Panoz Esperante--D&M Motorsports Video Test Drive Review 2012 Chris Moran
SEE OVER 100 IN-DEPTH AUTO REVIEWS @ www.SUPERCARNETWORK.com. A first drive for Chris in the Panoz Esperante. Presented by D&M Motorsports, hosted by Chris Moran.
Our intentions were good. This would be the first magazine to pit two similarly priced, low-volume, Ford SVT Mustang Cobra-powered sports cars from a pair of young and eager companies in a breathtaking shootout.
The fatal flaw was the timing. Qvale Modena is already shipping Mangustas to customers. The company diverted one for this test and certified that it was fairly representative of that which citizens of the land may purchase. On the other hand, Panoz Auto Development Company in Hoschton, Georgia, is still developing its Esperante. It did produce a prototype with Irish-green paint and oatmeal leather for testing, but the car was clearly yanked out of the oven while still a little squishy.
Regular production of the aluminum body panels had yet to begin, the interior is still undergoing minor revisions, and raising the unperfected convertible top occupied two engineers with tools for 20 minutes. In short, the Esperante's test numbers have too many asterisks to be used in an honest comparison with the Mangusta.
Not to say that the time spent with the Esperante was a complete waste. The Panoz shows promise of maturing into a shapely, competent roadster, and Danny Panoz promises the first buyers will be able to unload their extra $81,961 on one by this fall, once he obtains tops and bodies for the 100 or so completed chassis sitting in his factory.
That's just a few thousand clams shy of the Mangusta's price, but philosophically, the Esperante is a completely different animal. Panoz splices in far more Mustang DNA, including the steering rack, the ABS-equipped brakes (not available on the Mangusta), the independent rear suspension (IRS) module, and parts of the floorpan and fire wall. After modifications, those bits bolt to a space frame of interlocking aluminum extrusions that form the main structural skeleton.
Oddly enough, despite the high Mustang content, the Esperante feels less like a Mustang than the Qvale does. Panoz is aiming for a more classic sports-car experience and succeeds in part with a lower driving position, a compact three-spoke steering wheel that neatly conceals its airbag, and two pontoon fenders that bracket the view out the windshield.
The crisply tuned Panoz also behaves lighter on its feet. It turns in with Ginsu sharpness and bites the pavement hard in corners. But the Esperante demands a smooth hand near the limit because the rear end is easy to fluster and difficult to collect after it breaks loose.
Blame may lie with the Cobra's IRS module. Ford engineers designed it first and foremost to bolt directly to the Mustang's live-axle pickup points, sacrificing weight and performance for packaging convenience. Panoz adds only a cantilevered coil-on-shock assembly to make it work in the Esperante's space frame. Perhaps more tweaking will get the Panoz and Ford ends working in better harmony.
Throttle response is lustier in the Panoz, and it trounces the Mustang Cobra and the Mangusta in acceleration and braking. An oppressively boomy, low-restriction Exhaust may have helped contribute to the scorching drag-strip times. Danny says they are still tinkering with different systems.
Since it last appeared on these pages (January 1999), the Esperante has experienced some noteworthy revisions. "Nobody liked the pursed lips," admits Danny, so Panoz widened the tiny oval mouth that gave the first Esperante a face out of The X-Files. Inside, the company inched the shift knob closer to the driver by installing a remote shift linkage. It also repositioned the center-mounted gauges so that their binnacle is flat to the panel a la BMW Z8. Fine, except that they are even harder to read quickly and the reflection of the sky washes out the dials.
The Panoz may need to bake some more, but with Qvale out booking sales, the temperature should be hotter than ever.
Montage of supercars! AMAZING - Shelby Series 1, Mercedes SLS AMG, Panoz Esperante
Please comment, rate, and subscribe! My Facebook Page - http://tinyurl.com/6385qw2 Blog - http://dtrockstar1.blogspot.com/
Find out what the black car at the beginning is here! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxCHZPVURFQ
Chris Ashworth records Part 3 of the Woodward Dream Cruise. You will see a Shelby Series 1, Lamborghini Murcielago, Lotus Europa, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Dodge Viper, Corvette C6R, Camaro ZL1 prototype, '71 'Cuda, Panoz Esperante, Mercedes SLS AMG, among many others!
