Autobitz: February 2008

Ford Recalling 470,000 Mustangs (2005-2008) to Tweak Airbag Software

[Via AutoBlog & Jalopnik & Mustang Evolution]

Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it is recalling 470,000 Ford Mustangs from the 2005-2008 model years to recalibrate how forcefully the air bag deploys on the front passenger side of the car. Internal testing showed the air bag could injure a small, unbelted passenger, said Ford spokesman Wesley Sherwood. The recall was posted on the website of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sherwood said the fix would address “a very rare scenario,” and there were no reports of injuries or accidents tied to the recall.

Nearly 435,000 of the recalled vehicles are in the United States, with most of the remaining vehicles in Mexico and Canada. The Dearborn-based automaker will notify customers by mail in early March. Owners can take their vehicle to a dealer to have the air bag recalibrated to deploy at a lower force. For additional details, owners can call Ford at (866) 436-7332 or visit the company’s Owner Services Website at http://www.ford.com/owner-services.

Barrett-Jackson: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR KITTs Already On The Block

[Via AutoBlog and CarPlusMovies]

In less than a month, the legendary Barrett-Jackson auction event will be held in Palm Beach, Florida. From March 27 to March 30, hundreds of car aficionados and investors will gather in the coastal city to see and maybe buy some of the rarest and most beautiful cars in the world. The Barret-Jackson auctions are also famous because of the star cars they offer, such as Bo’s General Lee (see our article) or the Monkeemobile.

This time though, a much more recent star will be up for sale: the Shelby Mustang GT500KR from the new Knight Rider. Or to be precise, two of them, since the lot is comprised off the normal KITT and the Attack Mode KITT. The buyer will make a good action too, since 100% off the proceeds will be donated to Salute to Education (a scholarship program funded by Ford).

While this is all good and charitable, does it have a hidden meaning? Are they selling the cars because the show won’t come back as a regular series? Is it because the show is coming back but not the cars? Is it a publicity stunt?

Well, they made more one of each version of KITT, and the show did very well with 12.7 million viewers. According to the New York Times (via The Knight Rider Online), one of NBC Entertainment co-chairman, Ben Silverman, declared that ” its ratings success makes it a likely addition to NBC’s schedule when it is announced in April”. So either the cars will be replaced (or modified. Can it get the Turbo-Boost, please?), or Ford and NBC are killing two three birds with one stone, promoting the Mustang, promoting the show, and offering scholarships at the same time.

Anyway, we hope they raise a lot of money for the cause, and that the lucky bidder will take his new rides on the road. The kids will love it.

[Source: Barrett-Jackson]

New York Auto Show 2008: Saleen S5S Raptor Concept Debut

[Via WorldCarFans]

Saleen S5S Raptor
What does a supercharger bolted on to a 5.0-litre V8, running on E85 sound like? For the purposes of this piece of information, it sounds like the Saleen S5S Raptor, a concept car from the house of Saleen that's destined to show its fangs at the New York Auto Show.

Raptor is only a sketch for now, but later this drawing will come to a top velocity just north of 200 mph/ 322km/h on a flat tarmac. Bodywork is courtesy of composite panels, while the chassis runs on aluminium. Both these are in the name of weight-saving, that all-important criterion when it comes to supplying as much speed as possible between tire and tarmac.

We think a bit more intelligence will make its way to the surface before the show, which is still a good month-odd away. Before then, I’m afraid this is all we’ve got.

Star Car Battle: 1968 Ford Bullitt Mustang 390 GT Or 1970 Le Mans Porsche 911 S?

[Via Jalopnik]

Last week we had the inaugural match of Star Car Shootout, in which the James Bond's Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me went head-to-head against the Lamborghini Countach from Speed Zone in a battle to decide which big screen star was cooler. We've counted the votes, and with most of the precincts now reporting, Jalopnik projects that the Lotus has won.

