Automotive
A completely new vehicle category
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May 17, 2006 Each year at the North American International Auto Show (aka NAIAS or the Detroit Motor Show), the Michelin Challenge Design offers a global platform for students and designers to share their visions of design for automotive industries in the 21st Century. This year, 22 vehicles made it to the show in full-sized form and each of them represented original thought in the automotive design process and a trip to the design web site will provide hours of fascination for any mechanical engineering enthusiast. Two designs that really interested us this year were from young German designers Tilmann Schlootz and Oliver Keller who collaborated to produce the Baal and Hyanide designs pictured here and inside. They represent an entirely new vehicle concept using a bendable rubber track that offers much more traction than its closest relative, the motorcycle, as well as freely changeable directions. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Safety Truck with Active Protection
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May 15, 2006 As ironic as it seems, Mercedes Benz trucks are actually more advanced in their active safety systems than the company’s most advanced passenger vehicles, and the advent of its latest Active Brake Assist (emergency brake assistant) technology will see that brought firmly into focus in coming weeks as the company steps up its road safety initiatives at a political level in Europe. Though it will be marketing all of its electronic driver support and safety system concepts in one “Mercedes-Benz Safety Truck” package, the bright yellow safety poster child is actually available as of this week as a fully-optioned Actros. The newly added Active Brake Assist is based on the existing radar system used by the Telligent proximity control system and initiates emergency braking when there is an acute risk of a collision with a car in front. It uses the three radar beams of the proximity control system, which detect obstacles moving in the lane ahead of the truck at a distance of up to150 metres, while constantly determining the difference in speeds between the two vehicles. If an accident is unavoidable in the prevailing circumstances, the driver is first given a visual and acoustic warning, followed by partial braking (30 percent braking performance), and if the risk of a collision increases even further, the system then initiates full emergency braking. Since rear-end collisions represent a sizable proportion of the accidents that occur in heavy-duty transport on European roads, the accident researchers expect the widespread use of Active Brake Assist to lead to a noticeable reduction in the number of accidents involving fatalities and serious injuries. Read More
Six seat luxury mobile office concept for the corporate commando team
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May 14, 2006 There are many companies in the world that create luxury goods for high earners, and there are just as many who create specialist tools for the finest exponents of their trade. Becker Automotive does both, pushing the very edge of luxury vehicle design. Using SUVs and vans as the base of their designs, Becker can create mobile environments for almost any purpose, from luxury offices through stretched (height and length) mobile entertainment areas, though the exterior of the van remains remarkably incognito, giving no hint of the technology, opulence and status of the occupants. What sets Becker apart, is the level of luxury craftsmanship, which is equivalent to that you’d find in a private luxury jet or yacht, and the range of options, which covers … almost anything. Though Becker Automotive is located in California, their vehicles are regularly shipped across the world. Our favourite is Becker’s six-seat mobile office concept for the corporate commando team (pictured) with full electric seating, high-speed wireless internet and … ballistic armouring should it be required. Read More
Citroen C-Buggy off-road concept car
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May 13, 2006 Citroen will use the Madrid International Motor Show later this month to unveil an adventurously styled C-Buggy off-road concept car. A derivative of the C-Airplay concept, the C-Buggy is Citroen’s futuristic interpretation of a two-seater, go-anywhere car. Clearly designed for warmer climes, due to the absence of a roof, windscreen and windows, the C-Buggy exudes a carefree charm whilst wide wheel arches, big wheels, glass door portholes and sump guard hint at its off-road credentials. Read More
Production ends on Porsche Carrera GT: the most successful supercar in history
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May 12, 2006 The manufacture of the Carrera GT at Porsche's facility in Leipzig, Germany, concluded earlier this week, bringing to a close what Porsche labels “the most successful supercar in history.” Porsche’s claim is based on sales of the beastie - more than 1,270 Carrera GTs have been sold since its introduction in late 2003 with around half that finding homes in North America. This figure represents a greater number than the total production of the McLaren F1, Ferrari Enzo, and Pagani Zonda models combined. Regardless, even in an economic climate that did not favor products in this segment of the market, the V-10 supercar sold in unprecedented numbers. Our favourite quote on the Carrera GT was that of MotorWeek TV show host John Davis who said, "the Carrera GT is the best motivation to get rich that we've ever driven." Read More
