Automotive
Motorcyclist booked for 205mph on Honda RC51
Image Gallery (4 images)
October 14, 2004 On September 19 this year, Minnesota (USA) motorcyclist Samuel Armstrong Tilley set what is believed to be a world record for speeding on public roads. No doubt people have gone faster on public roads, but Tilley had the misfortune to do so without noticing the police plane above him, and was officially clocked at 205.11mph by a handheld stopwatch.
The ticket has made news around the world, with many people proclaiming the speeding ticket must have been a mistake as motorcycles simply don't go that fast. Read More
Toyota shows some knockout concept vehicles
Image Gallery (6 images)
October 16, 2004 Toyota has announced a striking and futuristic set of vehicles for specialty niches which it will display at the upcoming 38th Tokyo Motor show in Japan.
Under the theme "Ecology & Emotion", Toyota will display over a dozen concept vehicles that offer superior environmental performance and respond to social needs.
The pick of the crop involve three purpose-built solutions for outdoor Djs, go-kart racers and a design that facilitates mobility for the elderly and disabled without the need for a carer. Read More
Toyota unveils dual mode hybrid fuel transport
Image Gallery (4 images)
A futuristic, eco-friendly transit system will be prototyped by Toyota as part of the on-site transportation for the 2005 World Expo in Aichi, Japan. The new system aims to show nature's wisdom and examples of a new global society in action. The ' Toyota Z-Capsule' is a dual mode train/bus fuel cell hybrid that offers an amazing step forward in the evolution of motor vehicles. Read More
Volvo Offers a Personal Solution to Sustainable Mobility
Image Gallery (8 images)
Spurred by the growing need to tackle congestion and pollution issues, Volvo Car Corporation has developed a radically new approach to sustainable mobility with the striking 3CC concept. The futuristic Volvo 3CC personal transportation vehicle was unveiled today at the Shanghai Michelin Challenge Bibendum event.
The Volvo 3CC is a sleek, aerodynamic car designed to carry up to three adults, or two adults and two children, utilizing a unique two-plus-one seating arrangement which provides comfort and space comparable to a larger car. Read More
Challenge Bibendum showcases clean car technology
Image Gallery (6 images)
The 6th annual Challenge Bibendum opened today in Shanghai, the first time the landmark sustainable automobile competition has visited Asia. The three-day event is designed to promote sustainable road mobility and has brought together the most influential players in the global automotive industry. Read More
Venturi Fetish to be world's first production electric sportcar
Image Gallery (4 images)
The Venturi Fetish concept-car was first unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, and went on to be one of the stars of the 2002 Paris Motor Show and 2003 Detroit Motor Show - an electric sportcar concept of French design. Buoyed by public enthusiasm and the brand's 20th anniversary, Venturi has tak... Read More
The Torana Legend Lives Again
Image Gallery (8 images)
Australian International Motor Show, 7 October 2004 - Holden today revived a famous Australian nameplate when it took the covers off a sensational showcar called Torana TT36. Holden drew on General Motors' global resources to build the hot pink Torana TT36, which is powered by an experimental 280kW (375 horsepower) twin turbo 3.6 litre Alloytec V6 engine, sports a glass roof and showcases bold directional design themes. Read More
Citroen announces home refueling initiative for C3 GAZ
Image Gallery (2 images)
Drivers of the Citroën C3 Gaz Naturel may never have to visit a petrol
station again, with Citroën joining forces with France's national gas
distribution company to enable owners to install their own gas re-filling
compressors in their homes. Read More
Bose Redefines Automobile Suspension Systems
Image Gallery (6 images)
Bose Corporation is best known for creating high quality audio products, and if asked to piece together your ideal car, its 11-speaker sound system would certainly be a contender to feature within. But the suggestion that Bose's new suspension systems would feature without begs an explanation. In an ongoing research project that has spanned over twenty-four years Bose has created a unique electromagnetic suspension system for automobiles that is close to commercial release and is set to replace traditional shocks and springs with electronic actuators. Read More
Supercar performance for under UKP20,000
Image Gallery (9 images)
It's had rave reviews from Formula 1 drivers, the most prestigious motoring journals in the world have lavished superlatives on the vehicle and in a recent track shoot-out, it wasted the world's fastest roadcars lapping more than three seconds a lap faster than a Porsche 911 GT3, a Noble M12R, a Pagani Zonda and a Lamborghini Murcielago. And it is road registerable! Whatsmore, you can put one on the road for under UKP20,000.