This week, we've got another big-shot superstar facing off against a relative underdog. Appropriately for our whole "Which is cooler?" hook, both cars co-starred with the "King of Cool" himself, Steve McQueen. Now, while McQueen certainly surrounded himself with some impressive rides over the years, for this shootout we had to pick just two of them. The others will have to wait their turn. So for this match, we're pitting the Ford Mustang 390 GT from Bullitt against the Porsche 911 S from Le Mans. Yes, you're now probably already visualizing those scenes in your head, but just in case you aren't, we've got the clips after the jump.

Start talking about Steve McQueen's cars, and the first one that'll come to mind for most people is the Dark Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang from Bullitt. Thing is, McQueen never actually owned the car. Of course, that doesn't disqualify the 'stang for this contest, but it does raise an interesting question. Did McQueen even particularly like the Mustang? His personal garage was filled mostly with European sports cars, not American muscle. Watching the chase scene, you'll notice that neither the Charger nor the Mustang take turns all that well. It's even been said that the shot of the 'stang overcooking one of the corners wasn't planned at all. Though I suppose if I'm going to start critiquing the film too closely, I would also have to start counting green VW Beetles, and I really don't want to do that. Besides, this isn't some class for a film student; we're here for the car. And it must be said the dark Mustang fastback with a 390ci V8 looks and sounds fantastic. It's an automotive icon. But there's a problem with that. Being famous to a degree is cool, but being a tool for a marketing department is not. In recent years, Ford has made not just one "special edition" Bullitt Mustang, but two. Which means that you really don't have to be "in the know" to know about the car. It's like having your favorite rock band from the '60s all of a sudden become hugely popular again. You like the music still, but the all the teenage fans, the Broadway musicals, and the appearances on daytime television just sort of ruin the cool factor.

Unlike the Mustang, McQueen actually owned the '70 Porsche 911 S from Le Mans. He wanted a car to drive around in Europe while he was shooting the film, so he bought the Porsche, and when shooting was finished, he had it sent back to America. Now sure, there's no on-screen hoonage starring the 911, but you can only imagine that McQueen drove the snot out of the thing when he was off-camera. But that's not the point--this car was was cool not because it drove around jumping over hills and chasing baddies. The 911 is cool because it is understated and relaxed; it's what the tormented race car driver drove when, as McQueen's character famously put it in the film, he was "just waiting" between races. It has what the Mustang lacks: inconspicuousness. You really need to be obsessed with cars to appreciate the Porsche. For example, the current owner of the 911 was a Porsche collector who bought the car a few years ago without even knowing that it was in the Le Mans film; he just liked the car. Watch it cruise through France and you can't help but like it too.

Shelby Heaven: Superformance Complete Replicars Open New Showroom

[Via AutoBlog]

Ford Shelby GT40
We are big fans of Superformance Complete Replicars, makers of the Cobra, Daytona Coupe, and GT40 replicas that have the blessing (and licensing agreement) of Carroll Shelby. When we heard they were opening up a new showroom in Irvine, CA, we had to go check it out ourselves. Superformance Complete Replicars have actually been in the same building for the past few years, so the location is nothing new. However, they recently decided to knock down a few walls so that they could store their beautiful and wickedly fast eye candy in something more presentable to the public. On to the photos - check out the huge gallery of photos below and pick out your dream car.

Gallery: Superformance Showroom

Saleen S281 and Roush 427R Do Battle!

{Via AutoBlog}

While Saleen and Roush have always been competitors for the dollars of Mustang lovers everywhere, the two companies have somehow managed to co-exist for decades. But which makes a better Mustang? Former FIA F300 driver Derek Hill of Web Rides TV had the opportunity to pit the Saleen S281 against the Roush 427R to see which legendary pony car tuner would come out on top.

