See Porsche’s Cayenne Cabrio And Other Official Prototypes You Never Knew Existed

When Porsche is mentioned, what comes to mind is opulence, luxury, and class. In Nigeria, you can count the number of people who have this brand of cars as they are scarce and very pricey.

From the secret chambers of Porsche’s Research & Development department come a whole bunch of prototypes that helped pave the road for some of today’s iconic cars.

As luck would have it, the German automaker has chosen five of them to detail on film, starting with the Porsche 984, a compact, lightweight and aerodynamic roadster.

It tipped the scales at 880 kg (1,940 lbs), had a 135 PS (133 hp / 99 kW) engine, and could reach 220 km/h (137 mph). Its sole purpose was to achieve dynamic driving characteristics with low driving resistances, rather than using a powerful engine.

Based on the first-gen Cayenne is the Porsche Cayenne Cabrio. It had a Targa roll bar, which the automaker calls “a distinctive design feature”, and came with not one, but two different rear end designs.

Obviously, the Porsche Cayenne Cabrio never made it into production, but neither did the 1987 911 Carrera 3.2 Speedster. This one had an open single-seat layout and a plastic covering for the cockpit – evocative of the 550 Spyder of the 1950s.

The Porsche Panamericana, on the other hand, was made in 1989 as a present for Ferry Porsche. The design was completed in just a few months, and it came with a zip-roof that was stored in the trunk. This prototype had 250 PS (246 hp / 184 kW) available on tap, and could reach 210 km/h (130 mph).

Porsche saved the #1 position for a very special prototype, one that basically paved the road for one of the brand’s most iconic models ever. It came with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and was shown to a handful of journalists in 2012, who got the chance to experience it first hand as well. But you’ll have to watch the following video to see the actual car.

Watch the video below...

Credit:
CarScoops

Car Brands and What They Are Known For

People around the world have a different perception for each car brand. For example, if a group of people believes that Honda has better safety or fuel efficiency in its cars, therein another group of people considers it better in terms of latest technology or classic design. With oodles of impressions for each car’s brand worldwide, let’s find out what actually, are the different car brands known for?

What Car Brands Known For?

For a great overview of each popular brand, let’s explore them in different categories.

1. Toyota

One of the major reasons for Toyota’s car popularity is its reliability, affordability and its spare parts all over. No doubt, some people find it little boring because it looks similar to a classic truck but in terms of comfort, bland driving, and the engine- this brand manufactures unbeatable cars!

2. Nissan

Also known as the unique cousin of Toyota brand, Nissan provides appliances with CVT in their cars. People find these cars less reliable when compared to Toyota’s motors. However, in terms of features, it is three times better than the other brands in the market.

3. Honda

Similar to Toyota’s sports version, the Honda cars are sleeker than its sportier cousin is. But, having appliances with VTEC, these cars offer same reliability as Toyota. According to the young generation, Honda mainly stocks racer cars.

4. Mitsubishi

Some people consider Mitsubishi vehicles as outlanders but they’re the best when it comes to driving off-road. Also known as the warrior vehicle, these are highly preferred for work purposes.

5. Subaru

Enjoying its popularity in Portland, the Subaru cars rank second to Mazda when compared in terms of pleasure and balance on road. Again, for off-road, this brand provides the best cars.

6. Volkswagen

One of the most reliable German cars is manufactured by Volkswagen only. With its Golf model being the most popular among people, one also loves this car for its cheaper hatchback parts. Indeed, it is one of those brands, whose vehicles can be repaired at any mechanical workshop.

7. BMW

Fancy and sportiness are the two words that define the cars of BMW brand. With a refined look, tremendous power, comfort, and humble design, the brand stocks easy to drive automobiles. It is also known for manufacturing luxurious cars, which are adored by everyone, especially women.

8. Volvo

The Volvo motor is known for its SAFETY. Yes, this is what defines and make this brand most popular. People also find their cars practical, reliable, comfortable, and apt for work.