2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Start Up, Exhaust, Test Drive, and In Depth Tour
Hello and welcome to Saabkyle04! YouTube's largest collection of automotive variety! In today's video, we will take an up close and personal in depth look at the the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, an all new V12 all wheel drive flagship to replace the Murcielago. Packed with technological innovations and comfort, it's a more comfortable car to drive as far as super cars go, more powerful, lighter, and vastly improved with handling. The body is very reminiscent to the Reventon design concept rather than it's Murcielago sibling. Exactly what a new flagship from Lamborghini should be. During this presentation, we will take a 1st person look at what the car is all about beginning with the start up, performance data, fuel economy, the occasional track data, and build quality. Also, I will teach you how to use most of the interior and exterior features in a detailed fashion, that before, you could only get from going to a dealership yourself! Throughout the video, I will highlight key styling and unique differences about the vehicle, any available options, and of course it would not be an enthusiast car video without the good ole engine portion with rev and Exhaust note with interior and exterior perspectives. A thorough tour/review of this car designed to give others a greater overall appreciation of the vehicle.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CHANNEL SEE BELOW: In this channel you will find in depth reviews/tour of automobiles from all over the world, presented in a more detailed fashion than ever before. Basically, this gives the viewer the chance to view the most detailed 1st person look you can get without going to an actual dealer yourself! Every video is consistent in the way I present so viewers know what to expect in my presentations. I treat every vehicle with the same respect whether a 1960 Chevrolet Impala SS or the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador. I film all types of vehicles from past, present, and future while broadening the knowledge of the automotive enthusiast. You will see everything from vintage, brand new, exotic, mainstream, old, etc. I am very proud of this channel and have built it up from amateur videos years ago to what you see today. I wanted to share my love for the automotive world with the rest of the world. Be sure to explore the massive video variety, have fun and enjoy The Driver's Seat of YouTube! FIND ME ON THE OFFICIAL SAABKYLE04 FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CONTINUOUS UPDATES ON WHAT'S TO COME AND INTERACTING WITH OTHER FANS! http://www.facebook.com/pages/saabkyle04/315743567772
Don Panoz in an Esperante
While I was walking down the infield's main road at Road Atlanta during the 2010 Petit Le Mans endurance race, a beautiful blue Esperante passed by me. I quickly started filming, only then realizing that the driver was Don Panoz, founder of not only Panoz Auto Development, but also the entire American Le Mans Series. Thanks, indeed, Don, for the amazing cars and racing that you have helped bring to us!
Very Rare Panoz Abruzzi
Sorry for the short and quality of video. The car was only on the track for about 10 laps. After I realized it was of the track I went to the paddock to get pictures of it but they already packed it away. Sooo....enjoy what I got.
Bentley Arnage R--D&M Motorsports Test Drive Review 2012 Chris Moran
SEE OVER 100 IN-DEPTH AUTO REVIEWS @ www.SUPERCARNETWORK.com. An in-depth video test drive and walk around of a beautiful 2006 Bentley Arnage R with Chris Moran. Presented by D&M Motorsports.
Back in the roaring '20s, a Bentley's claim to fame was success in motor racing. But amidst financial struggles the company was bought by Rolls-Royce in 1931 and soon the only way to tell a Bentley from a Rolls was by its radiator grille. The 1980s saw the Bentley division get back to its sporting ways with the introduction of the turbo R sedan, and the 1990s saw BMW supplying engines to both prestigious English marques. Early in the 21st century, Bentley and Rolls went their separate ways: BMW took possession of the Rolls-Royce name, while Volkswagen kept the Bentley name and the plant in Crewe, England. Today's Arnage is a carryover from the previous era. It's rear-wheel drive and still uses a turbocharged BMW V8. The new generation of Bentley models, the Continental GT and Continental Flying Spur, make use of VW's turbocharged W12 and all-wheel-drive technology.
In spite of its advanced age, the Arnage has presence, and not just because it's longer than a Lincoln Navigator and weighs just as much. Understated rather than glamorous, the Arnage is devoid of any tacky styling elements. Close examination reveals lovely details, such as window frames that have no visible joints at their corners, appearing as a single piece rather than an assemblage containing unsightly seams. With leather and wood trim becoming commonplace in less prestigious nameplates, one might think that the Arnage's cabin has lost its "wow" factor. Rest assured it hasn't. A wide choice of custom colors and interior materials are available for those who wish to tailor the Arnage to their tastes. No matter how the car is ordered, the Arnage offers super-soft and comfortable seats and more interior space than many SUVs.