At first, the battle of the two supercharged Mustangs doesn't look like a fair fight. The S281 has 465 hp and 425 lb-ft, some 30 more horsepower and 25 more lb-ft than the 427R. The S281 also weighs 300 lbs. less than the more visceral 427R. As New York Giants fans can attest, however, just because one team looks better on paper, when the game is being played, anything can happen. Hit the jump to view a video of the 427R against the S281 in 0-100-0, slalom, and on-track tests. The video is incredible, and the two vehicles aren't nearly as evenly matched as you might think.

[Source: Web Rides TV]

NBC Knight Rider Opening Intro

New Knight Rider Opening, redone by NBC. See below. I like it. Vroom vroom!
[Via YouTube]

Original Airdate: February 17th, 2008

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - Luxyry

2008 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT - Luxury

Estimated Payments:

$535/month* find current rates

Rebates & Incentives:

Cash Back / Special Financing more info

Standard Engine:

3.8L V6, NL valve, NL hp @ NL rpm

6 speed automatic transmission
16 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Optional Engine(s):

4.0L V6, NL valve, NL hp @ NL rpm

6 speed automatic transmission
16 mpg city / 23 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

2009 Toyota Corolla Base 5-Spd MT- Speed and Luxury

2009 Toyota Corolla Base 5-Spd MT- Speed + luxury

Standard Engine:

1.8L I4, 16 valve, 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

5 speed manual transmission
27 mpg city / 35 mpg hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Top 2008 Fuel Economy Faves - General

Suddenly, it’s cool to drive a more environmentally mindful vehicle. High fuel prices, an unstable oil market, and world political forces are changing attitudes and vehicle preferences as a matter of economic necessity for both consumers and the auto industry. Shopping for a new vehicle today means paying attention not only to purchase price, monthly payments, and insurance costs, but for the first time since the oil crisis of the 1970s, fuel economy as well.

Automakers now have a business case for building fuel efficient cars for the North American market. As demand grows, moving the large number of high mileage cars necessary to maintain profitability becomes easier to achieve. That’s good news for all since greener cars are easier on the environment, conserve natural resources, and save drivers money through lower operating costs.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the savings achieved by a car that gets 30 mpg compared to one that gets 20 mpg amounts to $775 per year, assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.10. Add this up over the years a vehicle is typically in your driveway and the potential dollar savings is eye-opening.

Selecting a more fuel efficient car, truck, or SUV is a matter of choice and not necessarily price. Here, we’ve singled out 10 mileage standouts at five different price points that start below $15,000 and rise to over $30,000. Other vehicles are offered for consideration at each price level. The top selections aren’t always the two highest fuel economy choices in a price range, but rather the most significant when functionality and drivability are taken into account. Considered, too, are consumer needs ranging from family size to vehicle styling. Clearly, there are lots of choices out there that fit differing needs and “greenness” will always be subjective. Here are 10 of our favorites that won’t steer you wrong. (Ref: yahoo autos)

2008 Ford Focus SES Sedan - Luxury

Invoice Price:

$15,650 get dealer quotes

MSRP:

$16,835

Estimated Payments:

$351/month* calculate payments

Rebates & Incentives:

Cash Back / Special Financing more info

Gas Mileage:

24 mpg city / 35 mpg hwy

Engine/s:

2.0L I4, 16 valve, 140 hp @ 6000 rpm
2.0L I4, 16 valve, 132 hp @ 6000 rpm

Transmission:

5 speed Manual
4 speed Automatic

Hantu di dalam batang pohon

This is one more photoshop ghost photos. i really do nt believe with foreign ghost. as same as this photos, this is imposible for the ghost to life in a tree and in the image above there some one inside the tree. and one more bad things is about the boy is about the dress he wear. this is a laying foreign people, west ghost or american ghost is always laying.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX 250

Ninja ZX 250 99% Pasti Hadir

Jika tidak ada aral melintang hampir dipastikan bahwa Kawasaki Ninja ZX 250 akan hadir di tanah air. Bahkan santer beredar berita bahwa konsumen sudah bisa inden di dealer resmi Kawasaki di Indonesia (butuh konfirmasi*) Disamping itu menurut beberapa sumber dari importir umum harga Kawasaki Ninja ZX 250 ini kurang lebih berkisar antara 34-36 juta rupiah dengan spesifikasi dan kualitas produksi yang sama persis dengan standard motor Kawasaki untuk pasar Jepang dan Eropa.