9. Ford

Manufacturing affordable cars for the family, Ford is also known for tough hatchbacks. With a good level of maneuverability, this brand has earned a good name even in the market of muscle vehicles like SUVs or large truck.

10. Fiat

Although this brand has no strength to boast of it definitely provides one of the cheapest cars.

Lagos 4th Mainland Bridge: Is This The End of This Masterpice?

The Lagos 4th Mainland Bridge was conceived in 2008 by the Babatunde Raji Fashola administration, according to the ideal, it was perceived to reduce congestion on the already congested Lagos roads, reduces long driving hours at lots more.

The 4th Mainland Bridge is a 26km state of the art bridge designed to link Ikorodu to Eti Osa Local Government Area. The design was done by Kunle Adeyemi of NLE. Kunle is a world acclaimed international Architect, he designed the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge.

According to Kunle Adeyemi, the designer of the project, He said...

To reduce this pressure, we propose an operation – the 4th Mainland Bridge. The operation will be the insertion of a bypass; a bridge within the body of Lagos. In addition to this bridge, we also propose a new heart to support the bridge. This ‘new bridge and new heart’ in the body of Lagos will not be typical infrastructure; they will connect people in large numbers and improve their natural flow through a reorganization of vehicular, waterways, and pedestrian modes of transportation.

The 2 level bridge will not only function as a means for vehicular traffic on its upper level, it will stimulate and accommodate pedestrian, social, commercial and cultural interactions on it’s lower level – ‘Lagos Life’ – with its tropical environment and intimate street level exchanges. The Fourth Mainland Bridge in conjunction with existing road networks would establish a primary ring road around Lagos. This ring road will provide alternative traffic routes from Lekki to Ikorodu, Ikeja to Ajah, relieving the 3rd Mainland bridge of its overstretched capacity.

With this improved flow of people across Lagos, the city will be relieved of traffic congestion, will maximize its great opportunities and grow better.

Things, however, took a new turn last year that is May 2017 when the Lagos state government terminated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium of firms to build the 4th Mainland Bridge at the cost of N844 billion. The MoU for the 36 km bridge, which two past administrations had promised to do, was signed on 25th May 2016.

The project was to be financed by Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, and other private investors who have already signified an intention to be part of the construction, while Visible Assets Limited would be the coordinating firm. However, the Lagos Commissioner for Waterfront Development,  Mr. Adebowale Akinsanya said the LASG was shopping for new investors to take over the 4th Mainland Bridge project.

He explained that investors from various countries, which include South Korea, Europe, and America, had indicated interest in the project.

“The pace the old contractors were moving is not what we are looking for.

“Right now we are looking at many investors and the interests are high, I would rather wait till everything is finalised before giving the detailed information.

“Investors from all over the world are indicating interest, from China, South Korea, Europe, and America.

“What we are doing now is vetting through the process to make sure that we do not waste more time, very soon you will see work begin on the bridge,” he said.

It's being almost a year now and nothing has been heard, the question on our lips now is that, is this the end of 4th Mainland Bridge? Time will tell.

Photo Credit:
NLE Kunle Adeyemi

A Review Of The Most Expensive Car In The World: Koenigsegg CCXR Special Edition

I have seen cars and I have read about some crazy types, I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly, but this Koenigsegg CCXR Special Edition seems to be an underground.

According to the manufacturers, our aim with the CCX Edition was to deliver superior performance – on the track, in a straight line and on your favourite winding road – and to do so in supreme style and comfort.

The CCX Edition was only produced in two examples. It featured a number of specifications that were unique to the model, including its 4.8 liter engine, 11 spoke wheels, a unique rear wing, unique side winglets, etc.This car currently costs about $4.8 million that is about 1.58Billion naira and it is been rated as the most expensive cars in the world. What makes the car so unique is the performance, speed and the luxury it entails.

