Wheels

Luxury Antique Cars: Rekindling the crave for classic

Published

1 year ago

April 5, 2018

Luxury lives in the finer details. It’s a cloth napkin at a dinner table; it’s a mint on your pillow before bed; it’s that inner and the ultimate feeling that clouds the sense of judgement in getting something at all cost and fills you to the brim with pride when in use. These are the tales of one driving an antique sports car.

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, would still want to have a feel of vintage luxury sport cars such as

Jaguar XK-E

The Jaguar XK-E or the E-Type for the North American market, is a luxury British car that was made by Jaguar Cars Ltd in the 1961 and 1975’s. Its mix of magnificence, superior, and aggressive evaluation built up the model as a symbol of the motoring scene.

The E-Type’s 150 mph (241 km/h) top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) increasing speed, monocoque development, plate brakes, rack-and-pinion guiding, and free front and back suspension recognized the auto and impelled far reaching changes.

The E-Type depended on Jaguar’s D-Type dashing auto, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three back to back years starting 1955 and utilized what was, for the mid-1960s, a novel hustling plan rule, with a front subframe conveying the motor, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub.

No step acclaim frame, as was regular at the time, was required and all things considered the principal autos weighed just 1315kg (2900lb)

The E-Type was at first composed and appeared to people in general as a back-wheel drive great tourer in two-seater car frame (FHC or Fixed Head Coupé) and as a two-seater convertible roadster (OTS or Open Two-Seater). A four-seater variant of the roadster, with an extended wheelbase, was discharged quite a long while later.

Morgan Aero 8

The Aero 8 is striking for a few reasons, fundamentally in light of the fact that it is the primary new Morgan outline since 1964’s. It doesn’t utilize hostile to move bars, a peculiarity in sporting cars.

It is additionally the main Morgan vehicle with an aluminum body and edge instead of conventional Morgan vehicles that have an aluminum cleaned wooden body tub on a steel suspension

The engine first powering the Aero 8 was a 4400 cc V8 built by BMW mated to a 6-Speed Get-rag transmission. In 2007, the Series 4 Aero 8 was released which had an upgraded 4799cc V8 built by BMW with an optional ZF automatic transmission.

All Aero 8s are assembled at Morgan’s Malvern Link factory, where they are able to produce up to 14 cars a week. It has been criticized for its “crosseyed” look which originally was justified by the manufacturers as conferring aerodynamic benefits. It comes with a Bore & Stroke: 93mm x 83.3mm an Engine size of 4799 cc (4.8 L).

Its Power Output measures up to 367 PS (270 kW) @ 6000 rpm and a Torque Output of 490 Nm (370 lbf·ft) @ 3600 rpm. The Valvetrain setup is a DOHC 32-valve Double Valvetronic with a Compression ratio of 10.0:1

Chevrolet Corvette C1

In 1927 General Motors employed designer Harley Earl who cherished sport autos, returning in the wake of serving abroad in the years following World War II, bringing home MGs, Jaguars, Alfa Romeos, and so forth.

In 1951, Nash Motors started offering a costly two-seat sports car, the Nash-Healey, that was made in organization with the Italian fashioner Pinin Farina and British auto build Donald Healey, however there were few direct valued models.

Aiming at keeping costs down, GM executive Robert F. McLean mandated off-the-shelf mechanical components, and used the chassis and suspension design from the 1949–1954 Chevrolet passenger vehicles.

The drivetrain and passenger compartment were moved rearward to achieve a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. It had a 102-inch wheelbase.

The engine was a 235 cu in (3.85 L) inline six engine that was similar to the 235 engine that powered all other Chevrolet car models, but with a higher-compression ratio, three Carter side-draft carburetors, mechanical lifters, and a higher-lift camshaft.

Output was 150 horsepower (110 kilowatts). Because there was currently no manual transmission available to Chevrolet rated to handle 150 HP, a two-speed Powerglide automatic was used. 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time was 11.5 seconds.

1952 Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet

The Ferrari 342 was the improvement by Aurelio Lampredi of a bigger form of the first Colombo-composed Ferrari V-12. The transient target was to exploit new Grand Prix controls allowing normally sought motors of up to 4.5 liters to contend with supercharged 1.5-liter motors like Ferrari’s unique V-12 and the Alfa Rome 158 Alfettas.

Larger displacement also had advantages in reliability and performance in sports-racing cars and gran turismos, leveraging additional competitive and economic benefits from the time and effort invested in designing, building and developing Lampredi’s engine.

Designed with the basic parameters of Colombo’s V-12 to fit with minimal changes in Ferrari’s existing chassis design, with a 60-degree angle between the cylinder banks and a single overhead camshaft on each bank, Lampredi’s engine was, of necessity, longer.

