Automotive
The All-American Eagle back on the racetrack
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February 24, 2005 One of the most famous Formula One cars of all time will be on show this coming weekend at the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit near Melbourne. Dan Gurney's 'screaming' Weslake V12-engined Eagle F1 will be in full flight at the Shannons Phillip Island Classic (February 26-27). Built by Gurney's own All American Racers, the Eagle F1 took Gurney into the history books when he won the 1967 Belgian Grand Prix, becoming only the second GP driver in history after Jack Brabham to win a Formula One race driving the car he built.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur - the world's fastest four door saloon
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February 24, 2005 The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur makes its international debut at the Geneva Salon on March 1 and will begin its global roll-out from April 2005. Sharing heart and soul with its Continental GT coupe stablemate, the Continental Flying Spur is a fastest four-door Grand Tourer in the world, with a top speed of 195mph. It marries the excitement, power, refinement and craftsmanship of the Continental GT with enhanced luxury and space to provide a stylish combination of performance, style and comfort.
The New Maybach 57 S - 6.0-litre V12 biturbo 612bhp luxury saloon
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February 23, 2005 The all-new Maybach 57 S (Special), a more powerful and individualised version of the Series 57 saloon, will be shown for the first time in Geneva next week. Developed in cooperation with Mercedes-AMG, the 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine provides impressive acceleration, powering the Maybach 57 S from zero to 100 km/h in only five seconds. This makes the Maybach 57 S the world’s fastest series-production saloon in its segment. In line with the more powerful engine, the Maybach 57 S also comes with an uprated chassis.
Porsche to release new model: the Cayman
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February 23 In the course of this year Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be enlarging its range of sports cars through the introduction of another outstanding model. Based on the Boxster platform, the new car, given its performance qualities, will rank between the 911 Carrera and the Boxster S. This position of the new model is also borne out by its six-cylinder boxer engine transmitting maximum output of 295 bhp (217 kW) to the rear wheels. Like the power of the engine, the price of this new sports car will also come between that of the 911 Carrera and the Boxster S.
AUDI's RS4 Super Sedan debuts in Melbourne and Geneva simultaneously
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February 23, 2005 The all-new 2006 Audi RS 4 super car will make is worldwide public debut at Geneva Motor Show on March 1 and the Melbourne Motor Show on March 3, 2005. The all new RS 4 is the top-of-the-range model in the A4 series, with its 4163 cc V8 developing 420 bhp, exceeding the 100 bhp per litre mark to produce a luxury, thoroughbred saloon to rival BMW's M3 super sedan, with the company's all wheel drive Quattro system an added drawcard.
New vehicle altitude world record holder - the Touareg conquers the summit
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February 21, 2005 - The Volkswagen Touareg has set a new altitude record for vehicles - 6080 metres above sea level. On 29 January 2005, battling against icy winds and a lack of oxygen, the expedition team fought its way through the lunar landscape of the Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcano, in a standard Touareg Expedition to achieve the world’s altitude record for vehicles. The altimeter and GPS system displayed. On February 16, the record was officially recognised by the “Guinness Book of Records” at an altitude of 6080 metres.
The Pagani Zonda F - F for Fangio, that is!
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February 20, 2005 Pagani has announced the Pagani Zonda F, created in honour to Manuel Fangio and with specifications that will put it among the fastest road cars in the world. Already acclaimed as one of the fastest sports cars available in the form of the Zonda, the new Pagani Zonda F uses the same 7.3 litre V12 AMG motor, with a horsepower increase from 555 bhp to 602 bhp. Weighing just 1230 kilograms, the Pagani Zonda F will have a top speed of 345 kmh and a 0-100 kmh acceleration time of 3.6 seconds!!! The price and more details of the Pagani F will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show.
Formula 1 drive up for grabs?
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February 19, 2005 Fancy a drive at the Australian Grand Prix next year? BMW has a car waiting for you if you fit the bill. All you need is an international profile and a week spare next March. Each year at the opening Formula One race of the season in Melbourne, BMW puts 26 cars on the grid for the Celebrity Challenge, and each year the line-up puts on a show like no other. In 1986, Dire Straits guitar virtuoso Mark Knopfler hit the concrete retaining wall in this race and the whole world held its breath. Most years at least one celebrity has thrilled the crowd with a spectacular crash after driving beyond their ability and experience.
genX concept car has an inbuilt pop-up bed
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February 19, 2005 One of the most radical concept cars we’ve ever covered, EDAG’s genX show car has inbuilt suitcases and a bed to cater for what EDAG designers call, “the modern lifestyle.” We’re not sure if that means having a bed without having to drive home, being able to drink without having to drive or sleeping in your car permanently. The genX premiered at the 2004 Geneva International Motor Show.