Harganya 35 juta rupiah ? hmm …

Diprediksi harga Kawasaki Ninja ZX 250 adalah antara 34-36 juta rupiah. Tidak jauh dari prediksi INDOBIKERS yaitu 32 juta rupiah. Mudah mudahan harga tersebut akan menurun bila Ninja ZX 250 sudah di produksi di Indonesia dalam kata lain bukan CBU. Mungkin yang paling terancam adalah Honda CBR 150 dan Kawasaki ZX 150. Disamping harganya sama namun kualitas dan performa ZX 250 jauh diatas kedua motor tersebut. Apalagi harga motor tersebut tidak jauh berbeda. Jika Kawasaki mampu menghadirkan Ninja ZX 250 pada tahun depan bisa dipastikan Kawasaki Indonesia merupakan ATPM tanpa saingan di segmen motor sport kelas menengah.

Produk Terbaru : Honda Varadero 125 … Masuk !

kepasar Eropa maksudnya

Sejenak melupakan AHM dan kembali ke Honda Jepang

Sementara ini kita lupakan sejenak gonjang ganjing mengenai Astra Honda Motor. Kita menuju timur jauh untuk melihat produk Honda yang sesungguhnya. Produk honda yang satu ini ditujukan untuk pasar Eropa dan juga Jepang. Motor ini bisa dibilang sangat wah, baik dari segi performa maupun fitur yang ditawarkan. Yang pasti motor seperti ini cocok buat orang indonesia

Honda Varadero 125, Adik kandung dari Varadero 1000

Mungkin di Indonesia terbilang jarang bagi para bikers, saia sendiri belum pernah melihat Honda Varadero di jakarta. Sekilas Honda Varadero adalah SUV nya motor. Yaitu motor yang bisa digunakan sebagai kendaraan komuter tetapi mampu juga dipakai untuk melahap perjalanan jarak jauh maupun medan yang lumayan berat. Seperti juga Yamaha YZF 125R yang merupakan miniatur dari Yamaha R6. Honda Varadero 125 merupakan adik kandung dari Honda Varadero 1000, sebuah motor all round kelas berat yang bisa dibilang mendekati sempurna.

Biar cuma 125cc tetapi bermesin V-Twin lho !

Ini hebatnya Honda, mereka tetap jor-joran terhadap produk kelas ringanya. Ternyata kesamaan Honda Varadero 125 terhadap abangnya yang berkapasitas 1000 cc tidak sebatas pada penampilan luarnya. Konvigurasi mesin V-twin juga terdapat pada Varadero 125cc ini. Sehingga meski hanya 125cc motor ini mampu menghasilkan tenaga sebesar 16hp pada 9.000 rpm, torsinya pun terbilang lumayan hebat yaitu 10nm pada 8.000 rpm. Hal ini tidak lepas dari “jasa” sistem injeksi Honda yaitu PGM-FI electronic injection. Dengan bobot lumayan berat yaitu 152kg Varadero mampu melaju secara konstan pada kecepatan 117km/jam dengan kecepatan maksimum 140 km/jam. Untuk urusan konsumsi bisa diacungi jempol karena dalam penggunaan harian motor ini hanya membutuhkan 1 liter untuk menepuh jarak 23 km. Walau demikian tangki Varadero 125 tetap mampu menampung sebanyak 16,8 liter bensin.

