VW Beetle Car History

Ambition two German automotive companies Volkswagen Porsche are trying to each other 'caplok' still going on even after they were declared the merger. But behind all that, did you know that in history, the big names they are very difficult to be separated.

A recent history of Volkswagen Beetle known as a very complicated and long to tell. It began on June 22, 1934 when the German domestic automotive industry associations encourage Porsche to build the Volkswagen (People's Car in the language
Germany).

The next day on June 23 became the most historic day for both the name. Because 75 years ago to coincide with this date, the German government at that time led by the Fuhrer, Adolf Hitler gave the order to Ferdinand Porsche to build a simple car concept.

Order Hitler is people's car that can carry five people (two adults and three children), the velocity 100km/jam, 14km/liter consume fuel at a price no more expensive than riding a motorcycle side.

Then made the concept of the embryo when it was Beetle called Kraft durch Freude-Wagen (KdF-Wagen), the city where this car was made given the name KdF-Stadt. KdF-Wagen poured in 30 prototype in 1937 and marketed beginning in 1938 but stopped after a time to produce 630 units due to World War II in 1939.

To temporarily diverted its factory facilities to produce vehicles like the Kubelwagen war (jeep) and Schwimmwagen (amphibious vehicle). Year 1942 appears Kommandeurwagen from KdF-Wagen base having a four Wheel /4x4.


Germany's defeat on the allies (UK, France, Russia and the U.S.) makes the country divided. KdF-Stadt mastered British Army and for their intervention and then change the name of the city to Wolfsburg. Volkswagen Vehicles for civil society began to be produced again before the World War II ended, precisely in the summer of 1945.


Civilian vehicle was also changed its name to Volkswagen or VW Beetle Kafer (in Indonesia is popularly known as the VW Beetle). Then this vehicle has become popular thanks to its simplicity, toughness and a long list of other More  and spread to different parts of the world.

Therefore, this unique vehicle has many nicknames such as:

* Kafer in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
* Pulga in Colombia
* Coccinelle or Kever in Belgium
* Vocho or Vochito in Mexico
* Fusca in Brazil
* Escarabajo in Argentina
* Map of Bolivia
* Folcika in Bosnia - Herzegovina
* Косτенурка (Kostenurka), Бръмбар (Brambar) in Bulgaria
* Buba in Croatia
* Brouk in the Republic Cheko
* Maggiolino in Italy
* Kabuto-Mushi in Japanese
* Turtle or Frog in Malaysia
Kever in the Netherlands *
* Pendong in Philippines
* Фольксваген-жук (Folksvagen-Zhuk) in Russia

In fact there are many other title names sometimes not just one. For instance in Indonesia other than the VW Beetle and the VW Beetle, he was also dubbed by our parents as a VW Sedan (although not as popular as the VW Beetle and VW Beetle).

To commemorate the history of travel at the same time affirm and strengthen the name of his Porsche, Porsche museum held an exhibition on June 23 until July 31. This exhibition is dedicated to celebrating the 75th anniversary of the VW Beetle concept such orders. In this exhibition displayed photographs of the original prototype with people who have been behind the birth of Ferdinand Porsche's Beetle included.

Read more...

Car History

Cars (short of an automobile that comes from the Greek 'autos' (self) and Latin 'movére' (move)) is a wheeled vehicle carrying four or more of their own machine. Types of cars, including buses, vans, trucks. Operation of the car is called driving.

The first steam vehicles made in the late 18th century. Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot with vehicle successfully demonstrated in 1769. The first vehicle powered steam engine, may increase the best-known steam engine, was developed in Birmingham, England by the Lunar Society. And also in Birmingham car power station was first built in Britain in 1896 by Frederick William Lanchester who also patented the disc brake. In the 1890s, ethanol is used as fuel in the U.S.


Cugnot discovery of low usage seen in his native France, and the findings forwarded to Britain, where Richard Trevithick runs a steam-wagon in the year 1801. Vehicles are considered to be strange at first, but the discovery of a decade later, such as hand brakes, multi-speed transmission, and increased speed and steering wheel, making it a success.