PERFORMANCE
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2.9 seconds, 0-200 km/h 8.75 sec. 0-200-0 km/h 13.0 sec, 0-300-0 km/h: 25.5 Sec.
Top Speed: 400+ km/h (250+ mph) (without rear wing)
Braking distance: 32m (100-0 km/h)
Lateral G-force: 1.5 G
Fuel consumption: Highway travel: 18 l/100 km (E85 fuel),
Combined: 22 l/100km (E85)
Weight-to-power ratio: 1.26 kg/hp
Weight distribution: 45% front, 55% rear

CHASSIS
Carbon fibre with aluminium honeycomb and integrated fuel tanks for optimal weight distribution and safety. Monocoque torsional rigidity: 58,000 nm/degree. Weight including tanks: 72 kg.
Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, two-way adjustable VPS gas-hydraulic shock absorbers, pushrod operated. Electronically adjustable ride height.
Front: Cro-Mo subframe, with integrated crash members. Rear: Semi-stressed engine and gearbox with support struts, for optimal rigidity and no engine inertia movements.
Fully machined aircraft aluminium uprights, with SKF LeMans specifcation 150mm angle contact ball bearings.
GKN hollow/gun-drilled driveshafts.
Koenigsegg Z-style progressive and lightweight anti-roll bars front and rear.

TRANSMISSION
Specially developed transversal 6-speed gearbox, with optional paddle-shift.
Torque sensitive limited slip differential.
Clutch: Dual Plate, Ø 240 mm. (in paddle-shift version without Clutch pedal)
Final ratio: 3,364
1st gear: 2,875
2nd gear: 1,773
3rd gear: 1,267
4th gear: 1,000
5th gear: 0,833
6th gear: 0,711
Reverse gear: 3,000

BRAKES
Front brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs Ø 380 mm, 34 mm wide. 8-piston light alloy Brembo monoblock calipers. Power-assisted.
Rear brakes: Ventilated ceramic discs Ø 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6-piston light alloy AP Racing callipers. Power-assisted.

WHEELS
Koenigsegg forged alloy wheels with centre locking.
Front: 19″ x 9.5″
Rear: 20″ x 12.5″

BODY
Two-door, two seater with removable hardtop stowable under the front hood lid. Body made from pre-impregnated carbon fbre/kevlar and lightweight sandwich reinforcements.

DIMENSIONS
Total length: 4293 mm (169″)
Total width: 1996 mm (78.6″)
Total height: 1114 mm (44″)
Ground clearance: 100 mm (3.9″)
Fuel capacity: 70 litres (18.5 US gallons)
Luggage compartment: 120 litres (31.7 US gallons)
Dry weight: 1280 kg (2821 lbs)

AERODYNAMICS
Cd. 0,36 Frontal area 1.867 m2
Total Downforce at 250 km/h: 350 kg
Flat underside of chassis. Venturi tunnels at rear of chassis/body.

ENGINE
Koenigsegg aluminium V8, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts.
Displacement: 4800 cc
Compression: 9.2:1
Sequential, multipoint fuel injection.
Twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.6 bar boost pressure.
Dry sump lubrication with oil spray piston cooling.
Power output: 1018 Bhp at 7000 rpm
Maximum torque: 1080 Nm (796 ft/lb) at 5600 rpm
Carbon fibre intake manifold with optimised intake tracts.
Patented response charge system for optimal engine response.
Tig-welded ceramic-coated stainless steel exhaust manifold with merge collector.
Emission levels: Euro IV
Weight: 178 kg

STEERING
Rack and pinion power-assisted steering. 2.7 turns lock-to-lock.
Turning circle: 11 metres. TRW electro-hydraulic power-assisted.

TRACTION CONTROL
F1-style for optimal performance with 5 different handling modes.

TIRES
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (or Cup tires)
Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern
Front: 255/35 – 19″ (Y)
Rear: 335/30 – 20″ (Y)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Solid state digital semiconductors – no fuses or relays. Can bus operated and fully programmable functionality.