Fitur dan Deskripsi Varadero 125

Varadero 125 hanya 15% lebih kecil dibandingkan Varadero 1000cc. Memiliki mesin berkonvigurasi V-Twin dengan tenga maximum 16hp dan torsi 10nm. Top speednya diklaim 140km/jam dengan didukung suspensi belakang unitrak dan rem cakram hidraulis depan-belakang. Dashboardnya dilengkapi on board computer. Starter elektrik plus kenalpot berkonvidurasi 2-1-2 menjadi fitur standar.

Produk Terbaru : Honda Varadero 125 … Masuk !

kepasar Eropa maksudnya

Sejenak melupakan AHM dan kembali ke Honda Jepang

Honda Varadero 125, Adik kandung dari Varadero 1000

Biar cuma 125cc tetapi bermesin V-Twin lho !

Fitur dan Deskripsi Varadero 125

Rolls Royce Phantom

luxurious > supercars > Rolls Royce > phantom

Car Specifications:

Make:	Rolls Royce
Model:	Phantom
Acceleration:	5,7 sec.
Top speed:	240 km/h.
Transmission:	6 - speed automatic
Design:	6,8 litre V12 engine
Displacement:	6749 cc
Maximum Bhp	453 hp / 338 rmp
Tires Front:	n/a
Tires Back:	n/a
Length:	5834 mm
Width:	1990 mm
Height:	1632 mm
Weight:	2485 kg

Rolls Royce Phantom

While subordinates totally lack the gut and the paraphernalia to lay hold to the status of their superior, the king is the undisputed entity to whom all reverence, kudos and salutations are due. Differently put, in the world-of the military, sergeants, privates and such other ranks can be rather boring in their numerical strength. But the coveted rank of the General is scarce and tough to come by.

Without mincing words or exercising understatements, the unmistakable leader’s class of the Phanthom is too conspicuous to warrant any reasonable form of contention. Everything about the Phanthom marks it clearly apart in the world of automobiles.

For instance the imposing exterior of Rolls is devoid of illogical show of glamour but radiates the smoothness of confidence and presents only a brief decoration that is bound to arrest your attention the moment it gets hold of your sight. Configured to a massive body upon a rugged chassis, Rolls possesses the prowess

for dwarfing many a car on the highway in a typical cruise.

The Phanthom 21-inch wheels are solid and tough enough to weather the storm on all manners of horrible roads especially those with high deposit of dunes, mud and other forms of dirt and barriers, all of which constitute no hindrance to the Phanthom in the least but a pack of flying experience on the earth to occupants. More marvelous is the fact that several punctures on the tyres create no constraint to its movement.

Rolls V-12 German engine uses no oil, though takes delight in incredibly long journeys at terrific speeds. Imagine a 250 kph, a speed that reduces the effort of some of the world’s fastest moving trains to a child’s play. Although, 210kph is deemed conventional, while negotiating a bend at 190kph makes a smooth ride indeed. Isn’t that enough to create a scene of spectators?

Starting the Phanthom engine creates a lot of fun. This comes in the form of the column shift plus the two-digits button tap the driver manipulates to prompt the engine into operation while also de-activating the parking brake.

The interior among other things gives an extra-ordinary calming treat to the guy behind the wheels and fellow occupants. The seats have been specially formulated to elicit a soothing support for occupants in several hours drive.

The inbuilt stereo produces a rather captivating tune and can be quite supportive and flavouring in a long distance cruise.

Though the X5 model is believed to have made an impressive performance, Phanthom keeps it clearly behind.

Putting the fact straight, every class of the human race easily identify their limit and clearly recognize their net worth. Phanthom is the car for the big guys, the selected fortunate few unevenly distributed around the globe. The plain truth is that it requires some solid fortune to take it off the showroom. This probably underscores its acute scarcity on the highways of third world countries. Rolls Royce Phanthom is undoubtedly technology’s legacy to enable those humans with the means to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

supercars > Ford > mustang PJ 2007

supercars > Ford > mustang PJ 2007
Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones LE 2007

Car Specifications:

