Category Technical Talk

Short Analysis: Ferrari 3.9L Turbo V8 in the 488 GTB

Our Exclusive Analysis of the Brand-new Ferrari 488 GTB Engine

Yesterday we covered the news that Ferrari is announcing the new 488 GTB, which is going to replace the current 458 Italia. In that report, you may find the fact that both of the 488 GTB and California T’s engines have the same displacement (3.9L), the same cylinder numbers (V8), and they are both turbocharged. So here comes a question: are these two engines the same? To answer this question, let’s first take a look at the below photos.

Image 1: 3.9L Turbo V8 in the 488 GTB

Ferrari_488_GTB_10

Image 2: 3.9L Turbo V8 in the California T

Ferrari_California-T_Engine

Basically speaking, these 2 engines share the same cylinder block, and the valvetrains are pr...

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2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang: Short Analysis

Following the official release of the 2016 GT350 Mustang, we wanted to share our brief analysis of this special monstrous sports car.

First of all, the 2016 GT350 has most of the necessary gears that you need on the track, for example:

1. Torsen limited-slip rear differential
2. MagneRide dampers

But the spotlight is focusing on the naturally aspirated 5.2L V8, which redline is said to be between 8,200 rpm and 8,300rpm

2016_Ford_Shelby_GT350_Mustang_Cabin

courtesy of Mustang6G.com

Just by looking at the description, you may not think the engine is that special – because large displacement naturally aspirated V8 engines are not something uncommon in the US...

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Lexus NX200t Turbo Engine to Get High Output Version?

The upcoming 2015 Lexus NX200t is equipped with the first turbocharged engine within the whole Lexus history. This engine has the Toyota internal code name “8AR-FTS”.

The 8AR-FTS has an 2.0L displacement with an open-deck, midi-skirt type aluminum cylinder block. It also has a fully balanced forged steel crankshaft, cast-in iron cylinder liners.

Lexus_NX200t_engine

On the Lexus NX200t, the turbocharged 8AR-FTS makes 235 hp at 5,600 rpm with 258 lb-ft of torque available from 1,650-4,000 rpm. On the paper this engine sounds just like a normal modern 4-cylinder turbo engine, which has similar performance (2...

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Will The 2016 Volvo XC90 Be The Last Chance To Save Volvo?

During an interview with Automotive News Europe, the Volvo CEO made some comments about the upcoming redesigned 2016 XC90: “There is no second chance, of course. This has to work. We’re confident it will.”

We all know the fact that, Volvo’s sales performance has been lacked behind other luxury brands in US market for a long time. For example, during 2013, Volvo sold a total of 61,233 units in US; compared to BMW’s 309,280 units, Mercedes-Benz’s 334,350 units, Audi’s 158,061 units and Lexus’ 273,847 units.

This year (2014) Volvo does not has major new/redesigned model releases, so do not hope its sales volume will be dramatically different than 2013...

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Brief Analysis: The Volvo Scalable Product Architecture, and 2016 XC90

Today Volvo has revealed more details about the upcoming 2016 XC90. This time the information is focusing on the SUV’s architecture framework.

Starting from the 2016 XC90, most of the Volvo’s next-generation vehicles will be based on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). Within the SPA framework, only one thing is fixed: the distance between the front axle and the engine compartment firewall; Other than that, all other parameters are completely flexible, as shown in the bellow illustration.

Volvo_Scalable_Product_Architecture_9

Of course, the SPA is a front-wheel-drive layout.

One thing you may not notice: the SPA-based 2016 XC90, is using a transverse leaf spring for the rear suspension...

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