BMW Mille Miglia Concept Coupe
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May 12, 2006 The world’s most expensive travelling museum gets its annual showing this weekend when the fabled Mille Miglia is run over the original course from Brescia to Rome and back. The most famous motor race in the world in the immediate pre- and post-WW2 period, the Mille Miglia was held on public roads over 1000 miles with Sterling Moss setting a record for the journey in a Mercedes 300 SLR averaging 157.65kph in 1955. Banned in the late fifties, it is now run as a reliability trial where some of the most memorable automobiles in motoring history participate. Each year more than 20 cars are liberated from motoring museums to drive in the event, and the total value of the 375 entries would be in the hundreds of millions of dollars. This year, the magic of the event was heightened when BMW unveiled a concept vehicle to commemorate the BMW 328 Touring Coupe which won the event in 1940. The chances it will ever be built are very low – which is an enormous shame because under that gorgeous skin are the mechanicals of the 252 kW BMW Z4 M Coupe. Perhaps there’s a market for retro sports cars built with modern methodology? Read More
BMW dominates the International Engine of the Year Awards
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May 11, 2006 BMW has dominated the 2006 International Engine of the Year Awards held at the annual Engine Expo in Stuttgart, winning the Best Performance Engine and International Engine of the Year for the second year running with its 5-litre V10. The Bavarian car maker also won awards for its Z4 M 3.2-litre (3-litre to 4-litre ) and twin-turbodiesel 3-litre (2.5-litre to 3-litre )in this year’s competition, and hence took ALL awards for engines greater than 2.5 litres, giving it a total of five trophies. The V10 unit saw tough competition from the likes of Volkswagen’s new 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (which won Best New Engine) and the previous IEOY title holder, Toyota’s 1.5-litre Hybrid Synergy Drive Prius, which in 2006 also won the 1.8-litre and the Fuel Economy categories. Subaru picked up its first ever gong in the 2-litre to 2.5-litre category for its 2.5-litre Turbo engine used in the Impreza and Forester models and Saab’s 9-2X. Read More
Mazda to release limited edition driver-focused RX-8 PZ
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May 9, 2006 Mazda is set to introduce an even more ‘focused’ version of its highest performance, four-door, sports coupe. On sale in the UK from 1 July it will be called the ‘Mazda RX-8 PZ’. Based on the 231ps high-power version of Mazda RX-8 with leather trim, the PZ has been further developed by Mazda jointly with leading motorsport company Prodrive, and specialist component suppliers Bilstein, Eibach and OZ Racing. Mazda’s brief to Prodrive was to build on the attributes of the RX-8 and create a special model that delivers greater driver involvement and an even more rewarding motoring experience, with enhanced ride and handling, while staying true to the original concept and without compromising the car’s passenger comfort as a unique four-seater sports car. Ensuring a touch of exclusivity, just 800 examples of the Mazda RX-8 PZ will be available, priced at UKP 25,995 on-the-road with an insurance rating of 17E compared to 16E for the standard RX-8 231ps model. Read More
GG Quad with additional bite
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May 6, 2006 One of the most intruiging forms of motorized transport we’ve seen in recent times is the GG Quad made in Switzerland. Starting with a modern BMW flat twin motorcycle of 1150cc, Gruter and Gut have evolved a machine that is somewhere between an open wheeler and a motorcycle, with motorcycle-like controls and a very healthy power-to-weight ratio for any four wheeler – 100 brake horsies pushing just 375 kilograms. In gearing the bike down to push the extra weight, top speed has been reduced significantly to just 115 mph, but the acceleration is … breathtaking. By utilising the space between the open wheels, there’s now storage space aplenty. The GG Quad is now available in America, built to order in Switzerland with complete units shipped to the US-based Dallas HQ and distributed to dealers for an MSRP of US$49,500. Delivery times are being streamlined at present and order-to-delivery of the beastie is expected to be less than a month when importing starts in Q3. Check out the extensive photo gallery. Read More
The unique Mercedes-Benz Museum concept
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May 6, 2006 On May 19, 2006, the new Mercedes-Benz Museum will open its doors to the public putting another must-see on the map of the automobile enthusiast. This new building at the gates of the parent plant in Stuttgart-Unterturkheim (Germany) is far more than a home to 120 years of automotive history. The museum was created in a very similar process to that of a new car series. First it was conceived and rough-sketched in the mind and with computer assistance. All parties involved entered unknown territory with the concept. Prototypes of the structure were designed, some even full-scale, to test the feasibility of the idea. As everything gradually neared completion, an intensive test run was conducted to put the entire museum to the acid test. Now the new model is ready. It stands for the brand and its values and is intended to display the permanent innovative spirit of the Mercedes-Benz culture which professes that innovations are the milestones on the way to the future. Read More