The secret to the Atom 2 is in the chassis and minimalist approach. As the company's literature says, "if you don't NEED it, it's not there." This approach has enabled the company to put a car on the road at a staggering 456 kilograms. There's no doors, no screen and no roof at that weight, but the pay-off comes when the standard Honda 2.0 litre i-VTEC engine starts pushing it around - acceleration is astounding, even when you've read the previously published stories. Read More
BMW Sets Speed Records with Hydrogen fuelled V12
Image Gallery (4 images)
Hydrogen propulsion moved from rockets to racers this week as BMW set nine new speed records for hydrogen powered automobiles. The record attempt was conducted at the high-speed Miramas Proving Grounds in France, where the 210kW hydrogen prototype proved BMW's point that hydrogen can replace conventional fuel without a performance compromise. The H2R Record Car uses a six-litre 12 cylinder power unit and accelerates to 100 km/h in approximately 6 seconds with a top speed of 302.4 km/h (185,52 mph). Based on the 760i power unit, the main modifications involved the fuel injection system being adapted to the special requirements of hydrogen. Read More
Naomi Campbell Launches Pirelli Ultra-High Performance Tyres
Image Gallery (4 images)
Despite wearing a black swimsuit complete with tyre tread across her body, Naomi Campbell was not so much road-kill as she was dressed to kill when recently launching the latest line of Pirelli's Ultra-High Performance tyres the Planet Zero (P Zero) in Rome.
The new and complete range of tyres address the increasing amount of high performance vehicles being sold in today's market. Many car manufacturers today offer vehicles that deliver more than 200 HP and it is estimated that the segment represents almost 25 percent of all cars sold. Read More
World's Biggest Pick-up Truck - the Commercial Extreme Truck
Image Gallery (4 images)
The International CXT is unlike any pick-up truck on the market! It can haul six tons and for kids over 20 who have not yet finished playing with trucks in the sandbox, this is probably the ultimate toy for work and play. The International CXT is the world's biggest production pick-up truck for commercial business owners and the newest truck from International Truck and Engine Corporation. Born out of a 20-ton hauler, the International CXT is built on the same platform as dump trucks and snowplows. As a result, it is a vehicle unrivalled in capability, size and appearance. It hauls three times the payload of consumer pick-up trucks, is all-wheel drive, uses air brakes for unmatched stopping ability and offers towing, dumping and tilt bed capability. Read More
State-of-the-Art V8 for Volvo XC90
Image Gallery (3 images)
An entirely new Volvo powertrain featuring a V8 engine, six-speed automatic transmission and the latest-generation AWD system will make its debut at Paris motor show on 23 September. This leading-edge V8 engine marks a new turning-point in Volvo Cars' history. It is the first V8 the company has produced since it was founded in 1927, and the Volvo XC90 is the first model to be powered by the new engine. Read More
Mercedes-Benz Presents Crossover Concept at Hanover
Image Gallery (2 images)
A new crossover concept from Mercedes-Benz will gauge the level of interest in vehicles that depart from the beaten track and take new roads into the future at this year's International Commercial Vehicle Fair (IAA) in Hanover at the end of September. Combining American styling with European dimensions and dynamism, the Activity study combines the different automobile cultures in Europe and America and is based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito van and Viano MPV. Read More
Honda NSX Police Car
Image Gallery (2 images)
We've covered some exotic police cars in Gizmo, such as the Lamborghini Gallardo and the Dodge Magnum SXT, but the unveiling of a Honda NSX in police livery has added weight to the trend. The car was exhibited by Avon and Somerset Police in the UK at a car show and drew some interesting responses from the punters. Read More
KIA to show new concept KCV-III sports car at Sydney Show
Image Gallery (2 images)
There'll be a new place to look for a sports car at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney (7-17 October 2004) with Kia, best known for its top selling family cars, revealing the KC-III, a sports car study that is set to join the Kia range. Designed at Kia's Namyang R&D Centre, the KCV-III is a small coupe convertible that showcases the best-of-breed technologies and styling that Kia will be incorporating in its future line-up. Read More
Formula Ford revamped after 40 years
Image Gallery (2 images)
The world's most successful racing car category will undergo its most radical upgrade since its launch in the late '60s, with the introduction of a new 1.6 litre Ford Fiesta road-car engine and front and rear aerodynamic aids. Ford has announced a new engine and aero package for Formula Ford in 2006 to complement its five-year financial commitment to Formula Ford. Read More
Significant new rotary engine design runs on compressed air
Image Gallery (8 images)
There is no other motor as efficient as the Di Pietro Rotary Air Engine. It is 100% more efficient than any other air powered engine built to date and its high torque makes it the first air engine suitable for mobile applications. The invention has the capacity to revolutionise transportation, plus offer a multitude of energy-saving benefits in stationary applications. The engine has no emissions, is very quiet, has constant high torque, a low parts count, no vibration and is very efficient - only 1 PSI of pressure is needed to overcome the friction to enable movement. Read More
Smart roadster - schizophrenic automobile on test
Image Gallery (6 images)
In the case of the smart Roadster, the word Smart is both a brand and an adjective. The global automotive industry is a voracious user of global resources. This year it will create 60 million cars and consume around 50% of the world's oil production, 50% of rubber production, 25% of glass production, and 15% of steel production. If everyone drove a smart car, we'd make a massive shift towards smart sustainable living. The feel-good Smart Kart is two cars in one - a ballsy sportster and a good citizen with modest consumption for everything except fun. Read More
8WD Electric limousine handles like a sportscar
Image Gallery (6 images)
The KAZ (Keio Advanced Zero-Emission Vehicle) is a Japanese-designed Italian-built limousine prototype with eight wheels.