Make:	Ford
Model:	Mustang Parnelli Jones LE
Acceleration:	4,7 sec.
Top speed:	n/a
Transmission:	n/a automatic
Design:	n/a V8 engine
Displacement:	4947 cc
Maximum Bhp	370 hp / 6000 rmp
Tires Front:	275/40 R19
Tires Back:	285/40 R19
Length:	4775 mm
Width:	1877 mm
Height:	n/a
Weight:	n/a

Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones LE 2007

Automobile specialist, and manufacturer, Saleen, increases its extensive car ensemble in order to celebrate renowned racecar driver, Parnelli Jones, by revealing the special series of the 2006 Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones Limited Edition.

The Engine reflects a period of style, innovativeness, and originality that was so rampant when Parnelli was the height of racing, also encompassing the powerful aspects of the Ford performance in the past. Presently the 2006 Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones Limited Edition mirrors the very same genuine classic approach but it turns up comprehensive with the all new Saleen 302 cid V-8, 3-valve engine. This special engine belts out a staggering 370 horsepower at 6000 RPMs, and with a measurement of 370 ft-lb of torque at 4000 RPMs.
This car has a very high compression engine converts a standard drive experience into something an extremely exhilarating, pleasurable ride. The Saleen engine design is especially outfitted with a high compression, high-level revving valve train that utilizes fashioned rods, pistons, a crankshaft and a very light and flexible, aluminum fly-wheel. It also has top functioning calibrators because of the forefront of “Saleen’s PowerFlash technology”.
In addition, the designers have incorporated into this Limited Edition car new “Saleen 302 Valve Covers” thus, giving the car’s engine the rough, racing throwback look from days gone by. It completes the brazen genuineness and the designers also provided much needed extra high level of execution capabilities from the all new exhaust system structure, which gives a low- reverberating sound that is the signature call of Saleen.
The exterior design of the new “2006 Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones Limited Edition” only comes in Grabber Orange, and the color reflects the Mustang 302, and it is further racing detailed by having a black “shaker” hood with stripes, a black trunk deck, racing style hood pins, and the 302 racing side stripes, which completes the general effect of the car. Further more, the new Mustang Parnelli comes with the infamous Saleen running design, containing all of the following:

Frontage fascia with racing style air-dam.

Rear fascia.

Fashionable flare kit.

A rear replica of the 1970 racing wing.

Rear window quarter panels.

Trunk insert license plate panel with chrome trim.

Racing-style billet gas cap.

All of these adorned attachments just further demonstrates the blatant realism of this retro-beauty. Parnelli’s infamous racing number Mustang number 15 adorns the side of the doors in the form of detachable, time and time again usage static cling racing labels, as well as the Ford blue oval that was displayed on the original “Parnelli’s 1970 Boss 302 Mustang”.

But it will only be a fair few that will be able to possess the instant tribute classic as only 500 shining replicas will be produced on the assembly line. The number of cars to be manufactured is in honour of Parnelli winning the Indy 500 in 1963 with Saleen. It would be a true ode also to Saleen’s motto “Power in the Hands of a Few”, promoting classic and realism for the true car enthusiasts. And Saleen will feel totally honoured in creating an everlasting tribute to such an experienced and skilled racer that no one could today even come close to.
As well as for the instant availability and pricing for the vehicle; the vehicle is will only be distributed through certified Saleen/ Ford car dealerships all over the United States. And as for the cost of the 2006 Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones Limited Edition is estimated to be in anyway in the mid-price range of US$50,000 for this history filled limited release and production vehicle.

It will be a authentic racing spirit filled car, as the car comprises performance and specs from two of the world’s foremost racing car companies, and the heart of a legend, Parnelli Jones.