Antonov two speed supercharger
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May 6, 2006 Antonov will demonstrate an innovative two speed supercharger at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart (Germany) next week and at Zandvoort race circuit in the Netherlands the following week using a Mercedes and Ford Mustang fitted with the high performance add-on. The Mustang will then be shipped to North America to feature in the Hot Rod Power Tour. The two speed drive enables a Rotrex centrifugal pump supercharger to be better matched to any engine. By driving the supercharger faster at low engine speeds, higher boost ratio can be obtained to provide additional low speed engine torque. As engine speed rises the unit automatically changes up to enable the supercharger to continue to operate effectively at higher engine speeds. The ability of the mechanism to operate as a passive device without the need for additional external control or hydraulics offers low cost, high efficiency and simplicity of application. The compact Antonov drive system - essentially a tiny automatic gearbox - extends the engine torque curve delivered by a centrifugal pump supercharger. This type of supercharger is in itself more compact, less complex and less expensive than a positive displacement supercharger, but in comparison cannot offer the same torque output at low engine revs. The addition of an Antonov drive system, however, extends the engine torque curve available to exceed even the performance of a positive displacement blower. In addition, the torque curve can be tuned so that a smaller displacement engine matches exactly the performance of a much larger naturally aspirated unit. Read More
Aston Martin reveals James Bond’s DBS
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May 7, 2006 When the James Bond adventure Casino Royale is released in November, it will be the 21st big screen adaptation of Ian Fleming’s spy franchise and ironically a reprise of the first Bond screen adaptation – a made-for-television one hour CBS one hour screenplay made in 1954, almost a decade before Sean Connery took the role to the world in what became the longest-running film series in history. Connery has been succeeded in the 007 role by numerous actors with all but Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan struggling to match Connery’s presence. This year a new 007 will take on the world, when Daniel Craig stars as James Bond. One of the constants in the Bond movie equation has been cars and gadgets. In 2002 we wrote about 40 years of James Bond Gadgets and we’ve written before about the famous Aston Martin DB5 (top right with Connery) (with ejector seat, machine guns and revolving number plates) which starred in the films Thunderball and Goldfinger and became the most famous automobile in the world during the swinging sixties. Aston Martin is hoping to capture the magic of one the most successful product placement deals in history once more by taking the unprecedented step of debuting a new automobile in a film – in true Bond tradition, full details of the Aston Martin DBS are top secret but the images of what it looks like have been released. The success of the DB5 helped popularise the practice of product placement and contributed to a series of high profile automotive film associations with Bond driving such machines as a Lotus Esprit, BMW Z3, 750iL and Z8 and Aston Martin DB7 and V8 Vantage. The last Bond film, ‘Die Another Day’, featured Aston Martin’s flagship model, the V12 Vanquish (bottom right with Brosnan). Read More
The retrofit Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE)
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April 28, 2006 As the world seeks to reduce the 30 to 50 million annual road trauma victims, it’s interesting to note the latest development in driver aids from the US military. A wide range of frontline combat and tactical wheeled vehicles are to be fitted Driver Vision Enhancers (DVEs). Utilizing a Low-Power Uncooled Infrared (LPUIR) detector, thermally compensated optics and an 800 by 600-pixel active matrix liquid crystal display panel, the DVE provides drivers with the ability to see clearly at increased distances, regardless of light level, adverse weather conditions and battlefield obscurants, such as smoke and dust. The DVE will provide enhanced situational awareness, target and ambush detection and vehicle tracking, and allows ground support elements to better keep pace with night vision-capable combat forces. Read More
Zagato Ferrari 575 GTZ
