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Thursday, March 3, 2011
Toyota PM Concept Car a personal transport concept
Toyota PM Concept Car
Toyota PM is highly maneuverable thanks to its castor like wheels capable of rotating through 180 degrees. The front wheels are also notable because of their hub-less design.
The futuristic Toyota PM concept from 2003 is a personal transport concept.
The PM's cockpit opens by touching one of the unusual stalk mounted headlights, this then glows green to announce the impending opening of the glass canopy.
Another interesting feature Toyota has built into the PM is its adjustable ride height and attitude. As the PM's speed increases it lowers to the ground to increase stability and improve aerodynamics.
Inside the PM information regarding vehicle performance and the location of other PM's is relayed to the single occupant by a floating virtual display.
Power for the concept comes from an electric motor.
Labels:
Concept Car,
Design Car,
Electric Car,
Toyota
Monday, February 28, 2011
2011 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sports Car Has Brand-New Architecture
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta is expected to give new impetus to the brand in one of Europe's most important segments. Giulietta is a car that, in the fifties, caught the imagination of generations of car enthusiasts, making the dream of owning an Alfa Romeo and enjoying the high level of comfort and technical excellence accessible for the first time. The Alfa Romeo Style Centre has produced a new Alfa Romeo Giulietta, a sports car capable of expressing both great agility on the most demanding routes and providing comfort on everyday roads.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta has brand-new architecture, designed to meet the expectations of the most demanding customers in terms of road holding, agility and safety. Its excellent dynamic performance and great comfort are the result of refined technical solutions implemented in the suspensions, a next-generation steering system, a rigid yet light structure made of aluminium and high-strength steel, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
Combining sportiness and elegance, the Alfa Giulietta is the result of Alfa Romeo's new direction in style and technology - an approach that started with the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione supercar and which recalls the brand's glorious past while projecting its traditional values of technology and emotion into the future.
The profile of the Alfa Romeo Giulietta is rich in personality and confers the appearance of an agile, solid model. This is above all the result of the coupé shaped side windows, which highlight dynamic and streamlined shape, and of the concealed rear handles. The side ribbing adds to the car's slender look, while the taut lines closing in on the rear end accentuate the "wedge" shape of the body.
The interior design is taut and light: a horizontally developed dashboard with aluminium element accents and rocker controls which explicitly recall the 8C Competizione. Painstaking attention to detail and the high quality of the materials used are the most advanced expression of Italian style.
2011 Alfa Romeo GiuliettaThe Alfa Romeo Giulietta guarantees top level performance and next-generation technology in terms of technical solutions, performance and environmental friendliness. Four Turbo engines will be available at launch, all Euro 5 compliant and fitted with a standard "Start&Stop" system for reducing consumption and emissions: two petrol engines (1.4TB - 120 HP and 1.4TB MultiAir - 170 HP) and two diesel engines (1.6 JTDM - 105 HP and 2.0 JTDM - 170 HP, both belonging to the second generation of JTDM engines). Finally, the range is completed with the lively 1750 TBi - 235 HP with an exclusive Quadrifoglio Verde configuration.
2011 Alfa Romeo GiuliettaThe Alfa Romeo Giulietta is fitted with the most sophisticated electronic devices for dynamic control as standard: VDC, DST, Q2 electronic differential and Alfa DNA selector. All these systems guarantee driving safety, dynamism and performance in the best Alfa Romeo tradition.
Labels:
2011,
Alfa Romeo,
Sports Car
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Honda Insight EU Version Called 'Aero Athlete' Concept
Although the Honda Insight design team started with a blank piece of paper - in that this was a brand new model with no history - they faced many challenges in creating the exterior appearance of the Honda Insight.
On the one hand, as a low emission hybrid car, it had to express environmental credentials - it had to look like a 'green' car - but on the other hand it had to appear dynamic and fun to drive; part of Honda's key design principles. Above all, in line with the positioning of Honda Insight, the design had to appeal to a broad range of people.
Honda Insight EU VersionWhile the 'greenness' of the car may have challenged the sporty direction of the overall design, in some areas it actually helped the dynamic cause. Because the newly-developed IMA system is more compact, it meant the nose of the car could be shorter, creating a snubbed, more aggressive look to the front end.
