Automotive
Preview pictures of Mitsubishi Prototpe-S
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March 1, 2008 With the 2008 Geneva International Motor Show almost upon us, Mitsubishi has released images of its Prototype-S sports hatchback concept. Read More
Cars from The Sopranos up for auction
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February 29, 2008 It's not exactly an example of emerging technology, but our interest in collector cars combined with a slight obsession with the Soprano's has prompted us to bring you this piece of news. A total of eight Cars and SUVs from the popular TV series are set to go under the hammer in March including Tony Soprano’s 2003 Cadillac Escalade ESV. Read More
Coca-Cola Enterprises orders 120 hybrid trucks from Eaton
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February 29, 2008 Coca-Cola Enterprises will purchase 120 Eaton diesel-electric hybrid trucks this year – the largest single order placed to the Cleveland-based firm. CCE bought 20 trucks last year, when the program was in a test phase, and found they reduced emissions by 32%, and reduced fuel consumption by 37%.
The Eaton Hybrid trucks use both a diesel engine and an electric motor to power the vehicle. According to the Eaton website, this configuration can slash emissions by up to 70%, and reduce fuel consumption by up to 60%. Read More
Zero Pollution compressed Air Car set for U.S. launch in 2010
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The Zero-Pollution MDI Air Car, invented in France and licensed by Tata Motors in India, is coming to American shores. Zero Pollution Motors have announced they will begin taking reservations for the first U.S. deliveries in the next couple of months, but it will be 2010 before Americans get their first taste of the ingenious compressed-air motor, which runs to 35mph entirely on air, or uses a trickle of petrol to heat and compress more air to reach higher speeds up to 90mph. It'll cost next to nothing to run (how do 30,000km service intervals sound?), have a range of up to 1000 miles, and retail for well under US$20,000. Read More
250mph Koenigsegg Edition set for world premiere
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February 28, 2008 Swedish supercar manufacturer Koenigsegg will debut its latest gob-smacking creation at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show - the Koenigsegg Edition. Featuring a striking black clear carbon body, red leather interior and new forged, machined and polished aluminum wheels, the Edition will be available in two versions - the 4.8 litre 888bhp CCX Edition and the CCXR Edition, a biofuel burning variant that achieves 1018 bhp at 7000rpm when run on E85 fuel, making 0-62 mph (0-100 kmh) in under 3 seconds and reaching a top Speed of 254+ mph (410+ kmh) along the way. Those in the market will have to dig deep and act fast to get behind the wheel of the Edition - pricing for the CCXR version is listed at 1.5 million Euros and according to Koenigsegg "only a very few models will be produced". Read More
Legendary Caterham road/race car now making twice the Bugatti Veyron's power to weight figure
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February 27, 2008 When Jeremy Clarkson declares a car "without any doubt, the ultimate driving machine," and when that same car has a 30-year history of being banned from racing against the most expensive supercars because it routinely thrashes the pants off just about anything around a racetrack, you might suspect that car's got something going for it. So when a special edition is released with an all-new super-lightweight 500hp motor in a package that delivers more than twice the power-to-weight ratio of a Bugatti Veyron, for around a tenth of the price, it must rate as a significant moment in motoring history. Making around 1 horsepower per kilogram, rocketing to 60mph in less than 3 seconds, and yours for only UK£115,000, it's the RS Performance Caterham Levante. Read More
Maserati Gran Turismo S debut
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February 27, 2008 Following on from last year's world premiere of the GranTurismo, Maserati is set to return to the Geneva Motor Show with another sleek Pininfarina designed coupe in tow - the 440 hp V8 GranTurismo S. Read More
Mercedes-Benz bionic car: automotive design meets modern art
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February 25, 2008 One of the stand-out automotive design concepts from back in 2005 has re-emerged in the guise of modern art. With a highly-aerodynamic design based on what at first seems an unlikely candidate - the tropical sea-dwelling boxfish - the Mercedes-Benz bionic concept car is appearing as part of the "Design and the Elastic Mind" exhibition at New York's Museum of Modern Art. Read More
Mazda Advanced Safety Vehicle 4 to begin public road trials
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February 23, 2008 Mazda has announced it will put new vehicle-to-vehicle safety technology to the test in the Hiroshima area from March 11 as part of the fourth phase of its Advanced Safety Vehicle project. Read More
Fiat unveils a juiced-up 135hp Abarth performance version of its 500 towncar
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February 21, 2008 51 years ago, the Fiat 500 was first launched. A rear-engined mimic of the hugely popular Volkswagen Beetle, the 500 was one of a small stable of cars designed to be perfect for city driving. Small, economical, practical, fun and manoeverable, it struck a chord with European drivers, selling nearly 4 million units and surviving until 1977 when it was replaced by the far less popular Fiat 126. Read More