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April 28, 2006 Yoshiyuki Hayashi is a famous Japanese car collector, who owns numerous cars of great historical value, including several Ferraris such as the 166MM, the 250 Spider California, two Daytonas – a coupe and a spider – and the Enzo. In the classic tradition of the wealthy exclusive car enthuisiasts who stimulated the creativeness of Italian coachbuilders in the 1950s and 1960s, Hayashi asked Zagato if it would be possible to create a body for his 575M, in the style of the famous 250GTZ berlinetta. When Zagato received this request, it informed Ferrari of the project, which would be a good opportunity to celebrate the model’s anniversary, and then created a car that harked back to the 250 GTZ, built around the Ferrari 575. Like its forebear, the 575 GTZ has an all-aluminium body, and, as a tribute to Ferrari and to two-seater Italian sports cars, it has joined an exclusive group of custom-built cars. Read More
General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and BMW premiere two-mode hybrid technology
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June 19, 2006 UPDATED with extensive image and diagram library Details of the hybrid drive system under co-development by General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and BMW have been released and the new system is quite a technological feat due to the full integration of electric motors with a fixed-gear transmission. As a result of its low- and high-speed electric continuously variable transmission (ECVT) modes, the system is commonly referred to as the 2-mode hybrid. The system also incorporates four fixed gear ratios for high efficiency and power-handling capabilities. During the two ECVT modes and four fixed gear operations, the hybrid system can use the electric motors for boosting and regenerative braking. Traditional “one-mode” hybrid systems typically have only one torque-splitting arrangement and no fixed mechanical ratios. Due to their less capable mechanical content, one-mode hybrids need to transmit a significant amount of power through an electrical path that is 20 percent less efficient than a mechanical path. Working collaboratively, the group has conceived a full hybrid system featuring four fixed mechanical ratios, within the two ECVT modes, to reduce power transmission through the less efficient electrical path. Consequently, the electric motors are more compact and less dependent on engine size. Read More
Happy birthday to Porsche
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April 27, 2006 We’re forever missing birthday’s and we missed a biggie this week when Porsche Engineering Group GmbH, the oldest forerunner company preceding Porsche AG as we know it today, turned 75. On 25 April 1931 Ferdinand Porsche founded an Engineering Office in Stuttgart under the name "Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung, Konstruktion und Beratung für Motoren- und Fahrzeugbau" ("Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche Ltd., Construction and Consultancy Company for Engine and Vehicle Production"), and subsequently had the new Company entered in the trade register. There are few males on Planet Eart who haven’t lusted after one of Porsche’s products and we have some lovely images of the company’s finest work in the image database. Read More
Chrysler PT Cruiser – the four-seater Cabrio
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April 26, 2006 Spacious four-seat soft-tops are not exactly commonplace, and certainly not on a budget, but the with the Chrysler Group launching its new right-hand drive PT Cruiser Cabrio in the UK at the end of April 200, the retro ragtop is definitely worth a look. With its power-folding, soft retractable roof and versatile cargo-carrying ability, the PT Cruiser Cabrio offers versatility and practicality. Read More
Honda’s Natural Gas-Powered 2006 Civic GX and home refuelling appliance for New York market
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April 26, 2006 Honda will begin retailing its compressed natural gas (CNG) Civic GX to New York state customers in the northern hemisphere autumn. The Civic GX uses lower-cost CNG as an alternative to gasoline, producing near zero emissions, making owners eligible for significant tax credits, enabling them to drive in the car pool lane and most significantly, enabling them to conveniently refuel at home using a natural gas refueling appliance. Significant advantages are available from the system as natural gas is 25 percent cheaper than gas at a refueling station, and 50 percent cheaper from a home refueling appliance. The “Phill” natural gas home refueling appliance is manufactured by FuelMaker and can be mounted to a wall either indoors or outdoors, and allows the GX to refuel overnight directly from a homeowner’s existing natural gas supply line. It is designed to offer ease of operation with simple “start” and “stop” buttons, and automatically shuts off when the tank is full. Civic GX owners who do not wish to purchase Phill can refuel at commercial natural gas refueling stations. Read More
Schumacher and Ferrari take San Marino F1
