Tag Archives: 2005

Motorsport

Opel Zafira OPC Transformed into a 400-HP Minivan with Turbo Upgrade

The second generation Opel Zafira was introduced in February 2005 and featured a new platform compared to its predecessor. While most of the engines were new, the top-of-the-line 2.0-liter turbo engine was carried over from the Zafira A. Initially, it produced 237 horsepower. However, a German tuning company has now developed a turbo upgrade kit that significantly increases the power output.

TurboZentrum has developed a Stage 2 turbo kit for the Opel Zafira’s Z20LEH four-cylinder engine. The main difference compared to other kits for this engine is the new and optimized size and shape of the compressor wheel. TurboZentrum has designed the kit specifically for the airflow and exhaust specifications of the 2.0-liter turbo engine. The result is an impressive increase in power.

With the turbo upgrade kit, the peak output of the Zafira OPC now reaches 400 horsepower, and the power curve is flatter compared to the stock engine. Additionally, the new turbocharger delivers the same levels of air mass as the stock turbo but at a lower turbocharger speed, reducing the load on the turbo and improving its longevity.

The price of the turbo upgrade kit is $1,972 (1,844 Euros), and there is also a Stage 1 turbocharger available for $1,495 (1,398 Euros). The same engine can also be found in the Opel Astra OPC, allowing for the same performance upgrade in the hatchback variant.

It’s worth noting that the second-generation Zafira was the last to offer an OPC version. The third-generation model was equipped with smaller turbocharged gas engines and a more powerful twin-turbo diesel engine. Opel has since discontinued the Zafira and now uses the name for a slightly larger commercial vehicle, which is also available with a fully electric powertrain called the Zafira Life.

Cars

From War Machine to Street Machine: The Transformation of Gulf War Humvees into the Hummer

In 2005, General Motors (GM) introduced the smallest version of the Hummer, known as the H3. This new model was based on Chevy’s recently released Colorado compact pickup truck, which replaced the outdated S-10. GM also launched a fresh advertising campaign aimed at a wider demographic. A spokesperson for the brand stated that the H3 was an “approachable vehicle that will appeal to introverts, extroverts, vegans, and carnivores.” Surprisingly, the H3 indeed managed to attract a diverse range of consumers. In 2006, a record-breaking 71,524 Hummers were produced. However, this success would be short-lived.

Despite the H3 offering better fuel efficiency compared to the larger H1 and H2 models, it could only achieve around 16 miles per gallon at a time when fuel prices were rising, and the economy was reeling from the bursting of the housing bubble and the subsequent Great Recession. In 2009, GM filed for bankruptcy and attempted to sell the Hummer brand. Unfortunately, no buyers expressed interest, leading GM to make the tough decision to discontinue the brand entirely.

Many enthusiasts believed that this would mark the end of the Hummer legacy. However, GM surprised everyone in 2020 when it announced the return of this massive off-roader as an electric vehicle. In 2022, the Hummer made its triumphant comeback as the Hummer EV (HEV), a model included within GM’s GMC truck brand. While the all-electric powertrain reflects current social norms, the rest of the vehicle remains true to its Hummer roots. The HEV weighs over 9,000 pounds, carries a price tag well above $100,000, and boasts impressive off-road capabilities, with up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Perhaps, history does repeat itself after all?

Motorsport

2005 Ford GT Parked Outside For Five Years Is A Mouse-Infested Supercar

In 2005, Ford released a new GT supercar to celebrate its 24 Hours of Le Mans victories in the 1960s and the company’s centennial anniversary. These cars were produced in limited quantities, making them rare and valuable. That’s why it’s particularly satisfying to see this Ford GT receiving the care it deserves in a video on Ammo NYC’s YouTube channel.

This 2005 Ford GT, which is white with blue stripes, was left outside after its owner unexpectedly passed away. Despite only having 2,500 miles on the odometer, exposure to the elements has caused the paint to weather and leaves to accumulate in every nook and cranny. To add to the problem, there are signs of a mouse infestation.

Most Ford GTs lead pampered lives, stored in garages and showcased at car events. According to Hagerty, these cars are worth between $380,000 to $430,000 in good to excellent condition, with exceptionally pristine examples fetching up to $500,000. The son of the deceased GT owner plans to have it cleaned and serviced before listing it for sale on Cars & Bids.

