Toyota to Reveal 2010 Tundra Pickup at 2009 Chicago Auto Show

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today debuted the 2010 Tundra full-size pickup truck and an all-new 4.6-liter V8 engine at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show.

On display are two new packages, including the debut of an all-new Tundra Platinum Package and the recently announced Tundra Work Truck. Value will be enhanced on all 2010 Tundra models with the addition of standard and optional exterior, mechanical, safety and convenience feature upgrades. The 2010 Tundras will arrive at dealerships in April.

The new 4.6-liter V8 engine will be available on all 2010 model year Tundra models. With 310 horsepower, 327 lb-ft. of torque and internal preliminary fuel efficiency estimates of 15 mpg city and 20 mpg on the highway, the new automobile engine is expected to deliver the best combination of power and fuel economy among any standard V8 in the full-size pickup segment. Like Tundra's optional 5.7-liter V8 engine, the new 4.6-liter V8 will be mated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Source: Toyota

Automotive Springs and Titanium

The smooth functioning of springs depends upon the material used and its attributes. For automotive springs to yield better results and have longer working life, they need to be durable enough to withstand the pressure. Titanium is the ideal engineering alloy at present that has a number of features required for high production volume automobiles.

Till date, steel was considered the best material for auto springs, but titanium alloy is definitely better. Titanium alloy springs do not need as many turns as required by the springs made of steel. This alloy's density is around half of the steel and therefore less material is used to make a titanium spring. Though there is a major difference in density, there is no difference in ability to perform the same task.

The other benefits that these titanium made car springs have are the strength, density, and modulus for almost any weight- or space-sensitive application. These springs have the same manufacturing processes (cold spring winding, cold setting or blocking and shot peening) like that of steel springs. The shear modulus of titanium is low that minimize the need of turns of the springs. Weight is another essential factor that gives these springs an edge over the steel ones. Titanium automotive springs are around 60-70% lighter in weight than the steel springs.

Titanium's inherent attribute of corrosion resistance also makes this alloy ideal for being used in automobile spring. No protective coating is required for titanium springs which is very essential in steel springs. With so many attributes of titanium, the only disadvantage is that of its high cost.

Top Tips To Increase The Lifeline Of Your Dear Vehicle

You spend thousands of dollars on buying the vehicle, but now you are just flushing that hard earned money by being careless. If you feel that you have been doing your part for your car by taking it for servicing twice a month, then let me put a check there. This is not enough... a few tips would definitely help in a smoother drive and longer lifeline of the car. Follow these tips that include some Do's & Dont's...

1. The Right Start

Obviously it is something very common but most of us never give it a thought. Turning on the car accessories before the car starts, wears down the engine. While starting the car, just turn off different accessories like music system, climate control, air conditioner or climate controller, etc. Increase the lifeline of the car – Don't Put Pressure On The Engine.

2. 'Warm Up' – But The Right Way

During Winters, you must be revving the engine to warm up the car. You never cracked your brain to the thought that when you rev the engine, the oil has not reached the system thus forcing the engine to work without any kind of lubrication. Rather than warming up your car, you are just heating it. So next time, you intend to warm up your darling vehicle, do it the right way – Let It Sit Idle For Around 60 Seconds.

3. Use The Emergency Brake

It is always advisable to use these emergency brakes that are commonly known as hand brakes or parking brakes. These would help in keeping the vehicle motionless without putting the pressure on the parking pawl and consequently on the transmission system. Why trouble the transmission of the car, when you can do without it easily. Therefore remember – Always Use Parking Brakes.

4. Let The Car Stop Completely & Then Drive

This is what we always do and that is right from the parking we shift to drive before the car stops moving backward. I hope you would be honest to admit it. This will ruin your vehicle. Remember to let the car stop from going backward before you start driving. If you don't obey this, you are risking the gears, drive shafts and the entire transmission of the car. Avoid a worn out transmission – Let the car stop before shifting to drive.

5. Listen to Your Car's Needs

Paying immediate attention can reduce the aggravating problem. I am not suggesting you to be tensed about the driving – rather just be alert to any unusual sound of the car.

A small check yourself would help you identify the cause easily.

The Supercar Weber F1: Is Automobile Engine The Secret Of Its Speed?

With its top speed claimed to be 249 mph plus (or 400km/h) this speedy monster is quite capable to give your neighbor sleepless nights. Weber’s Faster One seems to possess all the power it takes to make the owner proud.

Although the car’s been trashed by some for its looks, many don’t seem to share this opinion. The aerodynamics and the powerful engine generating nearly 900 horsepower are what intrigue most.

The Automobile’s Engine

The car houses the already existing LS7 Corvette small-block 7-liter, V8 engine, with a couple of tweaks to enhance performance. The engine’s featherweight Aluminum block has gotten a face lift with the installation of state of the art components. These high-grade automobile parts entail a precision-balanced crankshaft and precision-balanced piston rods coupled with forged pistons.

The camshaft of the engine is known to have high performance timing, which is supported by two cylinder heads with larger valves. Further the intake/outlet ports have been tuned for optimal mixture flow.

Moreover, even the peripherals of the engine of the automobile have been altered with the finesse of Swiss engineers. These engineering feats include a specially designed high-performance fuel injection system and a supercharging system assisted by a single mechanical belt-driven supercharger for each bank of cylinders.

As for the exhaust system, it’s been made from stainless steel and incorporates metal catalysts that has a low back pressure. It is further supported by a muffler bypass valve that unleashes a some great acoustic performance.

The engine’s enormously high capacity and forced induction leads to a magnificent power output of 662kW at 7 000r/min and 1050Nm at 3 800r/min.

Apparently, the car’s not so “aesthetic” design tuned for aerodynamics than appeal is also a big factor contributing to its speedy performance. For instance it totally lacks door handles as even they can increase drag, the underside too has been finished to matchless smoothness, and the whole Aluminum frame weighs only 65Kg.

Undoubtedly, with so much of adroitness going into its design, the supercar accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds. Needless to mention the price tag of this masterpiece is around US$1.5 million! So are you ready for it?