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April 24, 2006 Ferrari F1 supremo Jean Todt had this to say when Michael Schumacher scored a narrow win over Fernando Alonso in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix at Imola: "When I was going up to the podium, I said to Michael that I could not remember the way anymore, as it had been such a long time since the last victory!” The result came courtesy of hard work and was “all the better coming in front of so many of our fans and employees who filled their own grandstand here.” Ferrari's win moves Schumacher to second in the Drivers' championship, and gives Ferrari 30 points in the World Championship to Renault's 51 and McLaren's 33. Renault F1 Managing director Flavio Briatore, after this week giving notice he would be extending his contract with the ultra-successful Renault team, thought it was just another day at the office. “We had both cars in the points, Fernando has a big lead in the drivers’ championship, and it was another good team performance today,” said the colourful power player. Sadly, the drama of the event surrounded the historic circuit’s reputation as one on which it is almost impossible to overtake. Schumacher started from pole so raging championship favourite Fernando Alonso could only hope to pressure his rival into a mistake that never came. Schumacher had every reason to make a mistake, as his tyres were suffering “a bit of graining” and he drove a large portion of the race at modest speeds but on the limits of adhesion. Read More
world’s highest specific power diesel engine for land speed record vehicle
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April 22, 2006 The JCB DIESELMAX has been created to break the world land speed record for a diesel powered automobiles. JCB is aiming to set a new land speed record for diesel vehicles with a super sleek streamliner car to be driven by Wing Commander Andy Green, the fastest man on Earth. The record attempt will take place on the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during August 2006.The stunning, nine metre long JCB DIESELMAX car boasts twin 4-cylinder, 5-litre JCB444-LSR engines with the world’s highest specific power diesel engines used in any automobile application. With each delivering 750hp and 1500Nm torque, the engines are over five times the power of the production version and at 150hp/litre, they exceed even motorsports applications as the world’s highest specific power diesels. At the same time the engines retain excellent fuel efficiency and very low emissions through the use of advanced combustion control and diesel particulate filter technology. Read More
Caparo T1 at Monaco
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April 22, 2006 We’ve already previewed the lightweight (less than 500kg), roadgoing Caparo T1, which a uses a compact 500bhp V8 engine to deliver a dramatic 1,000bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio – nearly double that of the Bugatti Veyron. Well the Caparo had its coming out at the prestigious Top Marques show in Monaco yesterday when it was unveiled by no less than Prince Albert II.
Berlingo XTR+ enhanced traction 2WD van
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April 20, 2006 Citroen’s new Berlingo XTR+ enhanced traction 2WD van is worthy of mention this week as it offers almost identical functionality at a reduced cost to important areas such as public utilities, forestry and agricultural operators. Businesses involved in these specialist areas require enhanced off-road capability from their light vans. With the benefits of higher ground clearance and improved traction, the new Berlingo XTR+ delivers significantly improved off-road capability for the 2WD van, but without the higher capital cost, weight and running costs associated with 4WD vehicles. Based on the 2.0HDi Enterprise 600 model, the new Berlingo XTR+ brings new, traction-enhancing technology to this sector, with a sophisticated limited slip differential with torque transfer capability between the two front driving wheels, which greatly enhances off-road performance. Read More
Painting a metallic masterpeice - the extraordinary Faralli & Mazzanti Antas V8
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April 20, 2006 Each year at the money-is-no-object end of the automotive market is the Top Marques exhibition held in Monte Carlo in April. The audience is focussed and ridiculously wealthy and the exhibitors are exclusively companies producing fine automobiles for those with stratospheric budgets and it’s just the place to see workmanship of the calibre of Bugatti, Koenigsegg, et al, all in the one place. Each year the number and excellence of the world's most exclusive automobiles grows and this year sees the coming out of something a bit special. The Antas V8 will undoubtedly be the talking point of this year’s show which opens today. The Antas is the work of Italian classic car restoration company Faralli & Mazzanti, though we expect the reaction to the prototype Antas V8 work to see the company forced into producing a lot more of these extraordinarily beautiful and lovingly handcrafted masterpieces. This is the first “berlinetta” to be born in the Faralli & Mazzanti workshop, and it’s totally inspired by the materials and philosophy that created the great special-bodied Italian cars of the past. The body of the car is entirely hand-crafted from aluminium, the engine a carburettored Maserati V8 engine. On delivery, the Antas comes equipped with a case covered in blue velvet bearing a silver plate with the identification numbers along with a book and DVD documenting the construction of your vehicle. Read More
The Caterham Superlight 400 - 210 bhp, 525 kg, US$48,000