Today, America has more cars than any other country. Japan led in the manufacture of automobiles, but the Japanese population could not afford to run a car because parking is scarce and expensive fuel prices


Innovation


The first automobile patent in the United States granted to Oliver Evans in 1789; in 1804 Evans demonstrated his first automobile, which not only the first car in the U.S. but also the first amphibious vehicle, the vehicle-steam power could use the road on land and in water wheels used wheels padel.

Generally, the first automobile internal combustion engine that uses gasoline made almost simultaneously in 1886 by German inventors working independently. Carl Benz on July 3, 1886 in Mannheim, and Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach in Stuttgart.

On November 5, 1895, George B. Selden granted U.S. patents for two-stroke engine. This patent gives a negative impact on the development of automobile industry in the U.S.. Spectacular breakthrough made by Berta Benz in 1888. A steam-engine, electric, and gasoline to compete for several decades, with gasoline internal combustion engines achieving dominance in the 1910s.

Large-scale production-line manufacturing of affordable automobiles was debuted by Oldsmobile in 1902, and then greatly expanded by Henry Ford in the 1910s. In the period from 1900 to the mid-1920s, automotive technology development is very fast, due to the large number (hundreds) of small car makers all vying to grab the attention of the world.

Major developments including electronic ignition and electronic self-starter (both by Charles Kettering, to the Company in the years 1910 to 1911 Cadillac), independent suspension, brakes and four tires.


In the 1930s, mostly in automotive technology has been created, though often re-created at a later date and given credit to others. For example, front-wheel steering recreated by Andre Citroën Traction Avant in the launch in 1934, although this technology has appeared several years earlier in cars made by Alvis and Cord, and in racing cars by Miller (and may have emerged in early 1897 ).

After 1930, the number of car manufacturers drastically reduced berpasan with industry to join together and baked. Since 1960, the number of producers is almost fixed, and reduced innovation. In many cases, new technology only improvement from the previous technology. Dengam exceptions in the discovery engine management, which entered the market in the 1960s, when electronic goods become cheap enough for mass production and strong enough to handle the harsh environment on the car. Developed by Bosch, these electronic tools can make car exhaust reduces dramatically while increasing efficiency and power.
 

Security
Car accident almost as old as the car itself. Joseph Cugnot car crashed into power-steam "Fardier" with the wall in 1770. Fatal car accident the first time recorded was Bridget Driscoll on August 17, 1896 in London, and Henry Bliss on 13 September 1899 in New York City.

Every year more than a million people were killed and around 50 million injured in traffic (according to WHO estimates). The main cause of the accident was the driver drunk or under the influence of drugs, no attention, too tired, and danger on the road (such as snow, holes, animal, and careless drivers). Security facility have been made specifically in the car for years.

Cars have two basic safety problems: They have a driver who often make mistakes and the loss of tire friction when braking close to half-of gravity. Automatic control has been proposed and made an example.

Early research focused on improving the brakes and reduce the danger of fire fuel system. Systematic research in crash safety started in 1958 at Ford Motor Company. Since then, much research focuses on energy absorption outside with panels that easily destroyed and reduce human movement on the passenger space.

There was a test car's security standards, such as EuroNCAP and USNCAP. There are also tests that are assisted by the insurance industry.

Despite improvements in technology, the death rate from car accidents remains high, in the U.S. about 40,000 people die each year, a figure that still grow in accordance with the increase in population and travel, with similar trends in Europe. The mortality rate is expected to be doubled worldwide in 2020. The numbers of deaths are more injuries and disabilities.

Wikipedia

Read more...

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Will Use More Carbon Fiber

2012 Mercedes-Benz SL Will Use More Carbon Fiber
The SL moniker once stood for sport leicht, but at 4220 pounds, the current 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster is anything but light. That said, the next-generation SL -- due in 2012 -- will be the first of several Mercedes-Benz models to use a substantial amount of lightweight carbon fiber composite materials.