Piston stroke grew from 58.8 mm to only 68 mm but the bore of the design-capacity 4.5-liter engine increased to 84 mm from the Colombo’s 68 mm bore in the 212 necessitating a longer cylinder block with 108 mm between cylinders, up from the 90 mm in the original Colombo engine.

Bugatti Type 57

The Bugatti Type 57s were worked from 1934 through 1940, with a sum of 710 productions delivered. It was an altogether new outline made by Jean Bugatti, child of founder, Ettore. Type 57s used a twin-cam 3,257cc engine based on that of the Type 49 but heavily modified by Jean Bugatti, unlike the single cam engines of the Type 49 and earlier models.

The engines of the Type 50, 51 used bevel gears at the front of the engine to transmit power from the crankshaft, whereas the Type 57 used a train of spur gears at the rear of the engine, with fiber gear wheels on the camshafts to achieve more silence in operation.

The Type 57 was a touring car model produced from 1934 through 1940. It used the 3.3 L (3,257 cc; 198 cu in) engine from the Type 59 Grand Prix cars, producing 135 hp (100 kW). Top speed was 153 kilometres per hour 95 mph.

It rode on a 3,302 mm 30 in wheelbase and had a 1,349 mm 53 in wide track. Road-going versions weighed about 950 kg 2,090 lb. Hydraulic brakes replaced the cable-operated units in 1938, a modification Ettore Bugatti hotly contested. 630 examples were produced

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was the main emphasis of the SL-Class fabulous tourer and quickest generation auto of its day. Presented in 1954 as a two-seat car with particular gull-wing entryways, it was later offered as an open roadster. Like the W194, the 300 SL borrowed its 3.0 litre overhead cam straight-6 from the regular four-door 300 luxury tourer introduced in 1951.

Featuring an innovative diagonal aluminum head that allowed for larger intake and exhaust valves, it was canted to the right at forty-five-degrees to fit under the SL’s considerably lower hoodline.

1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing; top car rating and specifications

In place of the W194’s triple two-barrel Solex carburetors, a groundbreaking Bosch mechanical direct fuel injection was installed, boosting power almost 25% over the Gran Prix cars.

Derived from the DB 601 V12 used on the high-powered Messerschmitt Bf 109E fighter of World War II, it raised output from 130 kW; 177 PS (175 hp) to 160 kW; 218 PS (215 hp), almost double that of the original Type 300 sedan’s 86 kW; 117 PS (115 hp).

An optional, even more powerful version, with radical camshaft developed 179 kW; 243 PS (240 hp), but was rough for city use. The result was a top speed of up to 260 km/h (160 mph) depending on gear ratio and drag, making the 300 SL the fastest production car of its time.

Wheels

Changan- To disrupt Ghana’s Automobile Market!

Published

3 days ago

August 15, 2019

Vaultz Publisher

June, 2019 marked the official press launch of Changan in Ghana. A brand that has dominated China’s automobile industry since its inception. The launch took place at Stallion Motors Ghana LTD Office (Stallion Group) located at Obetsebi Lamptey circle where a range of Changan vehicles were unveiled for all present to witness. These vehicles looked very astonishing and with prices starting from as low as $12, 999 equivalent in Ghana cedis, one will say these brand of Changan SUVs and saloon cars will definitely disrupt the automobile sales industry in Ghana as they have very good model line-up for SUV’s and Sedan with 5 years or 100,000 kms warranty.

History of Changan Automobile

The first thing we may think about when buying a new car is safety and a long lasting feature, whether for personal use, family or an organisation, and that is precisely what Changan stands for; Cháng – long lasting/forever (长) and ān (安) – safe/secure that makes Cháng’ ān (长安).

Changan has been in the Chinese Automobile Industry for 153 years with 33 over years’ experience in building and selling passenger car vehicles. This brand can boast of being an early leader in the Chinese auto industry and currently a top selling Chinese automotive brand sitting confidently amongst the top four automobile groups in China.

Founded in Shanghai in 1862 by Li Hongzhang, the brand’s mission is to pioneer auto culture and benefit human life with a vision to build world’s leading automobile enterprise that later moved to Chongqing in 1937.

Changan has over 33 years’ experience in car-making since it started auto business in 1984 and produced their first batch of small size vehicles in China, and became one of the top four Chinese automobile manufacturing groups in 2009 with a total sales volume of Changan brand vehicles exceeding 10 million in 2014 and a sale volume exceeding 1 million in 2015 for Changan brand passenger vehicles.

All over the globe Changan has a footprint; 12 global production bases (3 under construction) and 32 vehicle and engine plants. Changan has 6000 sales and service stations covering 60 countries, with 150,000 professional service staff providing consumers with pleasant experience anytime, anywhere. The company also uses over 20 APPs and WeChat official accounts for customer service to ensure immediate response to customers. The brand also partners with other top vehicle manufacturers like Suzuki (1993), Ford (2001), JMC (2004), Mazda (2005) and PSA (2010) to deliver the best vehicles.

The Research and Development of Changan Automobile

Research and Development (R&D) is key for Changan hence an R&D network is established in Chongqing, Beijing, Hefei and Hebei of China, Turin of Italy, Nottingham of UK, Detroit of USA, and Yokohama of Japan. A world class talent team made up of over 90,000 employees, including 10,000 R&D personnel globally (6,000 dedicated to Changan brand) and over 400 senior experts from 15 different nations. 13 of them are included in China’s Recruitment Program of Global Experts. Changan attracts the largest number of experts among Chinese auto companies.

Changan’s unique R&D strength is ranked number 1 in the Chinese automobile industry for 8 years. The styling and package, structural design and performance development, test validation and evaluation, simulation analysis and prototype process forms the digitalized coordination capability and project management capability to support five core strength.

It is assuring to note that, Changan vehicles go through several field and laboratory tests such as crash safety, NVH, master ESP, TCS, VVT, TCT, ICCS and other advanced technologies. The cars have also gone through extreme climate tests in extremely low temperature of -52℃ in Russian snowfield and China’s north border Mohe, extremely high temperature of 50℃ in Turpan and Middle East dessert, an altitude of over 5200m in Qinghai-Tibet plateau and a performance test in extremely high-dust land (120mg/cm³).

Changan has the largest dynamic ground with the most comprehensive functions and highest precision in Asia. A 2 billion RMB investment that built a 224-hectare Changan comprehensive proving ground.

In addition to this, Changan very much believes in the era of smart technologies. Changan 2015 car models have assisted driving, and have upgraded to half automated driving in 2018. Plans are far advanced to have fully automatic driving Changan vehicles by 2025 and beyond. A smart vehicle R&D team with 1500 engineers will be setup to develop technology and products in smart connectivity.

For the past 3 years, Changan has penetrated the African market and now has an assembling plant in Nigeria. Seeing the success chalked in Nigeria, the team has brought the top class vehicles to Ghana; 5 powerful SUVs and 1 smart looking saloon car.

The Changan Brands

Changan’s brand pride comes with a hi-tech and fashionable design. These astounding cars are efficient, clean, safe and smart.

Changan has successfully launched a series of classic products; CS75, CS35, CS15, Raeton, Eado, Alsvin, CX70, Oushang and has more than 8500 customers across the world choosing Changan every day.

Available in the Ghanaian market is CS95, CS75, CS55, CS35 ( available in Luxurious & Distinguished model), CS15 in SUV’s and sedan range has Alsvin V3 & Eado models.

CS95 in Simplicity…

This model has a simple design appearance but has all the essential elements with extraordinary functions. The car has a succinct visual language and powerful to the core. An absolute high performance full size SUV!

The CS95 is equipped with Blue Core 2.0L turbo GDI engine, has maximum output 171 kW at 5000-55000 rpm and maximum torque 360 Nm at 1750-3500 rpm. The tyres are 245/60 R18, 245/55 R19 and wheels a two-tone aluminium alloy. It also has a fuel tank capacity of 64 litres. Along with dozens of advanced technology, the CS95 is built to have high performance, low fuel consumption, low emissions and high quality harshness (NVH) performance.

It offers supreme comfortability as the design adopts classic design concepts and methods from a couple of industry top brands and the NVH performance of the deep-sea mute is also adopted. The Changan CS95 is a large multipurpose city SUV with seven seats.

The Timeless Beauty, CS75

This urban design CS75 is a beauty that will have customers enjoy being the focus of the car. The front Grille has a rugged styling; suggesting power and performance, a streamline waistline that suggests powerful performance, and the chrome plated trim elements really shimmering to give it that classy look.

The electronic parking system (EPB), electronic power-assisted steering (EPS), and electronic stability control facilitate easier driving and is equipped with a Changan 1.8L turbocharged Blue Core engine paired with an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission running on a 58 litres capacity fuel tank.

CS75 has all the cool tech! It is equipped with the user friendly in call interconnection system, all-around service, remote control system, voice recognition, push-to-talk, built-in hard disk music player, iPod Music play, phone projection, application store, emergency rescue service and anti-theft tracking function.

Safety is a top priority in all Changan vehicles so the CS75 also has automatic parking, 6 airbags, and several safeguards like; electronic parking system, tyre pressure monitoring system and a 360 panoramic system.