The Lamborghini
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February 19, 2005 The House of the Raging Bull has shown the first photos of a new concept car it will display at the Geneva Motor Show - the Lamborghini "Concept S." Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, the "Concept S" is a spectacular expression of the Lamborghini brand, inspired by the classic single-seater racing cars of the past. Created at the Centro Stile Lamborghini in Sant'Agata Bolognese by Luc Donckerwolke, Head of Lamborghini Design, the "Concept S" is his extreme interpretation of an "open car".
EDAG and Rinspeed present the 600 horsepower Chopster SUV
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February 19, 2005 Last November Gizmag released the first information about the Porsche Cayenne-based Rinspeed Chopster and at the time we commented that the beautiful Cayenne was a most unlikely vehicle to mess with. The new 600 horsepower Chopster SUV will debut at the Geneva Motor Show and interestingly, it somehow got a lot better looking in the last three months. A collaboration between two of the most innovative automotive companies in the world, the Chopster offers 800nM of torque and costs around 325,000 Euro.
Shelby GR-1 set for world trip
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February 18, 2005 Snapped yesterday heading from Detroit to Geneva, Carroll Shelby's GR-1 concept vehicle is possibly set to wow European audiences in the same way it has captivated Americans from the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to the Detroit Motor Show. The entire car is polished aluminium and even the headlights are water-cooled. If Ford decides to put it into production, potential buyers can expect to pay around US$200,000 for it. This is the second concept car produced by the magical combination of Ford and Shelby - the pair fell out for a while but more than four decades after their original agreement to produce performance cars, Ford Motor Company and Carroll Shelby are back together producing exquisite production and concept cars.
Dodge Ram Daytona - race-styled pick-up
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February 19, 2005 Dodge is bringing the historic Daytona nameplate to the Dodge Ram line of pickup trucks. As politically incorrect as that may be in these environmentally-sensitive times, Dodge is the biggest seller amongst the Chrysler Group’s array of brands because it is unashamedly about in-yer-face performance and raw power. Accordingly, the Limited-edition Dodge Ram draws inspiration from the winged 1969 Dodge Charger race car and will be the first pick-up truck to see the showroom floor with a spoiler as standard. The first 75 production Dodge Ram Daytona models were presented to Dodge dealers yesterday in a ceremonial parade lap at Daytona International Speedway.
Mitsubishi Nessie
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February 18, 2005 The rise and the rise of the SUV as a mode of transport in many western nations is fueled some fascinating concept vehicles over recent times as the world’s automotive manufacturers attempt to read public opinion and develop the next generation look for the once humble and workhorse 4WD. That was never more obvious than the recent North American Motor Shows, and the trend continues at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show with the release of Mitsubishi’s Nessie, styled by Italdesign Giugaro in collaboration with Mitsubishi and the Linde Group.
Rinspeed's Senso: the car that senses the driver
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Automotive innovator Rinspeed has done it again. Each year Rinspeed releases one or more prototypes that push the edge of the automotive design envelope. This year, the company delved into the future again, with a car that senses the driver and reacts accordingly. The "Senso" actually "senses" the driver by measuring his (or her) biometric data, and then exerts a positive effect on him with the help of patterns, colors, music and fragrances. A person who is relaxed and wide-awake simply drives better and more safely.
Diesel/Electric Ford Transit Hytrans
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February 17, 2005 - Visitors to the opening of the Green by Design exhibition at Gaydon Heritage Centre in Warwickshire UK got more than they expected on the weekend when they were among some of the first to see Ford's latest low carbon technology on display. The Ford Transit HyTrans is the first medium commercial vehicle in Europe featuring stop/start technology for greater fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Ford's new performance RS model
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Ford didn't need any persuading to announce the next generation Ford Focus ST performance model on Tuesday when Toni Gardemeister drove the Focus RS WRC into the lead of the World Rally Championships in Sweden over the weekend. Ford will show the car to the public at the 75 th Salon International de L'Automobile in Geneva. God was smiling on Ford when the short-priced Citroen of Sebastien Loeb didn't make the finish and Gardmeister's third place snared both the driver and manufacturer leads in the title chase. The WRC Team has been contributing to the Ford 'shared technologies' global engineering strategy which is designed to bring technologies to market quicker than ever before.
Peugeot Design Competition Winners
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February 16, 2005 The 3800 contestants in the third Peugeot Design Competition all gave shape to the Peugeot of their dreams. The winning "Moovie" concept of a small 2 seat electric city car was the vision of young Portuguese designer, Andre Costa. Costa's winning project will now be built into a concept car and exhibited at the next Frankfurt Motor Show. Australian based Englishman, David Dewitt took second place with the 607 Arabesque and 21 year old Zhonghuayi of China placed third in the competition for his ZCC project.