Daimler AG has partnered with Toray Industries, a Japanese textile maker, to develop and produce car parts made from carbon fiber composite materials. The move mirrors BMW’s partnership with U.S.-based carbon fiber supplier SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers, which is designed in part to supply components for the 2013 Megacity electric vehicle. Toray is the world’s largest carbon fiber supplier, and has even supplied Ferrari with carbon fiber for its cars.

Together, Toray and Daimler will work on lightening some of Mercedes’ vehicles through the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics. Although Mercedes has not disclosed what parts will be made from the material, they’re likely currently made from metal. Carbon fiber parts will therefore significantly reduce the car’s weight, but may carry a substantial cost premium.

Carbon fiber could replace a number of metallic parts, but some suggest the SL’s folding roof may be be fabricated from the material. The current steel roof is rather heavy, and also requires a large hydraulic mechanism to stow and deploy the structure. Using a carbon fiber roof could potentially allow the SL to shed some pounds and utilize a smaller folding mechanism, which could subsequently improve cargo space.

We’ve yet to see finite details on the new SL, but based upon spy photos of the car, it appears the next-gen roadster will bear resemblance to the SLS AMG. In fact, many upcoming Mercedes-Benz models will ape the SLS. According Hans-Dieter Futshik, director of Mercedes’ passenger car design, the SLS will influence the shape of the company’s sports cars, including the SL and SLK.

Source: Autocar, Kilometer Magazine

Read more...

Terrafugia Transition The Flying Cars

If you want to know the name of a flying car has been produced and has been ordered by a few rich people and watching his videos, Terrafugia Transition is the name of the cool flying cars. This car can not be controlled by a driver who has a SIM amateur standards, but must be experienced in the pilot.

Terrafugia Transition Other sticker for approximately $ 2 billion, in a conversion to U.S. dollars is $ 194,000 and has been ordered by various circles. Deposit Fee is amounting to $ 10,000. Here's a video demonstration of the horrendous Terrafugia Transition, unique design, can be parked in the yard and also be invited to fly.

Read more...

Cars Flying Trough Clouds

Floating in space with the car finally came true. Transition Terrafugian cars passing on the test flight at Plattsburgh International Airport, United States. Tech motorist was Colonel Phil Meteer from USAFR (United States Air Force Reserve).

"The breakthrough has changed the world of private cars. Travel became more freely without barriers, and coupled with a unique flying experience. The discovery of the car for USD 200ribu (approximately USD 2.4 billion) this community has been waiting since 1918 ", said Carl Dietrich, chief executive of Terrafugia, as reported by Vnunet yesterday.

Cars that can fly through the clouds at speeds 115 miles per hour, equipped with an automatic pilot that can be used for 30 seconds. Unfortunately, its capacity can only carry two people. When asked about fuel-efficient cars flying is starting. To fly per hour with an average speed of 115 miles, simply by using five gallons of fuel.

To drive a car, the U.S. Government plans to issue special regulations. Ie, must have an officially licensed pilot. That's why, for those interested in owning a car, flight department will open a new class of "light aviation."

Want to buy a car? Saving money is!

Read more...

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China

BMW, Mercedes-Benz Fight to Outsell Each Other in China
BMW may have outsold Mercedes-Benz globally in 2009, but the two German automakers are both vying to be the biggest luxury brands in the Chinese market.




For the time being, BMW holds that title. Over the past six years, its marketshare in China has grown from 16 to 23 percent, but BMW isn’t resting on its laurels. At the Beijing auto show, CEO Norbert Reithofer announced the company has increased its 2010 sales forecast (which includes BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce vehicles) by 20 percent, bumping the total to 120,000 units. In contrast, BMW sold 90,500 vehicles in China in 2009.

New vehicles tailored to the Chinese market -- like the new long wheelbase 5 Series sedan -- will likely help BMW achieve that goal, but the automaker sees the potential to grow over the long term. Reithofer believes his company can build as many as 300,000 vehicles annually in China, thanks in part to an expanded joint venture with Brilliance Automotive Holdings. BMW is expanding its existing plant in Shengyang, which builds the 3- and 5 Series lines, but is also building a second facility, which may build the X1 crossover for the market.