Such pulchritude!

Obsidian CS55!

Think hot volcanic lava cooling down sturdily and later becoming a unique glasslike rock. That’s the inspiration for this Changan model. Changan’s design philosophy and strategy was applied here, it was designed and developed by Changan’s European design team who were truly inspired by nature.

CS55 get its red appearance by using an advanced triple layer coating process that gives the car its smooth texture. The red metal layer is made up of bright aluminium powder. To put the final touch, a Nano-level material colour spray is applied. The body of the car has a dynamic rhythm, talk about the diving waistline together with the chrome trim below the windows, the blue whale tailed C column and suspending roof design model on the side line of the vehicle body just gives a different feel to the whole CS55. The lights are gorgeous as well, high-quality LED lamps and obsidian-profile 3D trail with LED tail lights. It has 18-inch two-tone stylish wheel hub, a dual-coloured floating roof.

On the inside is a different look all together; it has an x element capsule shaped panel. Sitting elegantly on it is the 8-inch LCD control screen, it has stylish keypads and chrome details. It integrates the in call system, rear view camera (carried on some vehicle models), panoramic image (carried on more premium models), GPS, ADAS functional switching and other smart technology, thus truly realising touch-and-go.

The car is enjoyable, very spacious and offers comfort too. Another fascinating tech in the CS55 is the independent temperature control; the intelligent air conditioning makes it possible to have different temperatures in different areas. It allows you to independently control the temperature in driving seat, passenger seat and the backseat. A PM 2.5 filter and Plasma Generator is also fitted in the car.

The engine is the new Blue Core 1.5T DVVT DOHC all-aluminium alloy engine. Efficient fuel consumption is achieved with the Bosch STT to stop the engine when at a standstill and automatically ignite again when moving again. Under typical urban driving conditions, this gives fuel savings between 5-15%. It’s also equipped with Aisin new 6AT transmission, CS55 possess advanced gear technology, and offers rapid gear shifts and quick control functions as well as contributes to a strong fuel economy.

An intelligent and secure car with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-warning Assistant Braking, Hill Descent Control, Hill-start Hold Control, Automatic Parking Assistance, 360 Panoramic System and several other advanced technologies that make this car exceptionally different!

CS35 Extraordinaire!

This model is indeed nifty. The CS35 has a stylish front fascia with simple yet sharp lights, shield-shaped chrome plated air inlet grille, a push-button, dual-mode, anti-pinch power sunroof, chrome plated window trim strip, a dynamic V-shaped aluminium alloy hub, eagle-eye crystal headlamp, eagle beak ribbon taillight and chrome plated double exhaust tips.

Every journey with this car promises to be enjoyable and comfortable. This car speaks luxury and comfort with its fashionable two-tone seats design. A cool central control that has a UI interface display showing clearer icons, night mode, and air conditioning status. It also has a sophisticated instrument panel with a bold ice blue look and backlit gauges and TFT display provides driver information with style and is virtually sound proof; low noise, vibration, and harshness

CS35 is simultaneously powerful and environmentally friendly. The fuel-saving equipment such as an intelligent generator with OAD technology, electric thermostats, and a variable displacement compressor, boosts performance while reducing fuel consumption. Isn’t that extraordinarily efficient?!

The engine is an all-aluminium alloy engine, Blue Core 1.6L DVVT DOHC, uses Aisin SS-II manual-auto all-in-one 5-speed manual transmission and a start-stop technology fuel-saving system. It also has extraordinary features like the Electronic Power-Assisted Steering, Automatic Parking Assistance and all-round safety features.

This particular model is assembled in Nigeria.

Vibrant Alsvin V3

The Alsvin V3 is powerful with a feel young vibe. This car wants its user to feel young and be different!

A dynamic and family friendly sedan equipped with a new generation 1.5 litres Blue Core engine and Aisin SS-II automated manual transmission. It’s also using advanced technologies such as keyless entry, one-button start, electronic power system, professional chassis adjustment, flat rear floor, and 40 dB idling noise are some of the advanced features.

This model of Changan is very comfortable and spacious. The booth is surprisingly spacious for a saloon car. It also has great safety technology installed like the reverse camera at the rear.

At the press launch of Changan’s range of vehicles, the Brand Head, Mr. Manish Daryanani said the brand is building an image of vitality, progress, quality, and fashion, with passenger cars as the focus hence the promotion of Changan brand image in all aspects through high level platforms and events. He also made emphasis that Changan is here to stay with the hope of bringing customers both safety and happiness.

The Stallion Motors Ltd, located at Plot A1 & A2, Obetsebi lamptey Circle, is the authorized distributor for Sales & After-sales Service in Ghana.