EQUIPMENT
Visible carbon body, dual airbags, Edition rear wing, winglets, large front splitter, detachable storable hardtop with glass roof, power windows, adjustable pedals and steering column, adjustable seats in rake and length, carbon ceramic brakes with ABS, hydraulic lifting system, power steering, power brakes, satnav, rear camera, DVD, CD, I-pod connection, sat radio, climate control, digital warning and info system, G sensor, alarm, tyre monitoring system, silver key, leather car- pets, roof stowage bag, car cover, forged aluminium wheels, Chrono instrument cluster.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Paddle-shift, carbon wheels, fitted luggage, special leather and colour requests, Inconell exhaust system.

WARRANTY
5 Years.

 

 

 

Okada or Keke Napep, Which one scares you most?

While we are basking in the europhia that Lagos is free from the hands of the deadly Okada riders, those guys can maneuver anywhere, God bless you that your rider is an aboki guy, you just have to be reciting Psalm 23 till when you reach your final destination. Okada riders have been caused by several accidents whereby many have lost their legs, many have turned Igbobi hospital to home all thanks to these Okada riders, it was a breath of fresh when the former governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola banned all the activities of Okada on Lagos highway, though they have their advantage in as much as they make your journey faster but as the elders say, "Its only the living that book appointment". Having ban the activities of the Okada riders, the government decided to replace them with the Keke Napep but with a warning that they are not allowed to ride on 3rd Mainland bridge due to their lightweight.

Keke Napep has brought lots of inspiration to many individuals as we have seen cases where couples now use it as their wedding car instead of the car, some use it for photo shoots and lots more.

Ever since the kekes come into place Lagos has never been the same again at times you wonder the kind of spirit that lives inside the drivers, they find it so difficult to obey the traffic rules, they are always in hurry and drive as in they are under the influence of demons or alcohol, we have seen cases where deaf and dumb operate keke Napep in Lagos (imagine a case where a car or trailer lost control and it is hooting to alert the drivers to give you, na die be that o). It is on this note we decided to ask, Keke Napep or Okada which one scares you the most and which one serves you better.

Let's hear from you.

Are Manual Drivers Better Than Automatic Drivers?

Driving a machine is certainly not easy. Be it a manual or automatic, you need to master the art of driving, which is indeed a tough job. You would agree that learning to drive a car is not a ‘one-night’ process. It takes months to understand the whole concept of driving a four-wheeler. But are manual drivers better than automatic drivers? People often discuss this by stating the pros and cons of driving a manual and automatic car. Well, getting to a conclusion in this is quite tricky though.

Manual Drivers Better Than Automatic Drivers – Yes or No
What makes a driver skilled is the understanding the car. While manual transmission offers finer control of grip, weight transfer, and modification, automatic cars provide less control to the driver.

Does this make a manual driver better?

Here are some points that feature manual drivers better than automatic drivers.

1. Better Handling
A manual driver is more aware when to stop the vehicle on different occasions, and how to handle it. A manual driver has a better understanding of physics and braking/acceleration. Further, such a driver also knows how a driver may oversteer or understeer with the limit of adhesion. Usually, a manual is more careful to drive well.

2. Cautious Driving
A good manual driver is cautious on the road. A road has everything from bumps, cambers and corners, according to which a driver choose a line. To driver perfectly, one needs to know how the weight of the vehicle will shift from front to rear. And, who else than a manual driver can do this? On the other hand, automatic drivers rarely need to be cautious throughout their journey.

3. Attentive and Aware
Unlike automatic drivers, a manual driver needs to stay very attentive and aware. A manual driver takes in all the relevant information in order to be prepared for driving in sensitive areas. This makes them mentally alert, which reduces the chances of negligence on the road.

Unlike automatic drivers, they cannot afford to remain calm and relax throughout the journey.

4. Good Learner

Better driving is important for every manual driver, as they feel more connected to their car. To achieve the aim, they stay extremely focused and embrace driving tips for manual cars. You will see that most manual drivers are enthusiastic about driving rather than bored.