As for the driving aspect, the big Bentley offers performance more befitting a high-powered sport sedan than a near-3-ton luxury cruiser. A twin-turbocharged V8 and well-sorted suspension make the Arnage as much a treat for the driver as it is for passengers. Rationality doesn't play a big part in the purchase of a Bentley Arnage. Instead, it's about exclusivity and the thrill of owning an old-world automobile. Sure, the Arnage is fast, comfortable, elegant and well built by modern-day standards. But keep in mind that Bentley's own Continental Flying Spur is even faster, nearly as elegant and tens of thousands of dollars less expensive.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The Bentley Arnage comes as a four-door sedan that is available in three styles: Arnage T, Arnage R and the longer-wheelbase Arnage RL. The Arnage R is the "mainstream" Arnage, offering a combination of luxury and performance that should satisfy anyone short of an oil-rich sultan. The Arnage T is the sportiest of the trio, and is one of the most powerful road cars in Bentley's illustrious history. The Arnage RL is at the opposite end of the spectrum, as it offers unparalleled opulence along with more room for those riding in the backseat. Bentley automobiles offer very high levels of customization. Fabrics and patterns can be handpicked by the customer from an existing selection, or Bentley can completely customize the interior colors to the customer's liking.
Powertrains and Performance
All Arnages come with a 6.8-liter, twin-turbo V8. In the Arnage T, that power plant is good for 450 horsepower and an astonishing 645 pound-feet of torque. The Arnage R and RL offer slightly less power at 400 hp and a still impressive 615 lb-ft of torque. As expected, the power delivery is seamless and insistent. Bentley claims that the Arnage R can hustle to 60 mph in under 6 seconds.
Safety
Arnage models come standard with stability control, traction control, side and head airbags for front and rear passengers, front and rear parking sensors and four-wheel ABS.
Interior Design and Special Features
Along with limousinelike room, the Arnage's cabin boasts classic English fashion, with lots of beautifully finished wood and leather trim. Despite the traditional ambience, just about every modern luxury feature is available, including a DVD entertainment system, personal computer with wireless keyboard, television set and a host of audio systems, including multi-CD changers and an MP3 player.
Panoz Abruzzi
Panoz Abruzzi burn out. Sorry about the bad quality its a phone video.
Dodge Challenger SRT8--D&M Motorsports Video Walk Around Review 2012 Chris Moran
A 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 with only 2000 miles--Offered by D&M Motorsports. Presented by Chris Moran with Automotive Media Group.
For 2008, Dodge brings back the Challenger. With a 425-horsepower V8 and handsome retro styling, this reborn muscle car gives the Dodge boys something to be proud of.
Introduction
Did you miss out on the original 1970-'74 Dodge Challenger? Or maybe you had one back in the day, sold it and now regret the sale? Well, thanks to the Dodge boys who share a similar nostalgic sentiment, you get a second chance with the 2008 Challenger.
Those familiar with the old Challenger know that it was a belated response to Ford's wildly successful Mustang, which was launched some six years earlier. Size-wise, however, the brawny Challenger was closer in size and weight to a 2-ton muscle car than a lithe pony car. Big V8s were the engines of choice, including the legendary 426 Hemi V8. Unfortunately, this model's life was shortened by the era's gas crisis and more stringent emissions regulations.
Despite arriving into an eerily similar climate, there's no need to worry about the 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 merely being a poser's visual link to the past -- it sports standard "Hemi" V8 power, rear-wheel drive and the right sound burbling from its rectangular Exhausts. Initially, it will only be available in ultra-high-performance SRT8 form, meaning its 6.1-liter (around 370 cubic inches for you old-school types) V8 makes 425 horsepower. A less powerful (and less expensive) R/T model will debut next year.
The Challenger is based on Chrysler's LX platform, which is also used for the 300 and Charger sedans. Its wheelbase is 4 inches shorter than the Charger, though with an estimated 4,140-pound curb weight, the new model is frighteningly similar to its forbear in sheer bulk. Of course, the '08 Challenger does come with features previous Mopar designers could have hardly dreamed about, such as stability control, side curtain airbags and an available hard-drive-based navigation system that can also store music and video files.
In addition to having more features, the new one also differs by being fairly athletic and able to go around corners without scraping the Goodyear lettering off the tires. And thanks to its massive Brembo brakes, it can also stop from 60 mph in significantly less than a football field's length. Sadly, also unlike the old Mopar, you can't get a manual transmission. Instead of a pistol-grip Hurst to grab gears with, you get a five-speed automatic with Chrysler's AutoStick mode.