Mercedes premieres new B-Class Sports Tourer
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February 15, 2005 The Mercedes-Benz Sports Tourer concept is to begin production as the new B-Class, beginning a new vehicle segment. The hallmarks of the Sports Tourer are generous space, exemplary comfort, excellent practicality, an exciting design and a high level of driving pleasure. The new B-Class takes the advantages of different vehicle concepts and combines them into an interesting and distinctive profile of its own: as a Compact Sports Tourer, the B-Class is a touring, family and recreational vehicle.
Ford and Gardemeister Lead World Rally Championship
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February 14, 2005 The World Rally Championship took an interesting turn at the Rally of Sweden this weekend with WRC favourite Sebastien Loeb (Citroen) and Swedish event favourite Marcus Gronholm (Peugeot) were both forced into retirement while battling for podium positions. Subaru's Petter Solberg sealed his first victory in the event by 2min 11.1sec but the big news was that Ford's Toni Gardemeister took the World Rally Championship lead with a third place finish and Ford now leads both the drivers' and manufacturers' standings in the World Rally Championship.
Dodge Mega Cab - The Largest Pickup Cab Ever
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February 12, 2005 Bigger isn't always better. Unless it's your working truck and you need to carry a large crew and a bunch of stuff. Accordingly, Dodge set out to build the biggest pickup truck possible - more spacious, more comfortable and more practical. The all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab is the result - it's more spacious, more comfortable and more practical, the all-new 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab. It's vital statistics are pretty spesh, and include: the largest, longest cab, the largest interior cargo volume, the largest cargo volume behind the rear seat and the largest flat floor load area. The Mega Cab's large interior can seat six adults in comfort with their gear.
Toyota's FJ Cruiser SUV goes from concept to production model at 2005 Chicago Auto Show
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February 12, 2005 Toyota unveiled the all-new FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV) at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show this week. Like so many other concept vehicles greeted by a positive response, the FJ Cruiser concept of two years ago has catalysed a production version. The all-new production model retains much of the design details of the original concept. "The FJ Cruiser effectively fills a gap in the Toyota lineup which was once our core heritage - capable, affordable and durable vehicles that are youthful, fun-to-drive, aggressive and tough," said a Toyota spokesperson. "The FJ Cruiser will deliver true off-road ruggedness, image and performance at a very low price, making it highly accessible for a large volume of young buyers."
BMW's new 130i - six into 1 really goes
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February 12, 2005 It had to happen. When BMW announced their diminutive 1 Series, it fitted perfectly with the upmarket, luxury, high-tech image of BMW in almost every way except one - where was the performance model? So it was no surprise when the enthusiast element at BMW shoehorned the new high performance in-line six cylinder engine into the vehicle to produce the widely anticipated 130i. Boasting a power output of 190 kW, with an awesome 300 Nm of torque, performance figures of 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h are the tantalising results. The BMW 130i will make its international debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Renault Z17 Urban Concept car for Geneva Show
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February 11, 2005 Renault has released a photo of its upcoming concept car due for release at the Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Z17, the concept is based around a premium vehicle for the urban environment so common in Europe, with the accent on "genuine motoring pleasure." Apart from being as cute as a button, not much more is known as Renault intend releasing the details when the Geneva Auto Show opens on March 3. Renault's only released statement on the Z17 reads as follows: "Z17 is a vehicle designed for city life. It has been shown that cars carry only 1.4 people on average, but two seat interiors are perceived as a constraint. Z17 is therefore a genuine three-seater complete with a boot located behind the driver's seat, all built into a compact architecture."
New Citroen C6 incorporates active suspension and head-up display
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February 11, 2005 Citroen gave the world a look at its new C6 today in a sneak preview of the World debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The latest addition to an historic line, the C6 takes the grand tourer concept and incorporates the latest cutting-edge technology. An executive saloon that represents the latest stage in the creative renewal of the brand, the C6 has been inspired by the large Citroens of the past, models that have helped the marque to establish a strong heritage in large cars. The complete and innovative range of high-tech features includes a head-up display, the first application in a Citroen of the new 208 bhp V6 HDi diesel engine, active suspension with variable damping, the Company's lane departure warning system and directional Xenon headlamps.
World Premiere of the Ferrari F430 Spider at Geneva Motor Show
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February 11, 2005 Ferrari's range of V8-engined sports cars will be joined by the new F430 Spider when it is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show (3-13 March 2005). Ferrari's new drop-top includes a number of important technical features which give hints of the car's F1 pedigree, starting with the innovative electronic differential - first developed by the racing division for the Scuderia's all-conquering F1 cars - which improves traction and roadholding under all conditions. The Spider also features the steering wheel-mounted commutator switch, known to the Scuderia's drivers as the 'manettino', which allows the car's set-up to be adjusted easily and quickly.
