is a grand touring sports car that was launched by Ferrari at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. It is a two door "2+2" hard top convertible. The California is powered by front-mid mounted gasoline direct injection 4.3 L (260 cu in) V8, sending a claimed 460 PS (340 kW; 450 hp). The car revives the "California" name used for the late-1950s Ferrari 250 GT.

According to industry rumors, the California originally started as a concept for a new Maserati, but the resulting expense to produce the car led the Fiat Group to badge it as a Ferrari in order to justify the high cost of purchase; the company denies this, however. The California represents a new, fourth model range for the company.

Aerodynamics

Ferrari spent over 1,000 hours in the wind tunnel with a one-third-scale model of the California perfecting its aerodynamics. With the top up, the California has a drag coefficient of 0.32, making it the most aerodynamic Ferrari ever made.

BMW M3 Review

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles. Upgrades over the "standard" 3-Series automobiles include more powerful and responsive (yet at times smaller) engines, improved handling/suspension/braking systems, aerodynamic body enhancements, and interior/exterior accents with the "M" (Motorsport) emblem.

BMW Z4 Review

The BMW Z4 is one of the more intriguing sports cars available. It's a successor to the original Z3 and is the company's only two-seat sports car. It features traditional characteristics such as a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a hunkered-down stance, a long hood and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. While the first Z4 featured a traditional soft top, the current Z4 model has a sleek retractable hardtop that makes this fun-loving roadster a more viable all-year car choice.
The current Z4 also represents a slight change in philosophy for BMW's roadster, as it sacrifices ultimate handling for greater ride comfort and overall refinement. The result is a grand touring coupe and roadster, and one of the most rounded sports cars money can buy.
Current BMW Z4
The Z4 is offered in three trim levels: sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is. The 30i gets a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. The 35i comes with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both cars have a six-speed manual transmission as standard. A six-speed conventional automatic is optional on the sDrive30i, while the optional transmission for the sDrive35i is a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual. The 35is gets a revised version of the regular 35i's engine, boasting 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque with a temporary over boost function that pumps torque up to 369 lb-ft.  comes standard.
Though the primary distinction among the trims involves their engines, there are some equipment differences. The s Drive 30i and s Drive 35i come standard with xenon headlights, H D radio, six-way manually adjustable seats, and adjustable driving settings that change the programming for the steering, throttle -- and if so equipped -- automatic transmission. The sDrive35i adds sun-reflective leather upholstery, automatic climate control and fancy aluminum interior trim -- all of which are optional on the cheaper model. The s Drive 35is is similar but comes standard with the M Sport package. Other options include Bluetooth, power seats with driver memory functions, heated seats and steering wheel, an iPod interface, an upgraded stereo and a navigation system (includes the i Drive electronics interface).
In reviews, we've found the BMW Z4 to be an impressive and highly refined sport touring car. The interior is surprisingly spacious, as is the trunk when the retractable roof is raised. When it's lowered, though, there's only room for a small suitcase. Every Z4 has high handling limits, but its reflexes and communication with the driver are a bit of a letdown due to a numb electric power steering system, a fairly hefty curb weight and the Z4's predilection for under-steer. Still, we think most buyers will be appreciative of the Z4's firm yet compliant ride and sensational engines that make a drive up a winding coastal or country road a wonderful