Overall, however, we like how the 2008 Dodge Challenger impressively combines the visceral and visual excitement of the past with modern engineering, safety and convenience features. We have no doubt that it will live up to the hype, though the accompanying dealer markup and limited availability will make this $38,000 car that much more dear. Shoppers not willing to deal with all that could simply pick up a Ford Mustang GT or GT500. Or even better, one could be patient and wait a year until the new Chevrolet Camaro will be available. At that point, the domestic pony car wars will once again be in full swing.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Dodge Challenger is a large five-passenger sport coupe available in a singular, high-performance SRT8 trim level. Standard features include 20-inch alloy wheels wearing 245/45 high-performance tires, a sport suspension, a rear spoiler, xenon headlights, leather and heated front sport seats, air-conditioning, full power accessories, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated side mirrors and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Also standard is a 13-speaker premium audio system with six-CD changer, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Options include a sunroof, the MyGIG combination navigation and music server system, and ultra-performance summer tires.
Powertrains and Performance
The Challenger SRT8 is powered by a 6.1-liter V8 that sends its prodigious 425 hp and 420 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission. The latter features Chrysler's "AutoStick" manual shift capability.
Dodge claims that the V8 vaults the Challenger to 60 mph in the low 5-second range and through the quarter-mile in around 13.5 seconds. Fuel economy, should a potential buyer care about such things, is an expectedly dismal 13 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
Safety
Antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), stability control and front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard.
Dodge Viper GTS Race Car, Panoz Esperante GTS and more on track: NASA March 2010 (3)
I film several amazing cars on the track at Road Atlanta during the March 2010 NASA Racing Weekend. The cars include:
Dodge Viper GTS Race Car
Supercharged Dodge Viper SRT-10 Roadster
Panoz Esperante GTS
Nissan GT-R
2x Ferrari 360 Challenges
You don't want to miss my next track day video! ;)
De Tomaso Pantera GT5 - Start up and accelerations!! 1080p HD
Hans records an awesome white De Tomaso Pantera GT5 during Spa Italia on circuit Spa Francorchamps. You can hear the start up Exhaust sound from the engine and a couple of drive by on circuit Spa. I have to say, this sportscar makes an incredible sound!
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- Hans
Rolls-Royce Phantom--D&M Motorsports Video Test Drive and Review 2012 Chris Moran
TEST DRIVE and complete presentation of a stunning 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom at D&M Motorsports. Presented by Chris Moran.
Like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Rolls-Royces change shape slowly and imperceptibly without affecting grandeur or purpose. This evolutionary pace ensures that even older Rolls models will remain relevant and rewarding, creating no sense of shame for owners even when placed next to newer, fresher versions.
That said, the single most noticeable change on the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom—the new front bumper—does just enough to tidy up the Phantom's face that it might prompt customers to go ahead and toss down $400K for a new one anyway. Indeed, the nicely integrated fascia brings the bumper, fenders, and grille into agreement with each other. Together, they replace the clunky, unresolved front end that, frankly, made the pre-'09 Phantom look like it had already "menaced" a wall or two as part of the assembly process.
Rolls-Royce made more changes to the big bad Phantom for '09, including new power rear bucket seats; relocated rear climate, window, and audio controls; a new clock; fabulous new rear vanity mirrors; and, for the first time, the unique headliner that uses tiny lights to mimic twinkling stars—evidently, when you have this kind of money, the stars always come out at night. The iconic Rolls grille has also been tweaked, becoming shallower to mimic the Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé, and cast-aluminum 21-inch wheels are now standard, with two additional wheel designs also being available. Production of the 2009 Phantom has just commenced at Rolls-Royce's Goodwood facility.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today revealed record sales results for 2010, with 2,711 cars sold during the year. This was a 171 per cent increase on the 2009 total of 1,002 cars and more than double the previous company record of 1,212 cars set in 2008.
All regions demonstrated significant sales growth, with particularly strong results seen in Asia Pacific, the United States and the Middle East. The United States remained the biggest single market for Rolls-Royce in 2010, followed by China and the UK. However, strong growth was also seen in markets like India, Korea and Japan.
"Our record sales result for 2010 was a tremendous team effort and is testament to the commitment and passion shown by our employees at Goodwood and around the world," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer. "Rolls-Royce has further extended its position at the pinnacle of the super luxury automotive market and has demonstrated a clear competence in the management of this unique ultra-luxury brand. We begin 2011 with a sustainable business model, a flexible workforce and great confidence in the future success of our company".
Demand for the company's latest model, Ghost, has been exceptional and Rolls Royce has won universal acclaim from customers, media and enthusiasts. Around 80 per cent of Ghost customers have never previously owned a Rolls-Royce.
Demand for Phantom models remained strong with the four door versions (Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase) remaining most popular. However, continued interest in the Phantom Drophead Coupé and the Phantom Coupé saw Rolls Royce attract new buyers, thanks to the company's unique Bespoke personalisation service.
