VIDEOS: “Monster” Tajima Breaks 10 Min Record at Pikes Peak with 910-hp Suzuki SX4

Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima has broken his own record at this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb, completing the 12.42-mile (19.9 km) “Race to the Clouds” in just 9:51.278, demolishing the 10:1.408 time he set four years ago.

“Monster” Tajima, who has being racing at Pikes Peak every year since 1988, accomplished this extraordinary feat driving an extremely modified Suzuki SX4 with 910-horses. Second fastest was Rhys Millen in the modified Hyundai PM580, with a time of 10:09.242.

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2012 V-Strom 650 leaked

Images of the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS have ‘accidentally’ been leaked ahead of its official unveiling. Or perhaps it was done deliberately, as part of Suzuki’s prolonged teaser campaign for its new bike?

Visually, the changes compared to the current model aren’t startling, although the fairing has been restyled and now gets prominent side grilles.



The engine is still a 645 cc v-twin unit, albeit with a slightly reduced compression ratio of 11.2:1, but no power or torque figures have been released. Drive is via a six-speed transmission.

Interestingly, fuel tank capacity is down from 22 litres (4.8 UK gallons / 5.8 US gallons) to 20 litres (4.4 UK gallons / 5.2 US gallons), which would suggest better economy if range is not to suffer.



Bad news for shorter riders is that the seat height has risen from 820 mm (32.3 inches) to 835 mm (32.9 inches). The V-Strom appears to have been on a diet though, as its kerb weight has been trimmed from 220 kg (485 lbs) to 214 kg (472 lbs).

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2012 V-Strom 650 leaked

Images of the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom 650 ABS have ‘accidentally’ been leaked ahead of its official unveiling. Or perhaps it was done deliberately, as part of Suzuki’s prolonged teaser campaign for its new bike?

Visually, the changes compared to the current model aren’t startling, although the fairing has been restyled and now gets prominent side grilles.



The engine is still a 645 cc v-twin unit, albeit with a slightly reduced compression ratio of 11.2:1, but no power or torque figures have been released. Drive is via a six-speed transmission.

Interestingly, fuel tank capacity is down from 22 litres (4.8 UK gallons / 5.8 US gallons) to 20 litres (4.4 UK gallons / 5.2 US gallons), which would suggest better economy if range is not to suffer.



Bad news for shorter riders is that the seat height has risen from 820 mm (32.3 inches) to 835 mm (32.9 inches). The V-Strom appears to have been on a diet though, as its kerb weight has been trimmed from 220 kg (485 lbs) to 214 kg (472 lbs).

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BMW Takes Top Spot Among Automakers and 4th Overall in New Study for the World’s Most Reputable Companies

A recently released study by research-based consulting firm Reputation Institute, found that BMW is considered the world’s most reputable company in the automotive sector and fourth overall behind Google, Apple and the Walt Disney Company. German automakers in general performed well in the study with Daimler, owner of Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart, ranking 7th overall, while Volkswagen finished in 10th place, followed by Honda (29), Toyota (60), Nissan (61) and Suzuki (63). Read more »

Diesel Suzuki Swift DDiS

Suzuki has added a diesel to its Swift range. The DDiS, which is only available as a five-door with SZ3 trim, features a 1.3 litre engine that produces 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) and 190 Nm (140 lb/ft) of torque.



Although down on power compared to the existing 1.2 litre petrol Swift, the DDiS version has very similar performance. It’ll accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a fairly respectable 12.7 seconds, before going on to achieve a top speed of 103 mph (165 km/h).

But of course efficiency is where diesel outscores petrol. Combined cycle fuel consumption for the DDiS is 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km), and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km mean annual Vehicle Excise Duty of £20 in the UK. Not bad figures at all, and on a par for the class.



The only way to get significantly better economy from a diesel supermini is to go for a special ‘eco’ model, such as the Skoda Fabia 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II or the closely related Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion.



Both emit just 89 g/km of CO2 and manage an impressive 83.1 mpg (3.4 l/100km), although buyers have to pay for the privilege.



While the Suzuki Swift SZ3 DDiS has a UK on the road price of £12,890, the Skoda costs £13,685 and the Volkswagen is a whopping £15,480.