Another important factor that led (and to some extent restricted) the exterior design was the bodystyle itself. To appeal to as many people as possible, a 5-door layout was chosen, and this brought its own challenges, particularly when optimising the aerodynamics of the car, and creating enough headroom for passengers in the rear.
Honda Insight EU VersionThe Insight adopts slim, projector-style headlights in a 4-light cluster. The headlight's low beam has blue detailing, and the indicators are located in the lower bumper face.
Firstly, the line from the centre of the roof to the top of the boot lid is at the optimum angle for controlling the flow of air off the top of the car, with minimum turbulence. Also, you'll notice that the top half of the body tapers in towards the rear of the car, which also helps the air flow travel smoothly over the car. Stable air flow over this section helps the car pass through the air with minimal drag.
Honda Insight EU Version
"The concept for the main shape of the car is called 'Aero Athlete'," says Mr Minowa. "It reflects a sporty, lean body with no fat, the tension of muscles and nothing unnecessary added." The Honda Insight is fitted with a seven-spoke alloy design, to enhance the sporty image of the car.
All Honda Insight grades are equipped with Honda's Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system, designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during cornering, acceleration and sudden manoeuvres by applying braking to the right or left hand wheels as necessary and managing the engine torque systems.
Honda Insight EU VersionHonda's IMA hybrid system concept is now 10 years old - having made its debut in the original Insight back in 1999. IMA stands for Integrated Motor Assist, which consists of a low-friction 1.3 litre engine that serves as the primary power source, an ultra thin electric motor, a lightweight and compact battery with a continuously variable transmission.
This system has been used successfully in not only the Honda Insight, but also the Civic IMA, and its successor, the Civic Hybrid. Over the years the system has evolved and become smaller, more lightweight and less expensive to produce, and the latest version in the new Honda Insight is the most advanced IMA technology introduced by Honda to date. The fifth generation IMA system in the Insight is 24% more compact than the fourth generation system freeing up space for luggage.
Honda Insight EU Version
The engine itself is new, but is based heavily on the 1.3-litre from the Civic Hybrid. This modified i-VTEC unit from the Civic Hybrid has been further enhanced with lessons learned from the Jazz incorporated to improve fuel economy. The low friction, pattern coated piston design has been combined with a new catalyst design to further optimise this already highly efficient power unit. These measures along with a further stabilised combustion process give a fuel economy improvement for the engine alone of 2% on what is already a highly-efficient unit.
When combined, the motor and engine produce lively performance ideal for urban environments, with good throttle response and acceleration times to rival conventional 1.6-litre petrol cars with automatic gearboxes. The Honda Insight reaches 100 km/h from a standing start in 12.6 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 186 km/h.
Honda Insight EU Version
Using a CVT transmission in a hybrid provides smooth and predictable gear transitions and helps keep the IMA system operating in its most efficient range. In the Insight, an evolution of the high-torque CVT unit from the Honda Civic Hybrid is used.
This version of CVT has a lower final drive gear ratio (4.200 from 3.937), which results in faster-acting initial acceleration performance.
Labels:
Honda,
Hybrid Car,
Sports Car
Jaguar XF Luxurious Sports Sedan The New levels of luxury, dynamics and technology
The new Jaguar XF is already acclaimed as a key element in the revitalization of the Jaguar brand, with its new generation of beautiful fast cars. But now the car that defines Jaguar sporting luxury is even better, with major powertrain changes and a wider range of models - including a stunning new, supercharged Jaguar XFR.
Jaguar XF Luxurious Sports Sedan
Every XF is designed to make its owner feel special. Every XF combines the practical appeal of refinement and space with the emotional appeal of luxurious interiors, intelligently chosen features and exceptional craftsmanship.The new 2010 Model Year XF also offers distinctive new identifying details, including new alloy wheel styles. The new 19-inch Artura wheel is available in two optional finishes, depending on market – chromed, as an option in North America , or painted as an option for all markets.
Contemporary, individual and beautifully crafted, the XF has the soul of a sports car, the style and sophistication of a luxury four-door saloon and the visual excitement of coupe. Delivering high performance, excellent refinement and outstanding dynamic ability, the XF is true to Jaguar's philosophy of creating beautiful, fast cars.The new XF challenge the rules, delivering that unique Jaguar personality summed up in the two words: ‘Sporting Luxury'. The new XF range offers a superb blend of performance, value and contemporary desirability, all of which means that Jaguar's acclaimed XF has now moved even further ahead in the sports saloon market. All-new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engines and new AJ-V6D Gen III diesel engines – all delivering more power and more performance with comparable or better fuel economy and emissions than the engines they supersede.The new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III engine makes its debut in the 2010 Model Year XF.