Bespoke includes the development of anything from the most understated feature such as personalised tread plates, contrast stitching and seat piping to personalised veneers and unique exterior paints. Then there are stunning creations like luggage, glassware and a picnic set all designed and developed in-house at Goodwood.
The majority of Phantom series cars produced at Goodwood in 2010 included some Bespoke element and many exceptional and individual cars were produced for customers during the year. Bespoke sales in 2010 reached record levels and this trend is expected to continue in 2011.
1930 Ford Model A T-Bucket Hot Rod-D&M Motorsports Video Walk Around and Review with Chris Moran
An outrageous 1930 Ford Model A Custom Street Rod, offered by D&M Motorsports. Hosted by Chris Moran.
The Ford Model A of 1927--1931 (also colloquially called the A-Model Ford or the A, and A-bone among rodders and customizers[1]) was the second huge success for the Ford Motor Company, after its predecessor, the Model T. First produced on October 20, 1927, but not sold until December 2, it replaced the venerable Model T, which had been produced for 18 years. This new Model A (a previous model had used the name in 1903--1904) was designated as a 1927 model and was available in four standard colors, but not black.
By 4 February 1929, one million Model As had been sold, and by 24 July, two million.[2] The range of body styles ran from the Tudor at US$500 (in grey, green, or black)[2] to the Town Car with a dual cowl at US$1200.[3] In March 1930, A sales hit three million, and there were nine body styles available.[2]
The Model A was produced through 1931. When production ended in March, 1932, there were 4,849,340[citation needed] Model As made in all styles. Its successor was the Model B, which featured an updated 4-cylinder engine, followed by the Model 18 which introduced Ford's new Flathead V8 engine.
Prices for the Model A ranged from US$385 for a roadster to $1400 for the top-of-the-line Town Car. The engine was a water-cooled L-head 4-cylinder with a displacement of 201 cu in (3.3 l). This engine provided 40 horsepower (30 kW). Typical fuel consumption was between 25 and 30 mpg (U.S.) (8 to 12 kilometres per litre or 8-9 L/100 km)[citation needed] using a Zenith one-barrel up-draft[citation needed] carburetor,with a top speed of around 65 mph (104 km/h). It had a 103.5 in (2,630 mm) wheelbase with a final drive ratio of 3.77:1. The transmission was a 3-speed sliding gear manual unit with a 1-speed reverse. The Model A had 4-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The 1930 and 1931 editions came with stainless steel radiator cowling and headlamp housings.
The Model A came in a wide variety of styles: Coupe (Standard and Deluxe), Business Coupe, Sport Coupe, Roadster Coupe (Standard and Deluxe), Convertible Cabriolet, Convertible Sedan, Phaeton (Standard and Deluxe), Tudor Sedan(Standard and Deluxe), Town Car, Fordor (2-window) (Standard and Deluxe), Fordor (3-window) (Standard and Deluxe), Victoria, Station Wagon, Taxicab, Truck, and Commercial.
The Model A was the first Ford to use the standard set of driver controls with conventional clutch and brake pedals; throttle and gearshift. Previous Ford models used controls that had become uncommon to drivers of other makes. The Model A's fuel tank was located in the cowl, between the engine compartment's fire wall and the dash panel. It had a visual fuel gauge, and the fuel flowed to the carburetor by gravity. In cooler climates, owners could purchase an aftermarket cast iron unit to place over the Exhaust manifold to provide heat to the cab. A small door provided adjustment of the amount of hot air entering the cab. Model A was the first car to have safety glass in the windshield.
The Soviet company GAZ, which started as a cooperation between Ford and the Soviet Union, made a licensed version of the Model A from 1932-1936.[4] This itself was the basis for the FAI and BA-20 armored car, which saw use as scout vehicles in the early stages of World War II.
In addition to the United States, Ford made the Model A in plants in Argentina, Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
In Europe, where cars were taxed according to engine size, Ford equipped the Ford Model A with a 2,033 cc motor providing a claimed output of just 40 hp.[5] However, the engine size was still large enough to equate to a fiscal horsepower rating of 24 hp and attracted a punitive annual car tax levy of £24 in the UK and similar penalties in other principal European markets,[6] leaving the car unable to compete in the newly developing mass market. It therefore was expensive to own and too heavy and thirsty to achieve volume sales, but also too crude to compete as a luxury product. European manufactured Model As failed to achieve the sales success in Europe that would greet their smaller successor on the assembly lines in England and Germany.[5]
Historical context of Model A development