The restoration process begins with vacuuming the front trunk (frunk), followed by power washing the frunk, engine bay, and exterior of the Ford GT. It’s astonishing to see the amount of dirt and debris that has accumulated in this car. While the surface may have appeared cleaner than the 1980s Chevrolet Camaro mentioned in the video, the frunk, engine compartment, and undercarriage are in much worse condition. Without going into too much detail, they resemble a forest floor rather than the underside of a car.

After countless hours of cleaning, scrubbing, and detailing, the Ford GT has been restored to an almost-new condition. Before listing it for sale on Cars & Bids, Doug DeMuro, who owns a Ford GT himself, visits the Ammo NYC shop and takes the car for a test drive.

DeMuro, who drives his own Ford GT on a daily basis, has accumulated 41,000 miles without encountering any issues. Despite being tall, he finds the car comfortable to drive. However, he dislikes the doors, which he claims can be hazardous, and the seats, which could be more comfortable.

Cars

Why Saab’s 9-7x SUV Failed For General Motors

The Saab 9-7x was provided on the market from 2005 to 2009, a comparatively quick time period, contemplating it was Saab’s first SUV. It could also be straightforward to level the finger at Trailblazer underpinnings and pretty uninspired styling for the 9-7x’s demise, however the story is deeper than that. To perceive the dying of the PathSaab Blazer9-7x, you’ll want to see what monetary form General Motors was in in the course of the SUV’s ultimate years. To put it in technical phrases, General Motors’ normal financial outlook in 2008 and 2009 was “not good” and “historically bad.” According to SEC filings in 2009, General Motors had managed to report a lack of a full six billion {dollars} over the primary quarter of the yr. It was like General Motors had out of the blue forgotten learn how to become profitable. The reality is, regardless of how good the Saab 9-7x may be, it probably wasn’t going to be round very lengthy anyway.

As one would anticipate, Saab was closely concerned within the monetary foibles. If your filings to the federal authorities have a separate line merchandise titled “Saab Related,” you realize issues may be dangerous. Looking on the gross sales numbers offers slightly extra credence to the very fact the 9-7 wasn’t right here to remain. In 2008, the final yr that full gross sales numbers can be found, Saab bought a complete of three,150 9-7xs. Comparatively, GMC bought 21,864 Envoys and Chevy bought 68,235 Trailblazers. Sales had been downright shameful. The remainder of Saab solely bought 16,187 automobiles. 

Featured

Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch

Only Watch is an auction established in 2005 by Luc Pettavino to raise funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy research. It has become a highly anticipated biennial event for both watch brands and collectors. Audemars Piguet, the luxury watchmakers, are proud to support this charitable auction by donating a unique piece called the Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked. This timepiece was unveiled in 2022 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak. It features a 41mm white ceramic case and bracelet, with a striking blue main plate and bridges.

The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition has a design enhanced by a blue inner bezel, white gold hour-markers, and luminescent-coated hands for better visibility. The 22K gold oscillating weight is colored with blue and rhodium tones, matching its modern look. The flying tourbillon cage and rhodium-toned gear train are the centerpiece of the watch, adding depth and visual appeal. The sapphire crystal backcase reveals another view of the intricate movement, while the outer case features engravings that say “Royal Oak UNIQUE PIECE.” The Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked Only Watch Edition will be auctioned off on November 5th at the Only Watch event.

Gaming, News

Razer Introduces Skins for Xbox Series X, PS5, Steam Deck, and Laptops

Razer, Inc. is a company that was established in 2005 and operates in both the United States and Singapore. Over the years, they have developed a wide range of technology products, including consumer electronics and gaming hardware. The brand is particularly known for its sleek and modern design, especially in the gaming industry. Their product lineup includes webcams, headsets, charging stands for game controllers, gaming mice, and even gaming chairs. In addition to these, Razer also offers its own line of gaming laptops and innovative devices that enhance the gaming experience, such as the Kishi V2, a controller that can be attached to an iPhone to transform it into a mobile gaming console.

While some of the products offered by Razer are a bit unique, like their environmentally-conscious reusable straws, they have also recently released more conventional items. For instance, in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company launched the Razer Zephyr, an air-purifying face mask priced at $100. This mask was compatible with N95 filters and featured two-speed fans. One might be surprised to learn that Razer took quite some time to introduce custom skins for devices like MacBooks and Steam Decks, considering it aligns with their brand. However, it is expected that Razer will release more patterns and potentially skins for other devices in the future.