Wednesday, December 17, 2008

KIA SPORTAGE

The first generation Sportage was a mini SUV developed with a Lotus engineering base platform. It shares many mechanical components such as steering, axles, hubs, brakes, transfer case, transmissions, with the 1996-98 Suzuki Sidekick/Geo Tracker.
Sportage was sold in either a four-door or a two-door soft-top convertible. The first-generation Sportage was discontinued in North America for 2002 and worldwide for 2003 and put on hiatus until a second generation model was ready. The four-door model measures just a quarter of one inch longer and the same width as the Geo Tracker, but boasts 140 hp (108 kW) and optional four wheel drive. The 1998 Kia Sportage was the world's first production vehicle to be equipped with a knee airbag. This first generation model (1995-2002) sold in low numbers even domestically in South Korea, however, and was recalled twice for rear wheels dismounting while driving.
From 1995, the Sportage was built in Germany and European buyers only received German-built versions, while the rest of the world received Korean-built versions.
TOYOTA KIJANG

Fourth generation Kijang was more powerful and refined from its predecessors. The Pick-up is coded 60-series. The Minibus, often known as Kijang Capsule is 70-series (short wheelbase), or 80-series (long wheelbase). Engine options are 1.8 liter gasoline and 2.4 liter diesel.
The fourth generation Kijang vehicles were generally released in two series of trims:
Long Series
LX: Standard (Without air conditioning, cassette tape player, power windows or other luxuries)
LSX: Standard Plus (Equipped with standard AC and cassette tape player)
LGX: Deluxe (Equipped with double blower AC, cassette tape/CD player, power windows and garnish)
Krista (long series only): Deluxe Sport Edition (same as LGX but available in only blue, red, black, silver or green color, and including sports kit.)
Short Series
SX: Standard (Without air conditioning, cassette tape player, power windows or other luxuries)
SSX: Standard Plus ((Equipped with standard AC and cassette tape player)
SGX: Deluxe (Equipped with doubleblower AC, cassette tape/CD player, power windows and garnish)
The Pick-up variant was offered with Standard Deck and Flat Deck.
Trim levels for the Minibus included SX, SSX, SGX (short), LX, LSX, LGX, and Krista (long). The short wheelbase and sporty Rangga was also offered for a short time.
In the year 2000, the Kijang got a new front end. The 2.0 liter engine was offered in the LGX and Krista models. Another minor change was given in 2002 with new grille, rear garnish, and some small changes with its features.
Fourth generation Kijang in Indonesia, had changed three times : a. First edition (1997 - early 2000) : The body's steel is thicker than 2nd edition. The window was still equipped with rubber-seal. b. Second edition (2000 - 2003) : Thinner body-steel was used to decrease production cost and therefore, the new model is sold as cheap as the 1st model. Uses compound sealant on front and back windows. c. Third edition (2003 - 2005) : LSX and LGX series and SGX for short series now equipped with suede doortrim (the older model uses carpet-like doortrim). The interior changed into full cream color (the older models' color is gray).

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Savoia-Marchetti SM.82 Canguro

SAVOIA-MARCHETTI SM.82 CANGURO

Developed from SM.75, it was the largest transport aircraft in use by Regia Aeronautica during World War II. It could carry a wide variety of payloads, including fuel supplies, dismantled single engined fighters and 40 troops. After Italian surrender in September 1943, some were used by the Luftwaffe

Type : Transport
Crew : 4-5
Powerplant : three 860hp Alfa Romeo AR.126 RC18 14-cylinder radials
Max Speed : 230mph at sea level
Service Ceiling : 19,600ft
Max Range : 1865miles
Height/Length/Wing Span : 6m/22.95m/29.68m
Armament : 4x7.62mm machine guns; up to 8800lb of bombs