Daimler was a little less forthcoming with specific goals for its Chinese market strategy, but said it simply plans on outselling BMW by 2011. The automaker believes a number of products, designed exclusively for Chinese customers, will help propel it to the top of the sales charts. In addition to launching a new line of heavy-duty trucks for commercial clients, Mercedes-Benz will ultimately launch an electric car co-developed with Chinese automaker BYD, and a long-wheelbase C-class sedan.

Of course, these plans for domination assume another German rival -- Audi -- isn’t able to turn about its fortunes in China. Although it had been the leading luxury brand in the market for the last 20 years, Audi has seen its marketshare slip over the last six years, falling from 66 to 46 percent. Should the firm’s new A8L or the forthcoming A7 fastback resonate with Chinese buyers, BMW and Mercedes-Benz both have their work cut out for them.

Source: Automotive News; 1,2 (Subscription required)

Read more...

Fit for a King: Omar Bongo’s Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Up for Auction

Fit for a King: Omar Bongo’s Mercedes-Benz 600 Landaulet Up for Auction

There are a lot of rare automobiles going up for auction at RM’s Sports and Classics of Monaco event, but we’re betting one example -- a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet -- will be the star of the show.

Why? Rarity, for one. Between 1960 and 1982, Mercedes-Benz built nearly 2677 600s, the vast majority (roughly 2190) being short wheelbase sedans. 428 Pullmans -- the long-wheelbase, six-door limousines -- were built, but were nowhere as rare as the 59 Landaulets, which sported a convertible top over the rear seats.




For the most part, Landaulets were sold to heads of state, and this particular example is no exception. This Grosser Benz was sold new to Omar Bongo, president of Gabon from 1967 until his death in 2008.  It may be good to be king, but it’s even better when you have a near-endless supply of oil revenue at your disposal, coupled with the perpetual support and approval of the French government. Gabon was well known for splurging on luxuries, including cars. He bought this 600 a year into his reign, and also purchased one of two Stutz Royale limousines ever built.

Even if this car hadn’t belonged to a dignitary, it would still be worth a considerable amount of money. Last year, RM auctioned off a 600 Landaulet at its Battersea Park auction in London. Despite the fact that the car was admittedly a basket case, it managed to fetch $523,446 -- amazing, considering a proper restoration of the 600’s complex electrical and hydraulic systems (used on everything from the door locks to power windows) was estimated to run an additional $500,000.

Sure enough, RM expects Bongo’s car to fetch between $739,000 and a cool $1.1 million at auction. In contrast, a “pedestrian” 1970 600 Pullman is also consigned to the same auction but is expected to bring somewhere between $83,000 and $107,000. Irrespective of both vehicles’ immaculate condition, their new owners should expect to shell out a considerable amount of cash to keep the tech-laden luxobarges in tip-top shape.

That may be a huge chunk of money for a 40-year old Mercedes-Benz. Then again, if you want to join one of the most exclusive clubs without the typical human rights abuses or the political infamy that often accompany a Landaulet’s owner, this may be your ticket.

Source: RM Auctions

Read more...

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style

Lorinser Gives Revamped Mercedes-Benz S-Class More Power, Style
Lorinser, one of Germany's most prominent tuning houses, announced some new custom accessories for the refreshed 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.




Although Lorinser considers the parts to be "new," they're essentially the same as before. Bumpers fore and aft are swapped with a more aggressive replacements designed to increase cooling capacity and reducing drag. Matched with side skirts and unique front fenders, the look is pleasingly different than the styling packs offered from the likes of AMG.

Engineers have massaged the S600's twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V-12 with a remapped ECU, larger turbos, higher-flowing fuel injection system, and less restrictive exhaust. The entire package yields 110 extra horsepower, bringing the 12-cylinder's output to a total of 620 horsepower -- 16 more than the top-tier S65 AMG.

