Posts Tagged ‘Ford Exhausts’

Mini Cooper S Countryman

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

The new Mini Countryman is far larger than its distant relatives. Although the vehicle isn’t particularly roomy it does have more space than others among the Mini range. Drivers may also enjoy the benefit of having four doors.

Despite the fact that the vehicle is All4- four wheel drive it isn’t suitable for driving off-road. The name may conjure up images of countryside leisure. However, this vehicle is definitely more suited to inner city life. If there is one certainty about the Countryman it’s that it doesn’t fit into any neatly defined categories.

Motorists will have their choice between three different 1.6 petrol tunings, 97bhp One, 121 Cooper and 181bhp boosted Cooper S. Each of the petrol versions are offered with either manual or automatic transmission.

The Countryman isn’t pretty by any means. The manufacturers have sacrificed the old Mini style for a tall no-nonsense look. Drivers will find much to like about the various colour schemes which the manufacturers have developed for this vehicle.

The many adoring fans of the mini will be satisfied with the cabin. You couldn’t mistake this for any other car than a mini after seeing the enlarged speedometer, which in the Countryman surrounds a trendy multi-media screen. The driver will also enjoy access to cool sliding cupholders and a sunglasses case.

The fun factor is continues with an Iphone connection, complete with docking station. Motorists will have hours of fun listening to the various radio stations, tweeting on the leading social network and talking with friends on the phone.

Passengers will find the bench style rear seating to be very comfortable, although taller individuals might find themselves a little cramped. This is probably the not the best car to take on a weekend break to an English countryside destination. It will be a real struggle to fit any great amount of luggage into the boot.

Those performance car enthusiasts who have had the pleasure of driving a Mini Cooper S will be left feeling a little unsatisfied after hitting the road in the countryman. The steering is nicely weighted and the car handles well, although there is obvious body-roll caused by the extra weight of the vehicle.

Hitting the sport button won’t automatically transform the countryman into a super racing vehicle. However, it does allow some tight steering and an eager throttle. Unfortunately the exhaust does begin to choke whenever the throttle is given a slight lift.

Although the countryman isn’t going to set the world alight, it does offer a good alternative to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The most obvious advantages of the Mini are its excellent fuel economy and low emissions.

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Ford’s Mustang Boss 302 Set To Hit The Market In 2012

Monday, September 20th, 2010

Ford have released a set of pictures of their two new Boss Mustangs, both of which have drawn inspiration from the original 1969 Mustang Boss. Although the old vehicle didn’t prove quite as popular as the Shelby Mustang GT500 there are numerous American performance car enthusiasts who will attest to its racing prowess.

Both the Mustang Boss 302 and the Boss 302 Laguna Seca are going to be powerful beasts with impressive cornering ability. The leading manufacturer envisaged the 302 as an ultra-rapid, beefed up vehicle, and the 302 Laguna Seca as a road-legal racing car.

Each motor comes complete with a 5.0 litre V8 engine, previously used by the standard Mustang GT. An improved air intake and modified camshafts have been added to increase the power from 406bhp to 434bhp. The rear wheels acquire their power from the six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. Motorists who have previously been used to the manual shift of the standard Mustang GT will find that the new ‘race inspired’ clutch greatly improves their driving experience.

An element of control is provided by stiffer springs and a stronger rear stabiliser. Drivers will feel safe in the knowledge that the new Mustangs also come complete with the powerful Brembo brake package. No detail has been spared on the Boss, which also has adjustable shocks and a speed-sensitive, hi-tech steering system, with comfort, normal and sport modes. It is up to the Mustang customer whether they take the option of limited-slip differential.

The 2 vehicles have a bold, impressive look, which is complemented by a dipped front spoiler and huge lower grille on the Seca. The standard version has been given a stylish orange and black colour scheme, while the trackday Seca has been painted in cool black and red. The interior of each car has been kitted out with a revised instrument cluster and an Alacantra steering wheel. For a complete racing feel it is worth investing in the Recaro sports seats.

The Boss has been developed with speed in mind and is expected to do battle against the brand new Chevrolet Camaro. Anybody with a real interest in hitting the race track will be interested to hear that the Seca is expected to be two seconds a lap faster than the standard model. It is also worth noting that exhaust silencers on these vehicles can be removed in order to create some extra performance when on the circuit.

Those interested will be happy to hear that the cost of these vehicles, including importation , is expected to be somewhere in the region of £35,000. This is a an extremely attractive price tag, especially when you consider what similar American power vehicles cost.

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