Rolls-Royce to unveil Phantom Coupé
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Coupé at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Billed as the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line, the car is powered 6.75-litre V12 that produces 453 bhp, 720 Nm of torque and achieves 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. A 25 per cent increase in fuel capacity compared to the
Drophead Coupé plus improved fuel economy adds to its driving range. Access to the expansive rear lounge seats is enhanced by the use of rear-hinged coach doors and for the ultimate picnic, the rear compartment provides 395 liters of space (that's enough for four sets of golf clubs) with the tailgate doubling as a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered. Read More
Geneva Motor Show highlights: Alfa 8C Spider
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February 20, 2008 Alfa Romeo will exhibit a convertible version of the Alfa 8C Competizione supercar at next month’s Geneva Motor Show ahead of a limited production run. The silky smooth Alfa 8C Spider utilizes the same 450bhp, 4.7 litre V8 as its coupe stablemate via a 6-speed F1-style paddle shift gearbox to the rear wheels. Read More
E-Vade: world debut for lightweight, 500 kW sportscar
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February 19, 2007 A joint effort between naval engineer Lieutenant Commander David Walter and his wife Peta, the track version of the two-seater E-Vade sportscar weighs just 900 kg and achieves 500 kW from its modified Nissan V6 engine mounted longitudinally behind the driver. A slightly heavier (950 kg) road-going and less powerful (300kW) configuration is also on offer with both versions incorporating a built-in hydraulic jacking system which can lift the whole car about 20 cm at the press of a button for quick wheel and tyre changes. Read More
Radar car collision prevention systems put to the test
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February 15, 2008 British Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre Thatcham has put three of the car industry’s most hyped collision prevention technologies to the test – and they’ve emerged with flying colors. The Volvo City Safety, Mercedes Distronic Plus, and Honda CMBS use radar systems to mitigate and prevent low speed collisions – which, as a category, make up 75% of all motor accidents. Read More
Mercedes SL 63 AMG: coming in April, with new 7-speed Speedshift transmission
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Mercedes' high performance tuning subsidiary AMG has announced the April release of its sportiest-ever SL class Benz. The SL 63 AMG's 6.3-litre engine's now tuned for 525 horses and 660Nm, and even the most ham-footed driver can hit 100kmh in 4.6 seconds thanks to the AMG Race Start launch control package. Chilly temperatures don't have to put you off driving with the top down, as the AMG features a new "Airscarf" neck-level heating system, and the electronically adjustable suspension lets you strike the right balance between racetrack grip and touring comfort on the road. The transmission's a beauty - a four mode manual auto with superfast 100ms shifting and auto-double declutching on downshifts. And if this baby's not fast enough for you, there's always the SL 65 AMG biturbo V12. Read More
Production ready Toyota iQ heads for Geneva
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February 14, 2008 Launched as a concept at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, a market-ready version of the Toyota iQ will debut Geneva next month. A compact urban vehicle that can can carry three people in comfort despite being less than three meters long, Toyota hopes the iQ will change the entrenched wisdom that buying a small car means less comfort and a compromise on safety. Read More
New Passat features Continental self-sealing tyres
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February 13, 2008 Self-sealing tyres from German manufacturer Continental will be rolled-out on the new Volkswagen Passat CC four-door. The tyres feature ContiSeal technology - a protective layer on the inside of the tread that immediately seals holes caused by a screw or nail puncture. Read More
Special edition KTM X-Bow set for Geneva Motor Show
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February 12, 2008 In more news ahead of the 78th International Geneva Motor Show, KTM has announced it will show the special edition “X-Bow Dallara” for the first time in all its final technical details. Read More
Hyundai to present HED-5 concept in Geneva
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February 12, 2008 Hyundai's main attraction at next month's Geneva motor show will be the HED-5 concept - a six seat MPV that promises fuel efficient versatility through the use of revolutionary materials and construction techniques. Read More
Navistar unveil International LoneStar big-rig