Of course, what's a full Lorinser conversion without some extra cosmetic tweaks? Big rollers (up to 22-inches) and a lowered suspension are par for the course in the LV 12 Biturbo. Passengers will also be treated to a revamped interior, replete with the highest grade leather, chrome trim, and carbon-fiber accents.

Pricing hasn't been announced, but if an S600 is already in your stable, you shouldn't be too worried about its tuned brethren being out of your price league.

Source: Lorinser

Read more...

Mercedes-Benz Electric Vito Endures Cold Weather Testing

Mercedes-Benz Electric Vito Endures Cold Weather Testing
Batteries typically don't perform very well in colder climates, but Mercedes-Benz says its electric Vito van functions as well in the cold as it does in warm weather.

The EV Vito, which will ultimately be offered on the European market by the end of the year, is currently undergoing a barrage of tests to ready it for the real world. First on the list was cold weather testing. The van was whisked to Sweden, where it encountered consistent negative 22-degree Fahrenheit temperatures.

According to Daimler, the van succeeded in its trials. Surprisingly, the 81-mile range offered by the lithium-ion battery packs wasn't impeded by the colder weather. Engineers will continue to test the van in the climate, subjecting it to handling courses and extreme brake tests before moving on to other climatic testing.




The electric Vito will initially be produced in a limited quantity of just 100 units, most of which are destined for fleet duty. A second series of 2000 vans will be produced shortly after the first wave. The commercial van is powered by a 90-kW electric motor, and can reach a top speed of 50 mph. Mercedes says the EV version of its Vito experiences no decrease in payload or cargo room.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Read more...

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

Mercedes-Benz Considering Making S-class Hybrid-only?

With mostly large V-8s and twin-turbo V-12s in its lineup, the Mercedes-Benz S-class isn’t particularly fuel-efficient. In light of upcoming fuel economy standards, Daimler executives reportedly are considering making the S-class a hybrid-only lineup.

According to Automotive News, inside dealer sources said Daimler executives are considering the switch to all gasoline-electric models for the next-generation S-class. If the switch is made, the dealer sources say that no S-class will be offered with only an internal combustion engine -- including the high-performance AMG versions. The fact that even the Autobahn-storming AMG models would become hybrids has drawn criticism from U.S. dealerships because they worry hybrids are not perceived as true performance cars in this market.

As of right now, only a few U.S. Mercedes dealerships have been briefed on the proposed plan. Those dealers will meet with Joachim Schmidt, head of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, this week at The Masters golf tournament in August, Georgia. Mercedes is a tournament sponsor.

Currently, the most fuel-efficient S-class is the recently introduced S400 Hybrid with a fuel economy rating of 19/26 mpg (city/highway). From there, the ratings continue to decline all the way down to 11/17 mpg for the top-of-the-line S65 AMG. According to Tommy Baker, chairman of the Mercedes-Benz dealership board in the U.S. and owner of a Mercedes dealership in Charleston, South Carolina, this doesn’t matter to S-class buyers. He says that for S-class buyers, the “goal is not gas mileage.”

“The most important thing in the American market -- regardless of hybrid, lithium, or electric cars -- is that we Americans are different than any market and we are going to want those gasoline engines,” Baker told Automotive News. To that end, Mercedes-Benz has already announced a new, more fuel-efficient 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 to replace the company’s 6.2-liter V-8 in its “63” AMG models.

Although Baker says the all-hybrid S-class lineup may not fly with U.S. consumers, an average combined rating of 16 mpg and emissions of a similar level won’t fly with the government’s upcoming fuel economy and emissions standards. Two Daimler sources told Automotive News that the move is being considered to help Mercedes reach the strict European CO2 emissions laws and the U.S. fuel economy standard by mid-decade. A final decision on the matter is expected within three months and, if approved, would be implemented on the next-generation S-class due out in Europe in 2013 and a year later in the U.S.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Read more...

Is Mercedes-Benz Planning a BMW Mega City Rival?