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April 19, 2006 Caterham has revealed details of its latest racing-bred road car, the Superlight R400. The heart of the minimalist sportscar is a new Cosworth-developed 2.0-litre powerplant that is mated, for the first time, to the legendary de Dion chassis. Delivering an explosive 210bhp at 7600rpm, the engine is pushing a car weighing just 525kg, offering a massive 400bhp per tonne for truly amazing performance. With near-telepathic steering, muscular power delivery, and epic cornering ability, the R400 is a superlative car for the keen driver and capable of effortlessly sprinting out of the blocks to 60mph in 3.8 seconds. The bonus is the price, which is cheaper than the previous model at UKP 29,495 (US$52,600) or you can build it yourself for UKP 26,995 (US$48,100) Read More
World Car of the Year Awards
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April 18, 2006 The World Car of the Year Awards were announced over the weekend at the New York International Auto Show with the BMW 3-Series awarded the 2006 World Car of the Year, the Citroen C4 declared the World Car Design of the Year for 2006, the Porsche Cayman S taking out the 2006 World Performance Car title and the Honda Civic Hybrid scoring the title of World Green Car for 2006. The awards are the most prestigious of all automotive awards because the program is initiated by, organized by, and conducted by, automotive journalists from around the globe. Final voting on a variety of parameters is done by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists with voting tabulated by KPMG. Read on to see the details and the top three placegetters in each category. Read More
Monster Tajima smashes Race To The Sky record in his 1000 horespower Suzuki Escudo
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April 17, 2006 It’s not surprising that Japan’s Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima won the ‘Race to the Sky’ hillclimb last Sunday, one of the great hill climbs on the international calendar. Monster has now won the Silverstone ‘Race to the Sky’ seven times in his 1000 horsepower Suzuki so he’s getting to know the 14.5km course near Queenstown pretty well. Just the same, he exceeded all expectations when he smashed his own record set in 2003 by nine seconds, to win the title for the seventh time clocking 8. 01.17. Monster’s Suzuki Escudo is almost as legendary as he is, producing 981 bhp at 8100 rpm and 95kg-m of torque at 6500 rpm from the twin-turbo 2.7 litre V6. The most amazing thing though, is the space-frame car with carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork which weighs just 1020kg fueled up with Nobuhiro strapped in. Read More
Nissan GT-R to sell in North America
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April 15, 2006 Nissan has announced the next generation of its iconic Japanese-only GT-R performance car will be available in North America as a Nissan model, consistent with its global branding. The GT-R, which previewed in concept form as the GT-R PROTO (see extensive image library here), has not previously been offered for sale in North America. The production GT-R will debut at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in Fall 2007, followed by the U.S. and Canada in Spring 2008. More details on the GT-R launch will be available at a later date but inside we have all the details of the GT-R PROTO first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2001.
FHI unveils an Intelligent Driving Enhancement System
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April 14, 2006 Japanese industrial heavyweight Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the development of its SI-DRIVE (Subaru Intelligent Drive), an innovative driving enhancement system that provides optimal control of the powertrain unit and delivers driving pleasure under various traffic and road conditions. The company displayed a Legacy sedan 2.5GT equipped with the new system, at the New York International Automobile Show. The SI-DRIVE enables three distinctively different modes of engine power characteristics by regulating the engine control unit (ECU) as well as the transmission control unit (TCU) in the automatic transmission, and by fine-tuning the electronically controlled throttle. Intelligent mode ensures smooth, strong power output, yet facilitates city driving at low- to mid-speed range and contributes to greater fuel economy. The Sport mode is designed to deliver ideal power, faithful to the driver’s acceleration, and heightens enjoyable, sporty driving under a wide range of road conditions. The Sport Sharp mode further elevates sporty driving by accurately responding to the driver’s acceleration and boosting engine revolutions earlier than the Sport mode for a more powerful driving experience. The SI-DRIVE selector will be installed on the center console for the driver to choose from these three modes, which bring out very different driving experiences while driving the same car. Read More
Caparo two seater road-track prototype - 500 kg, 500 bhp