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February 8, 2007 Navistar International Corp. has rolled-out a new flagship product under its International® brand at the Chicago Auto Show. Developed in a process that saw the design jump directly from math and clay models to production without any development prototypes, the LoneStar combines fuel-saving aerodynamic design with a raft of on-board technological features and creature comforts that would put most home offices in the shade. Highlights include Bluetooth connectivity, Monsoon stereo system with 11 speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier, a desk-like workspace for laptop computers, wooden flooring, swivel chairs and a pull-down bed with a 42-inch premium mattress. Read More
New York’s hybrid buses prove their worth
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February 7, 2008 A government report has shown that the new Orion buses in New York City cost 40% less to maintain and 24% less to operate than earlier-generation hybrids. Read More
Provoq: Cadillac's crossover fuel cell concept
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The latest platform for GM’s zero-emissions E-Flex architecture comes in the guise of a luxurious crossover vehicle - the Cadillac Provoq. The all-electric drive Provoq combines the fuel cell system with a lithium-ion battery to achieve a 300 mile range, 100 mph top-speed and all-wheel-drive traction via a 70 kW co-axial drive system for the front wheels and separate 40 kW wheel hub motors at the rear. The sleek design also harbors a number of other innovations including active front grille louvers that close at speed to boost aerodynamics, push-to-release door handles, brake-by-wire technology and an integrated solar panel in the roof that supplements power for onboard accessories. Read More
Details confirmed for first-ever Formula One night race
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February 1, 2008 The timetable has been set for September's Formula 1(TM) Singapore Grand Prix, the first ever Grand Prix to be held at night. Read More
Mitsubishi to premiere Lancer Prototype-S Sports Hatchback Concept
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January 30, 2008 Mitsubishi Motors has released these sketches of its Lancer Prototype-S sports hatchback concept ahead of its debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show. Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC intercooler / turbocharger engine developing 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35 kg-m), the Prototype-S is evolved from the Concept-Sportback car shown at Frankfurt in 2005 and provides a taste of what to expect from the forthcoming 5-door hatchback variant of the Lancer family expected later in the year. Read More
Jaguar and Land Rover moving to virtual 3D vehicle prototyping
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January 29, 2008 Prototyping and modeling chew up a large amount of time in the automotive design process, which is why Jaguar and Land Rover have decided to invest US$4 million in a state-of-the-art, immersive 360-degree virtual reality 'CAVE' that will allow designers to present their CAD designs in full 3D glory. This virtual prototyping system will allow unprecedented access to the designs, letting viewers experience the cars from all angles, inside and out, trialling colour schemes and switching parts on the fly or making body panels transparent. Overseen by 3D gurus Holovis International, the system promises to significantly reduce development times – and on top of that, it's ridiculously cool. Read More
Ford testing 120mpg plug-in hybrid Escape
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January 29, 2008 Plug-in electric hybrid cars represent a simple and effective bridge between today's primarily petrol-driven hybrids and tomorrow's fully electric vehicles. Over short distances, they deliver the efficiency, economy and low emissions of an electric car – but you've still got a petrol engine to rely on for longer trips. With Toyota testing a plug-in Prius that's rumored to go to production in 2009, Ford has announced a Plug-in Electric Hybrid (PHEV) version of its Escape SUV. Currently in testing, the Escape PHEV runs primarily on electric in its commuting duties, achieving around 30 miles of high-efficiency electric drive after an overnight charge of its high capacity Lithium-Ion battery pack. For longer trips it reverts seamlessly back to normal hybrid operation. Read More
Kenworth Truck Company plans fleet of LNG vehicles
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January 29, 2008 Kenworth Truck Company and Westport Innovations Inc have announced that production of a line of liquefied natural gas vehicles will begin in 2009. The Kenworth T800 LNG trucks will use Westport’s LNG fuel system technology adapted for the Cummins ISX 15-liter engine. Read More
Suzuki to exhibit Kizashi Concept x 2 at the Geneva Motor Show
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January 27, 2008 Suzuki will present both the Kizashi and Kizashi 2 Concept cars together for the first time at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show. Unveiled separately at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt and 2007 Tokyo Motor Show respectively, the Concepts showcase the company's intention to build on its automotive presence already established in the compact car (Swift) and sport utility vehicle (Grand Vitara) segments by entering into the sedan market. The Kizashi - a Japanese word meaning “prelude” or “foretaste” - will feature a 2.0L 4-valve turbo diesel engine coupled with an intelligent all-wheel drive system targeting low CO2 emissions in a lean, muscular design that aims to optimize interior spaciousness and apply the no-nonsense, user-oriented approach to driver functionality gleaned from Suzuki's experience in motorcycle production. Read More