Diesel Suzuki Swift DDiS

Suzuki has added a diesel to its Swift range. The DDiS, which is only available as a five-door with SZ3 trim, features a 1.3 litre engine that produces 73 bhp (55 kW / 75 PS) and 190 Nm (140 lb/ft) of torque.



Although down on power compared to the existing 1.2 litre petrol Swift, the DDiS version has very similar performance. It’ll accelerate from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a fairly respectable 12.7 seconds, before going on to achieve a top speed of 103 mph (165 km/h).

But of course efficiency is where diesel outscores petrol. Combined cycle fuel consumption for the DDiS is 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km), and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km mean annual Vehicle Excise Duty of £20 in the UK. Not bad figures at all, and on a par for the class.



The only way to get significantly better economy from a diesel supermini is to go for a special ‘eco’ model, such as the Skoda Fabia 1.2 CR TDI 75PS GreenLine II or the closely related Volkswagen Polo 1.2 TDI 75PS BlueMotion.



Both emit just 89 g/km of CO2 and manage an impressive 83.1 mpg (3.4 l/100km), although buyers have to pay for the privilege.



While the Suzuki Swift SZ3 DDiS has a UK on the road price of £12,890, the Skoda costs £13,685 and the Volkswagen is a whopping £15,480.

New Suzuki Swift gets a Diesel Option in Britain

If you want to be successful in Europe, diesel options are a must for any carmaker, even more so in the mainstream segments. Following the launch the gasoline powered versions of the new generation of the Swift last summer, Suzuki has now added a diesel option to the supermini’s range. The Swift DDiS features a revised 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine rated at 75-horsepower and 190Nm (80 lb-ft) at 1,750rpm. Read more »

2011 Suzuki Reno Lx car preview and wallpapers

2011 Suzuki Reno Lx car preview and wallpapers
Jaguar Car newshttp://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars

2011 Suzuki Reno Lx car preview and wallpapers

2011 Suzuki Reno Lx car preview and wallpapers
Jaguar Car newshttp://masti-jokes.blogspot.com/search/label/Jaguar%20cars

Top 10: Efficient petrol cars

The one pence reduction in fuel duty announced in today’s UK Budget won’t be enough to stop lots of car buyers searching out the most fuel efficient offerings.



For many, that will automatically mean a diesel or a hybrid, simply because those technologies deliver the best miles per gallon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that those types of car will appeal to everyone.



For starters, they tend to cost more, which is enough to put off some. Combine that with the higher price of diesel, and it often means that mega miles have to be driven before the extra initial outlay is offset by better fuel economy.



So, for some drivers it will still make financial sense to go for a petrol-powered car. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, these are the ten models currently on sale that use the least petrol (based on the combined cycle measure).

Most fuel efficient petrol-powered car: The Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir with Dualogic transmission.

The good news is that all will better 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km), and all except the Suzuki and Nissan emit 100 g/km or less of CO2, qualifying them for zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge.



However, as would be expected, every one is a small city car which somewhat limits their practicality.

Rank	Manufacturer	Model	Transmission	CO2	mpg (l/100km)
1	Fiat	500 / 500C TwinAir Dualogic	SAT5	92	70.6 (4.0)
2	Fiat	500 / 500C TwinAir	M5	95	68.9 (4.1)
3=	Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	97	67.3 (4.2)
3=	Hyundai	I10 Blue 1.0 litre SOHC	M5	99	67.3 (4.2)
5=	Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	99	65.7 (4.3)
5=	Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	98	65.7 (4.3)
7=	Suzuki	Alto 1.0 SZ-L / SZ-2 / SZ-3 / SZ-4	M5	103	64.2 (4.4)
7=	Toyota	iQ (MY 2011) 1.0 VVT-i 5 speed manual	M5	99	64.2 (4.4)
7=	Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	100	64.2 (4.4)
7=	Nissan	Pixo 1.0	M5	103	64.2 (4.4)

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Top 10: Efficient petrol cars

The one pence reduction in fuel duty announced in today’s UK Budget won’t be enough to stop lots of car buyers searching out the most fuel efficient offerings.