Portico concept for Next Generation of Family Transport
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February 10, 2005 -- CHICAGO -- Hyundai today introduced its new Portico concept vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show. The Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space. Created to provide a look at the future of family transportation, the Hyundai Portico is designed to be a versatile vehicle that will adapt to the changing needs of modern families. The Portico is neither a sedan nor an SUV, but it provides the benefits of both designs with a car-like ride and a large, versatile and "family friendly" interior. Portico combines the functional benefits of current family vehicles in a stylish package with better drivability.
The most powerful natural-gas-driven saloon ever
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February 9, 2005 The Mercedes-Benz E 200 NGT switches from natural gas to petrol at the press of a button, does 227kmh and performs on par with the E200 KOMPRESSOR in either mode, and can halve running costs if run on natural gas alone. Throw in Mercedes exceptional retained value resale figures and the equation looks like a winner for when the right-hand drive models become available mid-year.
Alfa's 2003 Concept Car of the Year to go into production
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February 9, 2005 In 2002 the Alfa Romeo Brera, a concept car designed by the Italian design maestro, Giorgetto Giugiaro, stole all the limelight at the Geneva International Motor Show and in January 2003 it was awarded the 2003 Concept Car of the Year Award. That's a hard act to follow, but the Brera will have an encore performance at the 2005 Geneva Show in the first week of March when the show-stopping concept car finally surfaces in production form.
Third-Generation Mazda MX-5 Roadster at 2005 Geneva Auto Show
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February 7, 2005 The Mazda MX5 has been one of the most popular open top sports cars of the modern era since the public first glimpsed its distinctive shape at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show. Despite a meagre 90 bhp 1600cc four-cylinder engine, the car became a best seller and despite only one major redesign, has remained so for a decade and a half. Now comes the news that Mazda is planning to breathe new life into the evergreen favourite with a third generation of the MX5 to be unveiled later this month.
Lexus Introduces RX 400h, the World's First Luxury Hybrid SUV
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February 1, 2005 Lexus today announced the launch of the all-new 2006 RX 400h, the world's first gas/electric hybrid-powered luxury vehicle, which will go on sale in April 2005. Based on the best-selling RX 330, the RX 400h delivers greater performance, improved fuel efficiency and significantly reduced emissions while sacrificing … nothing.
No-expense-spared restoration of a rare G4 1939 Mercedes Benz
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February 6, 2005 The 1939 Mercedes-Benz G4 offroader is an extremely rare vehicle: originally a gift to Spanish dictator General Franco and now owned by the Spanish royal family, it is one of just a few surviving units of this three-axle offroader originally developed for the German army – just three of the total of 57 units built are still considered absolutely authentic with a meticulously documented history. A no-expense-spared, three-year restoration was recently undertaken at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Centre with a correspondingly unusual request: the G4 was to be restored to a technically impeccable condition but was to retain its unique patina acquired in the course of its 66-year life. The restoration of the vehicle was a gift from Mercedes-Benz España to the Spanish Royal family and makes for fascinating reading:
Nissan previews Gullwing SUV concept at 2005 Geneva Motor Show
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February 3, 2005 The evolving shape of the automobile took an interesting turn today when Nissan revealed a preview of their 2005 Geneva Motor Show line-up, including the Zaroot SUV concept car. The Zaroot is Nissan's vision of how sporty SUVs could look in the future. It combines traditional SUV values and serious off-road ability with futuristic, sports oriented styling. Retaining the traditional design cues of an SUV, the Zaroot's appearance is squared-off, solid and tough looking. It implies strength and security, yet combines these familiar themes with something a little different - a pair of gullwing doors.
Citroen adds a sense of smell to the new C4
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January 26, 2005 Its called Olfactory Marketing and started back in the 1980s when British supermarkets discovered that if they had a bakery in a supermarket, the smell of fresh baking bread helped them sell not just more bread, but more of everything else too. French car maker, Citroen, is now set to follow the bakers with the launch of the Citroen C4, offering as standard a scent-diffuser in the ventilation system and a range of nine different scents. The success of Olfactory Marketing and Citroen's decision to make it a feature of the C4 is based on the fact that smells can have a significant effect on mood and sense of well being and their effect is usually very subtle. As well as providing a very pleasant environment for users of the C4, the perfumes also have ability to inspire an environment that is conducive to safe driving.
George's new car - Cadillac ONE
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January 27, 2005 No-one knows exactly what George W Bush's new car can do. At least, no-one who really knows is telling. TV news reports say it's missile-proof, which is probably isn't true, despite unconfirmed reports that the body armour is five inches thick (cos the windows obviously aren't). Indeed secrecy is so tight around the new hand-built Presidential limousine that no-one can say how much it cost, how many there are, or anything more than the following "cleared information."