The KAZ is not your average limo though. The all-electric KAZ can travel at 300kph and it handles more like a sports car than a 6.7m-long whale thanks to its computer-controlled eight-wheel drive train and low centre of gravity for added stability and handling around curves.
Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione at Australian Motor Show
Image Gallery (2 images)
Alfa Romeo will provide one of the highlights of the 2004 Australian International Motor Show by displaying the 300 kph Alfa Romeo 8c Competizione.
Designed and developed at the Alfa Romeo Style Centre and debuted at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 8c Competizione is a new icon for Alfa Romeo, evoking the great sports car tradition of which the name is part.
In the Thirties and Forties, the '8c' signature identified the racing and road cars that were equipped with the new eight cylinder engine developed by the famous engineer Vittorio Jano.
The term 'Competizione' is a tribute to the 6C 2500 Competizione, the sports coupe driven by Fangio and Zanardi in the famous Mille Miglia race in 1950. Therefore, '8c Competizione' is not an invented name, but a clear reference to Alfa's racing history. Read More
English company shows V10 hybrid sports car
Image Gallery (5 images)
An entirely new spin on the hybrid automobile has been developed by Connaught Motor Company (UK) - a V10-electric hybrid engined, Type-D sports coupe capable of 140mph, 0-60mph in 6.2s, and a stunning 42mpg while still complying with ultra-low emissions targets set for 2010. Connaught plays down the Type-D's hybrid drive, wishing to distance its sports coupŽ "from existing hybrid cars with their utilitarian aura and earnest greenness." So for 'hybrid', read Connaught's alternative description: HigherBred. They think of the electric motor as a torque-assist system, a means to an end rather than an end in itself. Read More
Citroen's versatile Pluriel - five cars for the price of (a cheap) one
Image Gallery (8 images)
September 14, 2004 Different cars suit different purposes. It's a sad fact that few cars tend to meet more than a handful of those purposes. Accordingly, we love Citroen's convertible C3 Pluriel, a single car that can convert in seconds from a versatile hatch back, to a hatch with a massive open roof, to cabriolet, then a spider and, finally a Ute with a drop down tail gate. All of this versatility does not come at the expense of good looks, as would be expected of a company that has already won world's most beautiful car crowns for the Citroen C3 and C2 models. Nor does it come at the expense of ... err, expense. At AUD$31,490, the Pluriel versatility is very cost effective. Read More
Mercedes-Benz CLK designo by Giorgio Armani
Image Gallery (4 images)
Mercedes-Benz will be presenting an exclusive special-edition CLK-Class Cabriolet personalised by the renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani at the Paris Motor Show. The colours and materials used give the successful four-seater Mercedes cabriolet a highly distinctive look. Only 100 units will be offered worldwide as part of the exclusive Mercedes-Benz designo range, which allows discerning customers to personalise their Mercedes-Benz using a selection of exclusive material and paint finish options. Each of the 100 vehicles represents the common design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz and Giorgio Armani and will be issued with a certificate that confirms its limited-edition status. Read More
The new Golf GTI - New design, new engine, new fascination
Image Gallery (2 images)
The new Golf GTI is on its way, powered by a 200 horsepower turbo engine and set for delivery in Europe in Q4. First unveiled in 1976, the new Volkswagen Golf GTI will be the fifth generation of a vehicle with an extraordinary brand recognition - 93.2% of all Europeans equate the GTI letters with the high performance Volkswagen Golf and the standard Golf is Europe's top-selling car. To power the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is using a newly developed 2.0 litre FSI turbo engine. The 147 kW direct injection petrol unit powers the GTI to 235 kmh, a remarkable increase from the original (then regarded as firebreathing) GTI's 81 kW and 182 kmh top speed. Read More
Peugeot creates the 907 GT coupe
Image Gallery (4 images)
August 27, 2005 Peugeot always saves its best for it's home motor show and at last year's Paris Motor Show it unveiled several radical new designs, and without doubt one of the most beautiful motor vehicles ever seen - the magnificent 12 cylinder Peugeot 907 GT coupe. The 907 GT has been so popular and such an icon for the brand over the last twelve months that it will again be seen at Frankfurt this year. is the archetypal touring car, discreet, but processing a sculpted and elegant shape, luxurious on account of the choice of materials it incorporates, and also extremely sporty as a result of its styling and its engineering credentials. Read More
New hydraulic hybrid technology developed by EPA and Ford.