Is Mercedes-Benz Planning a BMW Mega City Rival?
While BMW works on developing its eco-friendly Mega City urban vehicle, it seems Mercedes-Benz may be working on a competitor. Reports indicate the Stuttgart-based automaker may be working on a compact EV offering of its own to counter the electro-Bimmer.

According to Autocar, Mercedes is working on a "Project 50," a small, electric vehicle designed for commuters who drive primarily in large cities. The magazine reports the car will have similar dimensions to the original A-class subcompact. When it first debuted in 1997, the A measured a stubby 142 inches in length, but today's version has grown to 151 inches.




The car won't likely share the A-class platform, but could utilize a new platform that may eventually appear in a number of Smart models, including a revised ForFour. There's a good chance that the project could leverage the resources of Renault, as the two automakers are growing ever closer to signing a formal agreement to share technologies, including both electric drivetrains and small-car platforms.

Project 50 is likely still a ways away from reality. BMW's MegaCity isn't expected to launch until 2014 at the earliest, and we'd expect Mercedes' competitor to launch in a similar time frame.

Source: Autocar

Read more...

Mercedes Announces New C-Class Coupe is Coming in 2011

Mercedes Announces New C-Class Coupe is Coming in 2011
The previous Mercedes-Benz C-Class "Sports Coupe,” as it was called, never exactly set the sales charts on fire, and was criticized for being a little too entry-level. But Mercedes apparently is ready to make a go of it again, announcing today that it will build a new C-Class Coupe starting sometime in 2011.




The C-Class Coupe will enter production at Mercedes’ Bremen plant in Germany on the same line as the rest of the C-Class lineup. (The 2010 C-Class sedan is pictured.) The Coupe's arrival coincides with the coming C-Class refresh expected for the 2011 model year, which will see changes to the front and rear bumpers, taillights, hood, and LED running lights. Expect to see the refreshed sheetmetal fitted to the Coupe.

While no official specifications have surfaced, the upcoming C-Class Coupe will likely port over at least some of the same engine options as its sedan brethren. In the U.S., the C-Class currently offers a 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6, a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, and the high-output 451-horsepower, 6.3-liter V-8 from the superbad C63 AMG model. Powertrain revisions are also expected for 2011, but details are unclear. Also unclear is if the Coupe will come to our shores, but we'd be surprised if it didn't make it to the U.S. market.

In terms of pricing, the 2011 C-Class Coupe should not be too far off the C-Class Sedan. The 2010 C-Class starts from $34,475 for the C300 Sport Sedan, which includes a $875 destination charge.


-By Benson Kong

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Read more...

The Historycal Of Harley Davidson

Who does not know Harley Davidson. History of Harley Davidson initially from a simple idea. Namely the intention William Harley and Arthur Davidson make a motor that could devour the climbs in the area of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
The most important breakthrough is the engine berkonfigurasi V, who later also known as the Knucklehead, Panhead, Shovelhead, Evolution, to win Cam. This engine later became the benchmark for other companies, especially from Japan, in making a big motor.

 

Start with 60 cc Engine

HARLEY and Davidson started this long journey in 1903, when they were still at the early age of 20s. Results prime tooling fiddle with two young children this is a single cylinder engine with a capacity of 60 cc. Walk and managed to devour the hill with ease. Later, because of this success, two brothers Arthur, Walter and William Davidson, joined.

Two years later, they agreed to institutionalize their business into the Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Co..

When standing, the company produces three new motor unit. All three motors were produced from the''factory''at the Davidson family's backyard. The so-called factory was a small shack behind the Davidson family home.

In 1906, the company moved to Juneau Avenue, occupying the room more spacious. Because more freely, the year that Harley-Davidson motorcycle can produce 150 units. Most of the motorcycles they bought the local police. The reason, Harley-Davidson can be driven at speeds high enough, and agile.

Six years after being founded, Harley-Davidson introduced the V configuration of two-cylinder engine with 45-degree angle. Capacity is 49.5 cubic inch engine (about 790 cc) and capable of producing approximately seven horsepower. With the machine, the speed of 60 miles per hour can be achieved. At that time, Harley-Davidson engines did not think that model would be one of the characteristics of their products.

That same year, Harley-Davidson's 1000 production figures broke through the unit, exactly 1149 units. Competition from other factories began to be felt, two years later. Apparently, the success of Harley-Davidson became the inspiration for another factory to start a business. In 1911, at least appeared about 150 motor brand. They would be a competitor of Harley-Davidson, though not really heavy.

The proof, Harley-Davidson is not difficult to increase production. In 1913, when the factory was expanded, Harley-Davidson's production almost reached 13 000 units. The number was increased again during the period 1916 to 1918, to around 20,000 units. This is mainly because the United States government ordered two-wheeled vehicles for the purposes of World War I.


The conquest of the Great Depression

ENTERING the 1920s, Harley-Davidson became the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with total production of 28 189 units. To market a product, the Harley-Davidson has agents in 67 countries. In this decade, Harley-Davidson introduced a number of innovations. V engine developed capacity to 74 cubic inches (about 1184 cc). Gas tank teardrop design introduced in 1925. In 1928, Harley-Davidson began equipped with front brakes.

All the achievements were quite a Harley-Davidson's capital in the face of the Great Depression, the economic recession in 1933. Although the number decreased to 3700 units of production, Harley-Davidson is able to survive. Other motor makers who also survived the Indians. This company later became the only competitor of Harley-Davidson until the 1950s.

When depression is finished, Harley-Davidson is a direct step on the gas. They introduced the EL model with a capacity of 976 cc engine. This engine model popularly known as Knucklehead. With Knucklehead, Harley-Davidson rose slowly. In 1936, total production reached 9812 Harley-Davidson motorcycle units.

World War II brought its own blessings, as well as a new milestone for Harley-Davidson. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the entire production capacity allocated to the Harley-Davidson motorcycles produced for the benefit of the Allied forces. Consumer needs civil abandoned altogether.

During 1941-1945, approximately 90,000 units of Harley-Davidson created the WML series. For this achievement, Harley-Davidson gets a medal''E''from the United States Navy.

After the war, Harley-Davidson's re-opened the tap of its civilian production. Uh, apparently a lot of veterans who attracted the bike's performance, and want to restore the romance of riding a Harley-Davidson. Thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycle units, production, post-war as well as older models, move to house the veterans, the forerunner to the Harley-Davidson fans.


Compete with the Indians

IN 1948, the production of Harley-Davidson to be 31 163 units. That year, Harley-Davidson is back to introduce new innovations, namely machine equipped with an 74 cubic inch hydraulic valve lifters and aluminum cylinder head. This is called The Panhead engine because the cylinder head cover resembling upside-down frying pan.

Entering the 1950s, second generation of the founding family began to become the motor of the company. When celebrating its 50th anniversary, Harley-Davidson motorcycle was left alone in the U.S. market. Its traditional competitors, the Indian, already folded.

In 1957, Harley-Davidson introduced the Sportster, which has been hailed as The Father of Superbikes, biangnya big motor. A year later, Harley-Davidson introduced the Duo Glide, which uses hydraulic rear suspension to complement the front suspension fork that uses the model.

Later, in 1963, Harley-Davidson to adopt the use of fiberglass in the motor-bike. For this purpose, they buy 60% stake in Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Co., manufacturers of fiberglass in Wisconsin.

Year 1950-1960 was also marked by the presence of biker community, which introduces the biker culture. They are easily recognizable because it uses a leather jacket, covered in tattoos, and long hair. Wild Ones is the image of Marlon Brando introduced through a film titled the same.

Harley-Davidson's official community itself was only established in 1983, with the name Harley Experience Owner Group (HOG). It became the community's largest Harley-Davidson owners who supported directly by the manufacturer. Currently, the number of members of HOG approaching one million people around the world.


Dark Period Due to Merger

IN 1965, Harley-Davidson went public. Four years later, the American Machine and Foundry (AMF) to do a merger with Harley-Davidson. However, the merger is considered the darkest period in the history of Harley-Davidson. Because, in 1970 and 1980, motorcycles made in Japan that the price is very cheap to enter the market.

When Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki entered the U.S. market, Harley-Davidson's market share dropped dramatically. Of the original 80% in 1969, a 20% ten years later. Decline in market share is to grip a Harley-Davidson executives. They also find ways to save the company.

To restore the Harley-Davidson to khitahnya, they submitted a proposal to Citicorp. Endowment fund with U.S. $ 80 million from Citicorp, they buy back shares held by the AMF (Citicorp to sell those shares, Heller Financial Corporation in 1986). The concept and philosophy of production and sales of Harley-Davidson was repaired.

Initially, Harley-Davidson is a product that is affordable and easy to use and modify. That changed with the Harley-Davidson makes the product expensive and hard to find spare parts. To replace the rear lights, for example, Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners can not just buy batoknya. But I have to buy a whole sepatbornya.

In addition to Marlon Brando, a number of celebrities made Harley-Davidson parts of their appearance. Whether on a large screen, screen glass, as well as in everyday life. In 1956, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, and a Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the cover of enthusiast magazines.

The mid-1990s, Arnold Schwarzeneger appear with Harley-Davidson in the movie Terminator. Action Lorenzo Lamas and Harley-Davidson Softail gasoline bertangki yellow with red flames in the Renegade series also became a favorite spectacle at the end of 1990.

Actor Keanu Reeves was once distributed 12 units of Harley-Davidson, which is worth about U.S. $ 200,000, to all the stunt movie Matrix Reloaded. According to Reeves, ..

Read more...

New York 2010: Mercedes SLS GT3 Race Car Debuts, Street Car to Start at $183,000

Like the legendary 300SL Gullwing before it, the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is going racing. Dubbed the SLS GT3, the new race car roared onto the stage today in New York a fully FIA-compliant track car. The street-legal SLS AMG, meanwhile, will go on sale in the U.S. in May starting at $183,000 to help meet homologation requirements.

The SLS GT3 will leave showrooms ready to race with a stripped interior and modified body work. Despite the gigantic wing hanging off the trunk, the SLS GT3 is lighter than the street car and will rip to 60 mph in no more than 3.5 seconds thanks to a monster 6.3-liter V-8 expected to make over 600 horsepower. One thing we know for certain is that it sounds absolutely wicked.




Mercedes isn't talking pricing for the racecar yet, but we expect it to be well north of the production car's sticker. Deliveries will begin in the Fall of 2010, well ahead of the start of the 2011 GT3 Series race season but with enough time to sell enough production cars to meet homologation requirements. On the track, it's expected to go up against top offerings from rival automakers including the Audi R8 LMS, BMW Z4 GT3 and Aston Martin DBRS9.

Stay tuned for more of our complete coverage of the 2010 New York Auto Show, live from New York.

Read more...

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four

Upcoming Baby AMG May Get Supercharged V-6, Not Turbo Four
British magazine Autocar reports that the upcoming B-Class-based AMG sedan will be powered by a 3.2-liter supercharged V-6, not a turbocharged four-cylinder as previously thought.

The mill is based on the upcoming 3.5-liter engine that'll first make its home in the new CLS350. Also like the CLS, the smaller AMG (codenamed the *** EVO) will get similar coupe-like styling, meaning four frameless doors and a steeply raked profile.




Force feeding the engine is said to be an electronically operated pressure wave supercharger. The technology is widely used in tractor and big diesel applications, and utilizes pressure waves from the exhaust to boost engine induction.

Rumors persist that a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will handle what is believed to be around 400 horsepower.  Though the car will be based on a front-drive platform, AMG will likely opt for an all-wheel drive setup to help put power down.

Though smaller and less powerful than its siblings, the "baby Benz" (the nickname was originally applied to the shown 190 E EVO II) will not be a cheap means to gain access into the premium performance segment. It'll still carry all the premium bits - and driving characteristics -- AMG customers are used to, but at a slightly lower price point in order to make way for newer, younger buyers.

Source: Autocar

Read more...