Six-seater Ranger Crew joins Polaris AWD line-up
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January 25, 2008 Polaris has unveiled a new six-seater Ranger Crew, which will join the Ranger 2x4, 4x4 EFI, 6x6 EFI, XP (700 EFI) and Ranger RZR. With 907kg towing capacity and a 454kg cargo box capacity, the Crew has more towing and carrying ability than any of its predecessors. Read More
ZAP brings Alias highway electric car project closer to reality
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January 24, 2008 Electric-transport pioneer ZAP is now predicting a 2nd quarter 2009 production launch for the planned ZAP Alias(TM) highway electric car. The Joint Venture Company formed by ZAP and China Youngman Automotive Group has invited engineering and technology companies to participate in the project by initiating a RFQ (Request For Quotation) process for the 150-mile range, 100mph three-wheeler which the company hopes to bring to market for around USD$30,000. The news follows the showing of the company's made for iPod electric car and iZAP rechargable battery technology at Macworld 2008 and the announcement of a deal with Coca Cola that will see a fleet of 30 of Zap's compact electric trucks used for a new beverage distribution system in Montevideo, Uruguay, with the aim of targeting areas where larger vehicles are challenged by parking shortages, traffic congestion and air pollution. Read More
Cadillac premieres 2009 CTS-V high-performance luxury sedan
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Set to hit the market in Q4 2008 and to be sold for the first time in markets outside North America, Cadillac's new addition to the high-performance V-Series line - the 2009 CTS-V - boasts an array of performance enhancing technologies built around a new 6.2L LSA supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 hp (410 kW) and 550 lb.-ft. (745 Nm) of torque. These include an industry-first Performance Traction Management program, a new automatic transmission with paddle-shift control and a Magnetic Ride Control system that utilizes electro magnetic shocks and electronic sensors at each wheel to deliver what's billed as the world’s fastest-reacting suspension. The cars' blend of luxury and performance extends to an extensive on-board infotainment suite that includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive, factory-installed Bluetooth, Bose digital surround audio and an advanced navigation system. Read More
Records tumble at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event
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January 23, 2008 Auction company Barrett-Jackson has reported record breaking numbers at its 37th Annual Collector Car Event with preliminary figures showing over $88 million in sales and a new attendance record of 280,000 in a four day auction featuring 1,163 collector vehicles, 100 fewer than sold in 2007. Read More
Ford Mondeo gets Adaptive Cruise Control
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January 23, 2008 Ford has announced that its new Mondeo will get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) technology as an option. The adoption of ACC technology, which has appeared previously in cars such as Volvo's S80 and more recently the new Jaguar XF, provides a significant safety boost by maintaining a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front and automatically decelerating when another vehicle enters this buffer zone. One the pre-set distance is renewed the vehicle then accelerates back to cruising speed. Read More
Ford Explorer America concept demonstrates EcoBoost engine technology
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A cute showcase platform for the for the 20-30 percent better fuel economy, lower emissions and no compromise performance promised by Ford's soon to be introduced EcoBoost technology, the Explorer America concept aims to demonstrate the sustainable, flexible future of the company's iconic SUV with fuel-saving features like electric power assisted steering and a multifunctional interior layout that includes single-touch, stackable sliding seats, a work table (complete with seats) that deploys from the tailgate and an instrument panel that integrates a three-dimensional compass navigation unit with a topographical map. Using the turbocharging and direct injection Ecoboost technology, the 4-cylinder 2-liter engine delivers 275 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque or, in a 3.5-liter V-6 format, about 340 hp. Read More
The Detroit Fish Amphibious People Carrier
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One of the oddest-looking, and most bizarrely named cars at the North American International Auto Show was an amphibious people carrier named the Detroit Fish, along with two other equally eccentric, electric car concepts, named the “Book of Songs” and “Piece of Cloud” respectively. All three come from the design studios of respected Chinese auto designer Li Guangming, who wants to create a unique Chinese design language, and he sees these rounded little cars as a starting point. “There will be no Chinese national cars of significance if the Chinese spirit is absent from their design,” he said. The Detroit Fish has a 3.5kW electric motor and Lithium Ion battery pack, giving a range of 150km and a top speed of 45kmh, making them ideal for “tourist spots, large communities, university campuses and small towns”. Read More