Image Gallery (5 images)
A new hybrid technology known as hydraulic launch assist system (HLA) promises dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Initially developed by the Environment Protection Authority in the US, initial tests on the proof-of-concept chassis has since led to remarkable progress with the release of a Ford F-550 commercial demonstration vehicle earlier this year. The HLA has a regenerative braking system that can reportedly improve fuel efficiency by 25 to 40 percent. It works by recovering some of the energy wasted as heat by the vehicle's brakes when slowing. This energy is harnessed and used to propel the vehicle the next time it needs to accelerate. The hydraulic system offers great advantages for vehicles operating in stop and go conditions because the system can capture a large proportion of the energy lost to the automobile when the brakes are applied. Read More
Details of the Volvo Extreme Gravity Car
Image Gallery (5 images)
The origins of the soapbox derby or billykart race are not well documented, or so we thought. Volvo's press release on its Extreme Gravity car dates the first organised soapbox derby in 1933 at Dayton Ohio, USA. Regardless of the accuracy of that claim, the Volvo Extreme Gravity Racer is far removed from those original vehicles. Comprised of water-jet-cut high-strength aluminum, carbon fiber composite and fiberglass, the machine is a feast for the eyes of anyone who has ever built such a gravity machine. Read More
Honda Develops Intelligent Night Vision for automobiles
Image Gallery (2 images)
Honda has announced an Intelligent Night Vision System for automobiles, which uses "far infrared" cameras to detect pedestrians in or approaching the vehicle's path. The system provides the driver with visual and audio cautions to help prevent accidents involving pedestrians. The new system will be available on the Honda Legend in Japan later this year. Read More
Honda announces fuel cell, hybrid and electric scooters
Image Gallery (6 images)
Honda Motor Company has announced its intentions to hotly contest the sustainable future of two wheel transport by showing several new prototype model developments surrounding fuel cell, electric and hybrid (petrol/electric) scooters. Building on its success with fuel cell automobile technology, the most significant announcement was a scooter powered by its light, compact fuel cell system, the Honda FC Stack. Read More
Ferrari F430 features a number of significant innovations
Image Gallery (8 images)
With Ferrari technology dominating Formula One, the world's most watched sporting spectacle, the unveiling of the F430 Ferrari is doubly significant in that it also signals the arrival of a new generation of Ferrari 8-cylinder models. This new car takes Ferrari's extraordinary achievements with aluminium technology, begun with the 360 Modena, to a whole new level, and offers a series of extremely significant innovations directly derived from the Ferrari Formula 1 single-seaters. Two of these innovations are world firsts for production cars: the electronic differential (E-Diff) and the steering wheel-mounted switch (better known to the Formula 1 Scuderia's drivers as "manettino"), which manages the integrated systems governing vehicle dynamics. Read More
New automotive accessory adds significant horepower and torque
Image Gallery (3 images)
Now here's a story we couldn't resist. Owners of Ford F250 and F350 vehicles with the 7.3L Powerstroke diesel now have a safe, easy way to improve acceleration, towing power and even fuel economy. Diesel performance technology company Edge Products now offers a system it calls "Juice With Attitude" consistently produces up to 75 more HP and at least 190 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels. The kit installs in about five minutes using factory-style connectors. By plugging into PCM connections, the Juice enhances signals for fueling, turbo boost and ignition timing. Read More
Audi DSG manual gearbox arrives
Image Gallery (6 images)
Audi has a long tradition in the development of innovative transmission technologies and their use in production vehicles and the company's latest variation on the theme is the Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG. The DSG is a six-speed manual transmission that can offer both manual and automatic transmission. It uses all the same ingredients as a manual transmission but with an extra clutch. Read More
Stretched MINI - with on-board spa
Image Gallery (7 images)
MINI brought a smile and a couple of world records to the Olympics in Athens when it unveiled a new six-metre long MINI XXL. The oversized compact will service visiting celebrities in Athens and is sure to make an impression thanks to its fully-functioning on board spa. The XXL has a detachable hardtop roof section which pulls away to reveal the spa. And it's the first MINI ever to have room for an awesome foursome in the back, thanks to two rows of paired seats. Read More