The twin sequential turbocharged engine is available as the 275PS/600Nm S or a 240PS/500Nm version. Both offer exceptional efficiency and refinement and in the case of the Diesel S accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds. All-new AJ-V8 Gen III petrol engines and new AJ-V6D Gen III diesel engines – all delivering more power and more performance with comparable or better fuel economy and emissions than the engines they supersede.The new 3.0-litre AJ-V6D Gen III engine makes its debut in the 2010 Model Year XF. The twin sequential turbocharged engine is available as the 275PS/600Nm S or a 240PS/500Nm version. Both offer exceptional efficiency and refinement and in the case of the Diesel S accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds.
Jaguar XF Luxurious Sports Sedan
Labels:
2010,
Jaguar,
Luxurious Sports Sedan,
Sedan,
Sports Car,
Sports Saloon,
Sports Sedan
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Ferrari California Sports Car with new V8 Engine 8 cylinders to guarantee superb performance.
The Ferrari California is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolise not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication.
The Ferrari California is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+2 version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers. In addition to its retractable hard, the California also offers a new direct injection V8 engine, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox with steering wheel-mounted F1-style, an evolved F1-Trac traction control system, and standard Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs. This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminium, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks. The Ferrari California has length 4.563 mm, width 1.902 mm, height 1.308, wheelbase 2.670 mm, front track 1.630 mm, and rear track 1.605 mm.
Ferrari California is car with 8 cylinders has maximum output reached 460 Hp or equal 107 Hp/liter in 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of over 105 hp per liter, its maximum torque is 358 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm, 75% of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. The Ferrari California takes less than 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 - 60 mph and delivers a blistering 192 mph top speed. The new V8 features direct fuel injection and variable timing (on both intake and exhaust) to guarantee superb performance, exceptional handling, and fuel consumption and emissions that easily comply with the toughest Euro 5 and Lev2 standards Even can drive in high speed, the Ferrari California has an ideal balance.The California's mission is slightly different than other Ferraris; the all-new model is aimed more at a buyer who may not have considered Ferrari before, one who wants both high performance and high-end luxury.This new car joins Ferrari's 8-cylinderrange, so far consisting of the mid-engine models like the F430 only, as the first 8-cylinder Gran Turismo. .....................................Ferrari California
The Ferrari California is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+2 version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers. In addition to its retractable hard, the California also offers a new direct injection V8 engine, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox with steering wheel-mounted F1-style, an evolved F1-Trac traction control system, and standard Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs. This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminium, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks. The Ferrari California has length 4.563 mm, width 1.902 mm, height 1.308, wheelbase 2.670 mm, front track 1.630 mm, and rear track 1.605 mm.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine
Maranello, July 28th 2009 – While it’s true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it’s equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse’s history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company’s previous mid-rear engined sports cars.
The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s recent models.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.
The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
The Ferrari 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.
A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the Ferrari F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the Ferrari 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The Ferrari 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once agThe Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails.
With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari’s recent models.
Labels:
2011,
Ferrari,
Sports Car,
V8
Friday, February 11, 2011
Mitsubishi to kill Eclipse, Endeavor and Galant
It turns out the rumors we heard about the languishing Mitsubishi lineup are true. According to Automotive News, Mitsubishi is planning to drop the axe on the entirety of its American-made portfolio of vehicles in order to begin building new global platforms here in the States. That means that the Eclipse, Endeavor and Galantwill all be sent to pasture gradually between now and 2014. In their place, Mitsubishi is likely to begin building cars and crossovers off of the Lancer and Outlander bones at the company’s Normal, Illinois manufacturing facility. At least some of those vehicles will be hybrid or battery powered.
Mitsubishi has made it clear that the company will offer eight hybrid and battery-powered vehicles by 2015 in a move to be better prepared for rising fuel prices. The company saw a sales increase of around three percent last year, and by 2013 or 2014, the automaker says that it plans to see that figure at 37 percent. That would mean Mitsubishi would need to move a total of 1.37 million vehicles by that date.
Labels:
Mitsubishi Cars
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