Such drivers focus on how to brake smoothly, detect the distance between the two cars, and improve turning the car. Good driving consists of concentration and awareness. And, you will find the perfect mix of both in manual drivers.

Most drivers are simply aware of the road rules, they have no knowledge about the technique to transfer car’s weight and drive smoothly. However, manual drivers are more aware of the required technique to drive a car. They practice more and ‘feel’ the machine to be able to drive perfectly. The above-mentioned reasons attribute manual drivers better than automatic drivers.

Driving is an art mastered by a few people only.

9 Cheap Cars Cost Less Than an iPhone X

Last year, tech giant, Apple Inc released its much-anticipated iPhone X on 3rd November and its costs a whopping $999, that's about 360,000 naira.  To some it's a chicken feed that they won't even blink an eye before buying and to confirm it, it was reported that Nigeria's music star Davido recently bought 10 of these for his crew member, yes, money speaks. Do you know there are some cars that cost far cheaper than an iPhone X? We bring you 9 cars you can buy at a cheaper rate.

9 Cheap Cars Cost Less Than an iPhone X

Of course, no new cars will be available at less than $1,000. But, there are an array of used models that you can bag at this price range. Here is a list of 9 cheap cars that you can buy at less than a new iPhone X:

1998 Mitsubishi Mirage

A sedan car that has a history of good performance in terms of driving, moving, running, and rolling. It even has a radio to keep you entertained when you are not gloating over bagging such a good deal!

2001 Chevrolet Blazer

It’s simply a beast that needs none of the care and maintenance you had to invest in an iPhone X. The Chevy Blazer can take scratches and it rides bumpy roads like a pro with its oversized tires! It is sturdy enough to keep you stress-free and its roomy interior gives you the freedom of packing whatever you want.

1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport

What’s the biggest advantage of owning a Jeep Cherokee Sport? It can go off-road! The 1999 model is tough, rugged, and offers the guarantee of lasting for a long time. If you plan a day trip or go boating in a lake, the Sport can carry you, your stuff, and even a kayak on top!

1993 Chrysler New Yorker

Being able to flash an iPhone X is a matter of class and status. The 1993 Chrysler New Yorker will give you exactly that kind of satisfaction. Its aluminum body and the classy vinyl-top will sure warrant envious gaze and low whistles of appreciation.

2003 Ford Focus ZX3

It received pretty good feedback from the consumers when first launched in 2003. It’s a small hatchback with a manual transmission. Driving it around town is quite satisfying because it has a great handling and you don’t need to rev it up.

1989 Mercedes-Benz 300SE

Sure it’s a used car and it’s a pretty older model but it’s a Mercedes-Benz! And, you can get it at less than the price of an iPhone X! Owning a car from a luxury brand like Mercedes-Benz is a perfect way to flaunt your style while you are on the road.

1992 Toyota Celica GT-S

Toyota brand has always been known for its reliability. The Celica GT-S is not an exception. The Hatchback offers enough interior space, rally performance, and 150mph maximum speed (120mph is the limit for the GT versions).

2000 Buick Lesabre

It’s a gorgeous car that will remind you makes nostalgic of the past era with its retro design and decent performance. You can get a secondhand model at a dirt cheap price.

A New Electric Truck 

Well, it doesn’t look like a truck or it’s not suitable for heavy-duty performance. But, this Bangladeshi three-wheeled electric truck is surely a motor vehicle that can haul passengers and cargo around. Depending on the size and specs, you can get one at between $500 and $1,000.

Keep one thing in mind that except for the three-wheeled electric truck, the prices of all the cheap cars listed here are for used models. Also, the car prices depend on the conditions, mileage history, and some other factors. So, some vendors will have these models at more than $1,000. But, just a little digging will be enough to find them at less than the price of an iPhone X.

Watch the video here...

Credit:
CFJ, Jalopnik, Google, Viral Cars,