Mazda RX-8

Car Specifications:

Make:	Mazda
Model:	Mazda RX-8
Acceleration:	6,4 sec.
Top speed:	235 km/h.
Transmission:	6 - speed manual
Design:	1,3 litre V2 engine
Displacement:	1308 cc
Maximum Bhp	231 hp / 8200 rmp
Tires Front:	225/40R 18W
Tires Back:	225/40R 18W
Length:	4440 mm
Width:	1770 mm
Height:	1340 mm
Weight:	1250 kg

Mazda RX-8

The mid-level sports car field is crowded these days, with everything from Porsche to Nissan to Chrysler vying for buyer dollars. But the 2004 Mazda RX-8 stands apart for two reasons: It's the only four-door, four-passenger sports car; it's the only one powered by a small, high-revving rotary engine. Call it zoom-zoom with room-room. Prices: Mazda RX-8 six-speed manual: $26,680 base; as tested, $33,059. Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles.

Inside and outside the 2004 Mazda RX-8 you'll find little triangles. Those symbolize Mazda's rotary engine with its twin rotors that spin a circle, not ride up and down a cylinder as other engines do. The rotary, dubbed Renesis by Mazda, is of a design pioneered by German inventor Felix Wankel and boosts higher effciency in a smaller package. It revs past 9,000 rpm, puts out 238 horsepower and is virtually vibration-free. The keg-size motor displaces a mere 80 cubic inches. If there's a weak link, it's the torque: 159 ft-lb. That makes for a rather leisurely launch until rpm rises. The RX-8 comes into its own like the high-revving Honda S2000: above 6,000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission has a short, sure throw, but is not as pleasant as the Miata unit. The clutch engages smoothly and minimum effort is needed. A large tachometer is centered in the instrument cluster viewed through the three-spoke steering wheel, but the speed is registered only as a digital readout. A CD-sized circle marks the Bose audio system location. Seats are two-toned and the back ones are really suitable only for children or tossed items. Entry to the rear is best-in-class, however, thanks to clamshell doors more often found today on trucks. The 2004 Mazda RX-8 begs to be driven hard. The rotary engine produces a unique sound and doesn't seem frightening even going past 8,000 rpm toward the 9,300 redline. The suspension is taut, but not punishing. A very high 0.91 g-force attests to the RX-8's capabilities in corners. In fact, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recently gave the RX-8 its first ever five-star ranking for rollover resistence. That's as good as it gets and speaks to Mazda's flat cornering. Twisty roads are where this sports car can excel. In straight-line acceleration, the RX-8 will lose to competitors, taking between six and seven seconds to reach 60. And each shift drops rpm enough to be bothersome. Shifts produce both a lag and a jerk. Braking (anti-lock is standard ) is strong; steering is true. The sightline from the driver's seat is excellent to the front, thanks to those fender bulges and a sloping hood that let you see where you are at all times. Visibility to the rear is not good. Around you, there are air bags to the front and sides, plus a head curtain the length of the car. The RX-8 earned four of five stars in a frontal crash test. Expected amenities are standard, from air conditioning to cruise control. Perfect balance. That's what the 2004 Mazda RX-8 has. It balances form and function. It looks great, yet serves the needs of occupants with four doors to ease entry to the rear seats. It balances weight by placing the rotary engine rearward of the front axle and the gas tank forward of the rear axle. The whole package weighs 2,950 pounds. Nimble is a word that comes to mind to describe the tossable rear-wheel driver. Keep rpm in the upper ranges by using those six gears and all is fun. Drive in traffic with low rpm shifts and it can be docile, returning 18/24 mpg. And the price makes this a sports car bargain. The 2004 Mazda RX-8 is far better than the last RX-7, which sold back then for about $42,000 ($51,000 thanks to today's inflation). This one can be had without some beauty options to keep the price under $30,000. Is it practical? No. Adults won't be comfortable in those rear seats for long. Footroom is simply insufficient. But other sports cars don't offer as much, much less more. Combine the thrill of the rotary engine with the functionality of a four-door and you can see why buyers stood in line to be among the first to purchase one.

Quick Facts about the Ford Focus SES Sedan

Car Specifications:

Car Specifications:

Car Specifications: