Automotive
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VW unveils 12 cylinder 200mph Golf GTI
May 19, 2007 Volkswagen has unveiled a unique design study which is set to feature at the largest GTI festival in Europe this week. The GTI W12-650 mates a Golf GTI three-door bodyshell to a bespoke mid-mounted bi-turbo W12 650 PS engine channelling drive to the rear wheels. The potent Golf turns a standstill to 100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 201.8 mph. A very close relation to the motor that powers the Bugatti Veyron (it has 12 of the Veytron’s 16 cylinders), the 6.0 litre engine is made from aluminium to reduce weight further and features four valves per cylinder and two overhead camshafts per cylinder head. Extremely compact in design, measuring only 513 mm in length, 715 mm in height and 710 mm in breadth, it is effectively made up of a pair of narrow-angle V6 engines laid alongside each other. The engine is linked to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. (read more...)
The World’s Fastest and Most Powerful Coupe - the BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo
May 17, 2007 The BRABUS S V12 S Biturbo coupe is not just the most powerful coupe in the world - it is also the fastest street-legal coupe. It’s vital performance statistics of 0 – 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, 200 km/h after just 11.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h are all without equal. Based on the latest Mercedes CL 600 model, the SV12 S Biturbo coupe can be ordered as a complete car starting at 178,980 Euros or can be built based on an existing current CL 600 model. The engine is based on the turbocharged Mercedes 600 twelve-cylinder engine and represents the most powerful street-legal V12 engine in the world producing 730 hp / 537 kW at 5,100 rpm. Just as extraordinary is the peak torque of 1,320 Nm at just 2,100 rpm, which is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm. The mods are extensive, starting with installing a special BRABUS crankshaft with longer stroke, combined with a bigger bore and correspondingly sized forged pistons, increases displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters. After that, the cylinder heads are precision-machined and four new camshafts are fitted, two new exhaust manifolds, two larger turbochargers, a high-efficiency intercooler and a high-performance exhaust system with metal catalysts and low back pressure. (read more...)
The Audi TT clubsport quattro study
May 17, 2007 The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a purist driving machine that combines the performance of a sports car with a unique design language. It consequently remains a TT on the one hand, while at the same time demonstrating just what is possible with such a fascinating production vehicle. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the “study” which is now under consideration as a “small-series production model”. The car was unveiled at the Worthersee Tour, (better known as the “GTI Meet”), being held this week in the Carinthian Lakes region of Germany. (read more...)
Affordable dashboard drift-o-meter
May 17, 2007 As motorsport evolves, so too do the technologies needed to measure it. Talk just became much cheaper in the world of drifting thanks to this device which will really put some numbers around who did what and when. The US$750 DriftBox is a GPS and accelerometer based performance meter that accurately measures not only your car's forward and lateral acceleration G-forces, but your instant and maximum drift angles as well. With real figures suddenly the ultimate arbiter, you're gonna have to get way more sideways to impress people. (read more...)
Tenth anniversary of Common Rail injection technology
May 16, 2007 It seems hard to believe given how quickly it has dominated the world automotive market, but it’s true – Bosch introduced the Common Rail injection system for passenger cars to the market ten years ago this month. The first cars to use the technology were the Alfa Romeo 156 JTD and the Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI and just ten years later it is used on almost all of the world’s diesel engines and 50% of European new car sales. Common Rail provides the diesel engine with better performance and higher torque. At the same time, the technology considerably reduces fuel consumption, noise, and emissions from diesel engines. (read more...)
Rhino Off-Road RTV set for mass production
May 11, 2007 We’ve written about Rhino Off-Road Industries several times now, basically because it’s a new class of off-road vehicle with the abilities of a mountain goat. For those who are similarly enamoured with the beast’s abilities, here’s some great news – the Rhino is destined for mass production. The company has shipped a fully outfitted Rhino Off-Road RTV-XT2 vehicle to its production partners in China, marking a key step in the process of mass production of the vehicle for distribution worldwide. For a rather extreme demonstration of what the Rhino is capable of in rock-crawling competition, see this video (WMV download). (read more...)
Toyota/Lexus dominate U.K. J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Awards
May 10, 2007 The Toyota Prius has earned many plaudits worldwide since its launch in 2004 but it’s unlikely to ever have a better 24 hours than those that have just passed. Yesterday, the hybrid family car won its fourth consecutive International Engine of the Year Award for the engine with the best fuel economy, and today it finished equal top of the 2007 J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction study. The independent study of thousands of UK motorists driving vehicles registered between September 2005 and August 2006 saw the Prius place equal first, alongside the Lexus IS, another Toyota group model. Given that the award is open to cars of any price, the latest accolade demonstrates the high esteem in which it is held by the most demanding of judges – owners. It was a good day for Toyota in general, as the company’s premium Lexus brand took out its seventh consecutive Gold Award for customer satisfaction, ranking top in three of the four key measures – vehicle quality/reliability, service satisfaction and vehicle appeal. Lexus has now claimed the coveted Gold Award every year since it became eligible for consideration. (read more...)
BMW dominates the 2007 “Engine Oscars”
May 9, 2007 BMW’s 3-litre twin turbo engine was today crowned International Engine of the Year 2007 at the ninth annual International Engine of the Year Awards, which were presented at Engine Expo in Stuttgart, Germany. In an award independently judged by a jury of 62 motoring journalists from 30 countries, BMW has always fared well, but this year it has excelled itself, taking the prestigious crown for the third consecutive year and taking seven of the 12 awards on offer with its 2.5-litre inline six and 5-litre V10 also winning gongs. Of the remaining awards, Volkswagen’s 1.4-litre turbocharged and supercharged TSI unit triumphed for a second year in the 1-litre to 1.4-litre class, with its larger sibling, the 2-litre turbo developed by Audi and housed in the Golf GTi and Audi A3, topping the 1.8-litre to 2-litre category. Toyota meanwhile saw its 1.5-litre hybrid that powers the Prius named Best Fuel Economy engine and its 1-litre 3-cylinder from the Aygo and Yaris take the honours in the Sub 1-litre category. Porsche won its first IEOY award taking the 3-litre to 4-litre category for its 3.6-litre Turbo. (read more...)
The 1955 Dodge La Femme
May 8, 2007 It’s the earliest example of automotive marketing to women we have seen (correspondence here please) – it’s the 1955 Dodge La Femme complete with a Sapphire White and Heather Rose color scheme. Half a century later, women buy half of all new cars, yet it was a very bold and ultimately unsuccessful (only 2500 were made) marketing initiative aimed at was thought to be a promising new niche market. The La Femme was basically a Dodge Custom Royal Lancer with a feminine paint palette and a special gold “La Femme” script on the fenders. The vehicle’s interior was graced with special tapestry upholstery bearing pink rosebuds on a pale pink background and pale pink vinyl trim. A rectangular purse matching the car’s interior was a standard La Femme feature, stowed in a special compartment built into the back of the passenger seat. Each purse came complete with matching compact lipstick and cigarette cases, a lighter and purse. Also standard was a raincoat, rain bonnet and umbrella in the rosebud pattern that was stored in a compartment behind the driver’s seat. Hey, this would sell in droves today!! (read more...)
New 911 Turbo Cabriolet
May 7, 2007 Porsche today continued its two decade tradition of soft top 911 turbos when it released details of a new 911 Turbo Cabriolet which will go on sale on September 8. The US$172,000 2+2 convertible is powered by a biturbo 3.6 liter engine with Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) producing 480 bhp (353 kW). Porsche’s new optional “Sport Chrono Turbo Package” includes an overboost function, enabling the standard Cabriolet’s 620 Nm torque figure to be pushed to 680 Nm intermittently. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) gives the Turbo Cabriolet diverse driving modes while offering an extremely high level of driving safety. Porsche Stability Management (PSM) and the all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) systems also optimise grip and performance. (read more...)
New Freightliner – the first Class 8 truck designed in the windtunnel
May 7, 2007 With fuel economy becoming a crucial factor in freight transportation, it was only a matter of time before our biggest road users began using the windtunnel to optimise performance and Freightliner’s new Cascadia is the first Class 8 truck designed this way. The result is a 3 percent improvement in fuel economy over previous models. When developing the Cascadia, Freightliner studied the needs of drivers and how they operate their vehicles. This feedback was the basis for design features like a wider cab with automotive styling, ergonomic controls, and extensive lighting and storage space to make the cab more comfortable and livable. The Cascadia will be available for order next week, with trucks rolling off production lines in August. (read more...)
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster: An open-air adventure for all the senses
May 5, 2007 Mercedes-Benz has opened up a new dimension in refinement for open-top super sports cars with the news that it will release a roadster version of its SLR McLaren super sports car in September. Using carbon fibre technologies developed from its Formula 1 cars, the roadster will be endowed with a high degree of safety as well as extreme torsional stiffness at the same high level as the coupe version. Performance will also be identical to that of the coupe, with a maximum speed of 332 km/h and an AMG V8 compressor engine delivering 460 kW/626 bhp. Developed and built at the McLaren Formula 1 complex in Woking (UK), the company refined the aeroacoustics of the new car in the team’s wind tunnel to ensure conversation is still possible at well over 200 km/h with the top down. (read more...)
ZF develops 8-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars
May 4, 2007 Driveline specialist ZF has designed a new automatic transmission generation for passenger cars combining seemingly contradictory goals. Presented for the first time at the 28th International Vienna Motor Symposium, the 8-speed auto allows for fuel savings of six percent compared with the company’s already optimized 6-speed automatic transmission. This is achieved by a completely new transmission concept featuring four planetary gear sets and five shift elements. The automatic 8-speed transmission transmits more power in comparison to the previous model, but still gets by with the same installation space and does not require more components. The transmission is also designed for hybridization as either a micro hybrid with a crankshaft starter generator or a full parallel hybrid. (read more...)
Roush’s limited edition 600RE
May 2, 2007 Ford’s GT may have finished its production run, but that hasn’t stopped several companies from using the very limited supply of GTs as the basis for something even more exciting. First there was the EDO Ford GT, and now there’s to be a limited run of ten GTs built by Roush, a name that has become synonymous with the Ford GT. Roush’s limited edition 600RE is based on the GT and boasts a number of features including more power and torque and a full styling treatment both inside and out. No details of the power have been given, though given the GT starts with 550 bhp and EDO’s GT comes with 610 horsepower, we figure the 600RE model designation suggests 600 horsies and hence a top speed around 340 km/h. No price has been quoted yet either – that might be harder to guess, and it's a game that cannot be played by those who are feint of chequebook. (read more...)
No prisoners: the 725 horsepower Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake
May 1, 2007 Shelby and Ford have joined forces again to produce a mega-muscle car with one simple goal: "to blow the doors off most anything on the planet." They're claiming up to 725 horsepower from the Super Snake, which is over a hundred more ponies than the top-of-the line Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorino, and probably almost enough power for a trip down to the shops. This car, friends, is an absolute bad-ass. (read more...)
Modec begins production of its Zero-Emissions commercial vehicles
May 1, 2007 In the UK, pioneering zero emission vehicle manufacturer Modec officially opened its Coventry factory doors in March. The company's battery powered Modec vehicle provides the world’s first high performance, emission free alternative to traditional diesel delivery fleets and has been heralded as the future of urban commercial transport. This vehicle could be a great step towards reducing pollution in congested major cities. (read more...)
Rhino pitches its RTV to US emergency response services.
April 30, 2007 We've written before about the remarkable rockhopping Rhino RTV and its amazing rough terrain abilities. Now it seems Rhino are teaming up with Arizona Emergency Products, Inc in an effort to sell the vehicles to U.S. based government organizations involved in emergency response - including police, fire and Homeland Security agencies such as the Border Patrol, the Forest Service and the FBI. (read more...)
Mitsubishi releases Lancer Evolution X high-performance 4WD sedan
April 26 , 2007 Mitsubishi's rally-inspired, high-performance 4WD sedan will carry the name "LANCER EVOLUTION X". The development concept for the all-new Lancer Evolution X2 specifies a "new-generation high-performance 4WD global sedan that allows all levels of driver to enjoy the car's speed and handling with ease and in safety". The new model features Mitsubishi's S-AWC3 (Super All Wheel Control ) traction and handling system, that integrates the control of drive torque and braking management with the four-wheel drive system to help realize highly responsive and intuitive handling in addition to outstanding vehicle attitude stability. (read more...)
Spring Wednesdays: the new Friday for car crashes?
April 26, 2007 While this isn't directly a story on technical innovation, we thought it was an interesting reflection on how improved measurement of human behaviour can turn up odd and fascinating trends. According to analysis of data from 30,000 automotive accidents in 2006, UK accident management company Accident Exchange has discovered that although Friday is the biggest weekday for crashes throughout the rest of the year, Wednesdays take over in spring. (read more...)
Audi Cross Coupe quattro - compact performance SUV concept
April 26, 2007 One of the stars of the Shanghai Motor Show is a new Audi Cross Coupé quattro concept that defines a new segment in the field of crossover vehicles. The Audi Cross Coupé quattro combines the design and dynamism of a compact premium sports car with the spaciousness and versatility of a four-seat sport utility vehicle (SUV). Innovative technical solutions show new ways of achieving efficiency, driving pleasure and comfort, on all roads, under all conditions. (read more...)
200 Grand Prix cars for GPLIVE
April 26, 2007 Over 200 Grand Prix cars spanning a century of motor racing are set to grace UK’s Donington Park for the GPlive event on the weekend of May 18, 19 and 20, 2007. The cars will range from Edwardian monsters to the latest Formula One machinery and will include cars driven by over a dozen Formula One World Champions. (read more...)
Pimp my Roller – automotive jewellery for the Rolls Royce Phantom
April 24, 2007 Personalising one’s ride, be it a a V8 muscle car or an elegant roller, appears to be a growing trend, so just in case you have a Rolls Royce Phantom or similar ilk auto in the garage and feel the need to show your individuality, there’s the STRUT Collection – a premier brand of high quality triple-chromed grilles, wheels, and automotive jewelery designed for luxury automobiles and SUVs. STRUT recently introduced the new Knightsbridge Collection with its new architectural grille design for the Phantom. The distinctive grille design embodies the classic lines of the original Rolls grille with finely detailed, handcrafted, and highly polished bracelet style links giving a designer jewelery appearance crowned with the STRUT signature crest. Accessories include side vents, exhaust tips and a rear STRUT shield. All STRUT automotive jewelery collections are handcrafted from 316L stainless steel, then triple-chromed for superior durability and lustre that will withstand even the harshest outdoor elements. The price of giving jewelery to your automotive mistress is GBP 25,000. (read more...)
E-Flex Hydrogen Fuel Cell continues move toward electric drive automobiles
April 21, 2007 The number of significant announcements coming out of the Shanghai Motor Show underlines the growing importance of the Chinese Auto market on the world stage, and fittingly, given that the Chinese Government seems far more committed to sustainable personal transport than its American equivalent, the star of the show in technological terms was the next iteration of the General Motors’ E-Flex electric architecture, configured with the company’s newest, most efficient hydrogen fuel cell system to date. This second variant of the E-Flex system uses GM's new fifth-generation fuel cell propulsion technology and a lithium-ion battery to provide up to 300 miles (483 km) of electric driving. The fuel cell E-Flex is a true Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) and operates all-electric from both hydrogen fuel cell-generated electricity and grid electricity. It is plug-in capable, adding up to 20 additional miles (34 km) each time it is charged, further reducing trips to the refueling station. (read more...)
KTM to mass produce 700kg 300 bhp US$55K X-Bow
April 20, 2007 We wrote extensively and quite enthusiastically about KTM's 700kg 300 bhp carbon fibre X-BOW roadster in February, so we now have the pleasure of announcing that the public's extremely positive reaction has seen the green light given for series production. Originally, KTM’s intention was to have Dallara produce a pilot series of 100 units, but with firm orders for 600 cars coming in the last two months, production will now be handled by Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik beginning early 2008, with the first customer deliveries in February. The aim is to reach an annual production of 1000 units as soon as possible. Plans still call for the production of the first 100 units as an exclusive special series. No mention was made in the announcement of any changes to the price, although with series production, the cost of manufacture will drop - a modest EUR 40,000 (US$55,000) is still the last price mentioned, which makes the vehicle a remarkable bargain when equated to bang-per-buck. (read more...)
Very original XK120 Jaguar
April 21, 2007 Duncan Hamilton was one of Britain's foremost racing drivers and his racing autobiography 'Touch Wood!' became a classic publication. The larger-than-life Hamilton drove Formula One and Two Grand Prix cars for Lago-Talbot, Maserati, HWM and Gordini, and “works” sports cars for Jaguar and Ferrari. His company, which sells elite sports cars (the company has sold more than 60 genuine F1 cars plus thousands of roadgoing exoticars of the highest ilk) has been in operation for over 50 years, and operates to an equally elite clientele. This week the company has a very original Jaguar XK120 Roadster for sale – the XK120 debuted as a concept and test bed car at the 1948 London Motor Show as a test bed and show vehicle to highlight the new Jaguar XK engine. The car caused a sensation, which persuaded William Lyons to put it into production as a standard model. The first 240 cars manufactured had hand built aluminum bodies on an ash frame before moving to mass production in order to meet the demand – the production version had a steel pressed body with alloy doors, bonnet, and trunk skin. The car on offer is as original today as when it the sixth steel body XK120 off the production line, and comes with a full history. See inside for some great period imagery of the XK120 and siblings. (read more...)
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