For many, that will automatically mean a diesel or a hybrid, simply because those technologies deliver the best miles per gallon. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that those types of car will appeal to everyone.



For starters, they tend to cost more, which is enough to put off some. Combine that with the higher price of diesel, and it often means that mega miles have to be driven before the extra initial outlay is offset by better fuel economy.



So, for some drivers it will still make financial sense to go for a petrol-powered car. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency, these are the ten models currently on sale that use the least petrol (based on the combined cycle measure).

Most fuel efficient petrol-powered car: The Fiat 500 / 500C TwinAir with Dualogic transmission.

The good news is that all will better 60 mpg (4.7 l/100km), and all except the Suzuki and Nissan emit 100 g/km or less of CO2, qualifying them for zero road tax and exemption from the London Congestion Charge.



However, as would be expected, every one is a small city car which somewhat limits their practicality.

Rank	Manufacturer	Model	Transmission	CO2	mpg (l/100km)
1	Fiat	500 / 500C TwinAir Dualogic	SAT5	92	70.6 (4.0)
2	Fiat	500 / 500C TwinAir	M5	95	68.9 (4.1)
3=	Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	97	67.3 (4.2)
3=	Hyundai	I10 Blue 1.0 litre SOHC	M5	99	67.3 (4.2)
5=	Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softip & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	99	65.7 (4.3)
5=	Smart	fortwo coupé (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	98	65.7 (4.3)
7=	Suzuki	Alto 1.0 SZ-L / SZ-2 / SZ-3 / SZ-4	M5	103	64.2 (4.4)
7=	Toyota	iQ (MY 2011) 1.0 VVT-i 5 speed manual	M5	99	64.2 (4.4)
7=	Smart	fortwo cabrio (MY 2011) 71 bhp mhd w/ Softouch & 15" rear wheels	5 AMT	100	64.2 (4.4)
7=	Nissan	Pixo 1.0	M5	103	64.2 (4.4)

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2011 Suzuki GSV-R

The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team has unveiled its 2011 challenger. Sporting a livery from Troy Lee Designs, the Suzuki GSV-R now produces over 220 bhp (165 kW / 225 PS) from its 800 cc V4 engine.

Combined with a weight of around 150 kg (330 lbs), that should be enough for a top speed of at least 205 mph (330 km/h). But that’s just one part of the performance mix - work has also been done to improve driveability and acceleration out of slow corners, while chassis stiffness has received attention to enhance handling and traction.

Rizla Suzuki will only be fielding one GSV-R this season, for Spanish rider Álvaro Bautista. The new bike will make its debut at this weekend’s MotoGP test session at Qatar, ahead of the first race of the season on 20 March which also takes place at the Losail circuit.

2011 Suzuki GSV-R

The Rizla Suzuki MotoGP team has unveiled its 2011 challenger. Sporting a livery from Troy Lee Designs, the Suzuki GSV-R now produces over 220 bhp (165 kW / 225 PS) from its 800 cc V4 engine.

Combined with a weight of around 150 kg (330 lbs), that should be enough for a top speed of at least 205 mph (330 km/h). But that’s just one part of the performance mix - work has also been done to improve driveability and acceleration out of slow corners, while chassis stiffness has received attention to enhance handling and traction.

Rizla Suzuki will only be fielding one GSV-R this season, for Spanish rider Álvaro Bautista. The new bike will make its debut at this weekend’s MotoGP test session at Qatar, ahead of the first race of the season on 20 March which also takes place at the Losail circuit.

Suzuki’s fuel-cell scooter

Could a production version of the Suzuki Burgman Fuel-Cell Scooter be closer to reality?

The model has just earned European Union Whole Vehicle Type Approval, meaning that each example built for the development programme now no longer needs to go through Single Vehicle Approval to check conformity to safety and environmental standards.



EU approval is important to the project, because the bike’s hydrogen fuel-cell was developed by UK firm Intelligent Energy, and the Burgman’s trials are centred on Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England.

Arguably, electric vehicles that take their charge from a fuel-cell are a much more practical proposition compared to those that use a battery. There’s no recharging time, the only emission is water and range anxiety is an alien concept.



The current downsides, however, are the amount of energy required to obtain the hydrogen in the first place and the lack of a refuelling infrastructure.