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April 14, 2006 The first ever Caparo T1, the world’s most exclusive prototype high performance road and track car, will premiere at the world’s most prestigious motoring event: the Top Marques show in Monaco. The dramatic 1,000bhp-per-tonne T1, which defines an entirely new breed of supercar that is lighter than a Caterham but with twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron, will be unveiled at the show by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II. The ultra lightweight T1, which weighs less than 500kg, is a British designed 2-seater which has been developed using aerospace and high formula racing technology. The compact Caparo V8 engine develops approximately 500bhp and the resultant 1,000bhp-per-tonne power-to-weight ratio endows the T1 with an extraordinary 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds, 0-100mph time of 5 seconds and 0-100-0mph time of less than 10 seconds making it the world’s fastest accelerating and braking road car. It is also fast round corners with 3g braking and cornering ability equivalent to a Le Mans Prototype. Read More
Lexus to release V8 hybrid limousine
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April 13, 2006 Lexus unveiled the 2008 LS 600h L hybrid luxury sedan today at the 2006 New York International Automobile Show. Scheduled to arrive in Spring 2007, the all-wheel-drive LS 600h L is the first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 powertrain. The hybrid-drive system combines a new 5.0 litre V8 engine with large, high-output electric motors and a large-capacity battery pack. This combination will provide the LS 600h L with an unmatched balance of environmental efficiency and performance, furnishing the hybrid with a peak combined output rating of more than 430 horsepower. To distribute this immense power, a new full-time all-wheel-drive system is utilized for superior handling control. The LS 600h L also employs a newly developed dual-stage electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. This combination results in impressive power and seamless acceleration. Read More
FUSE Sports Coupe Concept
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April 13, 2006 - Scion, a brand of Toyota Motor Sales unveiled the all-new FUSE Sports Coupe Concept vehicle at a press conference today at the 2006 New York Auto International Show.FUSE was designed to be the new Scion sports coupe icon. Its goal was to push the limits of a coupe concept by combining entertainment, digital technology, and versatility into one sinister looking package. Most importantly, its styling makes a visual statement about its intention to expand the performance envelope among affordable, entry-level sport coupes. Read More
Top down at 190mph - the Bentley Continental GTC
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April 12, 2006 When the stunning Bentley Continental GTC, luxury 2+2 convertible goes on sale later this year it will complete the Bentley Continental model range, following the introduction of the highly successful Continental GT in 2003 and four-door Continental Flying Spur in 2005. With a top speed of 195mph (312km/h), a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, state-of-the-art 12-cylinder engine, advanced air suspension and ultra-stiff body structure, the Continental GTC displays all the poise, exhilarating performance and dynamic handling of the Continental GT. In common with its stable mates, the interior of the new Continental GTC provides an unrivalled standard of craftsmanship, utilising natural wood veneers and leather hides of the finest quality, which are on full display when you lower the elegant, electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof. Read More
Rent-A-Racer Shelby GT350H (for Hertz)
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April 14, 2006 EXTENSIVE IMAGE LIBRARY UPDATED In a throwback to the famed Shelby GT350H "Rent-A-Racer" program from the 1960s, Ford Motor Company, Shelby Automobiles and The Hertz Corporation are partnering to produce a special run of performance-modified Ford Mustang GTs – designated Shelby GT-H, for "Hertz" – that will be available for rent later this spring exclusively through Hertz. Approximately 500 units will be available through the Hertz Fun Collection at select airport locations Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Weeehahhh!
Jeep unveils convertible four-door Wrangler
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April 12, 2006 This has enough oomph to kickstart a new market – a convertible SUV for communing with nature plus open-air boulevard cruising with plenty of room for five adult passengers. Jeep unveiled the four-door Wrangler with a one-of-a-kind, four-door open-air design at the New York International Auto Show today. The Unlimited combines class-leading off-road capability with everyday practicality. Read More
Citroen and Loeb in WRC Rally of Corsica
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April 10, 2006 Citroen’s World Champion, Sebastien Loeb has extended his lead in the 2006 World Rally Championship after another commanding win, notching up his 23rd WRC win at the weekend in the French round, the Rally of Corsica, with Loeb joined on the podium by fellow Citroen driver Dani Sordo. What makes the result even more remarkable is the fact that Citroen is dominating the 2006 World Rally Championship with a two year old car, built for the previous rule regime and modified for the ’06 season, while its rivals are running their latest designs. Second in the event and now a clear second in the title chase, BP-Ford World Rally Team drivers Marcus Gronholm and Timo Rautiainen claimed their fourth podium finish in five rallies by finishing second on the Rallye de France Tour de Corse. Read More
