Subscribe to Gizmag's RSS feed
Follow Gizmag on Twitter
Automotive
Volkswagen squeeze 52 miles from a gallon with new Golf BlueMotion
By Loz Blain
19:14 September 3, 2007 PDT
September 4, 2007 Toyota needed two whole engines to get 46mpg from their famous Prius hybrid, but Volkswagen have achieved over 52mpg by simply tweaking a few characteristics of its popular Golf diesel compact in the latest addition to the company’s environmentally-focused BlueMotion initiative. The Golf BlueMotion makes over 1200km from a 55-liter tank, showing that there’s further room for development from the combustion engine. Read More
The Citroen C-Cactus ecological concept car
By Mike Hanlon
12:26 September 3, 2007 PDT
Citroen never fails to produce something special for the major European motor show of the season and this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show will see the unveiling C-Cactus. The concept is a new take on vehicle design, and the Marque's ambitious aim is to market an ecological hatchback with cheerful, attractive styling, equipped with a hybrid HDi drivetrain and sold at the same price as an entry-level C4. To square this complex equation, Citroën is exploring new forms of design. It has decided to abandon features that are not essential to comfort and to focus instead on technology, styling and equipment that are positive, ecological and valued by users. Read More
Peugeot 308 SW Prologue Concept
18:19 September 2, 2007 PDT
September 2, 2007 Peugeot will provide a preview of the new 308 at the Frankfurt International Motorshow under the guise of the 308 SW Prologue. Equipped with an additive-enhanced diesel particulate filter system (DPFS), that reduces CO2 emissions, the 308 SW Prologue combines the strengths of the new 308 hatchback with innovative SW features like the new “wrap-around” rear end which allows for the installation of a third row of seats and improves rear vision. Read More
High-tech redesign for AUDI A4 compact executive saloon
By Gizmag Team
17:11 August 30, 2007 PDT
August 31, 2007 A new version of the Audi A4 compact executive saloon has been revealed to the world in pictures this week, ahead of its debut on the show stand at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. The all new Audi A4 Saloon has been completely redesigned and includes new sports chassis. Read More
Mitsubishi Concept-cX compact SUV
20:29 August 29, 2007 PDT
August 30, 2007 Yet another gem set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt International Motor Show is Mitsubishi’s Concept-cX – a new generation compact SUV that aims to strike a balance between environmental and everyday practical performance. Read More
Maserati to premiere Quattroporte Sport GT S
By Gizmag Team
16:04 August 29, 2007 PDT
August 30, 2007 Maserati have announced the worldwide preview of the new Quattroporte Sport GT S at the upcoming Frankfurt Motorshow. Labelled the “ultimate expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness”, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, racing suspension, a unique braking system strengthened by dual-cast discs and an aggressive facade marked by black double exhaust pipes and 20”, seven-spoke chrome wheels. Read More
Nissan’s stunning Mixim all-electric concept
By Mike Hanlon
09:09 August 29, 2007 PDT
August 29, 2007 At this year’s 62nd Frankfurt Motor Show, Nissan will be showing its Mixim Concept Car - a compact vehicle for young drivers who are mostly engaged by their computer and the world via the internet. The driver sits centrally, with two seats either side, while the steering wheel and controls are inspired by the interfaces so familiar to computer gamers. Read More
Ford to debut active suspension system on Mondeo
By Mike Hanlon
08:56 August 29, 2007 PDT
August 29, 2007 Ford is set to make a major production milestone with the launch of an active suspension system on the new Ford Mondeo. Available as a UKP650 option in the UK, that not only provides a comfortable ride but combines this with sportiness and safety. Ironically, sound pioneer Amar Bose was the first to devise a suspension system designed to do exactly what it should do rather than approximating it with springs and dampers, but Ford looks set to be the first to offer it on a regular production car. Called Interactive Vehicle Dynamic Control (IVDC), the system offers near constant suspension adjustment to match desired ride with road conditions and driving style Read More
Volvo to unveil new safety technology at Frankfurt Motor Show
By Emily Clark
19:56 August 28, 2007 PDT
August 29, 2007 World-first driver alertness technology that includes automated lane departure warnings and a new collision warning system with auto braking will be among the innovations unveiled by Volvo at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Read More
First look at the new Jaguar XF
By Loz Blain
02:45 August 28, 2007 PDT
One of the most anticipated models in Jaguar’s history makes its public debut today. After a frenzied response to the recent C-XF concept car unveiled at the start of the year, the public can now catch its first glimpse of the new Jaguar XF luxury four-door sports saloon. Packed with nifty technology and kitted out as a proper luxury saloon, the question remains – will this be the start of a new era for the Ford-owned Jaguar brand, or has the production car’s styling been neutered too much from the C-XF concept to tempt buyers? Read More
Exclusive 240hp track-focused Lotus Exige Sport
By Loz Blain
17:45 August 27, 2007 PDT
August 28, 2007 Although Australian performance cars have tended to have a reputation for tyre-shredding hooliganism at the cost of outright speed, Lotus Australia is releasing a souped-up Aussie-exclusive Exige aimed squarely at delivering maximum racetrack speed and handling without any sideways action. The Lotus Sport 240 will feature a supercharged engine capable of feeding 240 horsepower to the tarmac through sophisticated adjustable traction control and launch control systems that should see the AU$149,990 roadster tearing up more expensive competition on the racetrack as well as the road. Read More
High mileage, low emissions: GM revisits sparkless compression ignition engines
By Loz Blain
23:48 August 26, 2007 PDT
August 27, 2007 General Motors has eliminated the spark from the engine cycle in a bold and challenging effort to produce a powerplant that delivers the fuel efficiency of a diesel with the low emissions of a petrol motor. The company has released two concept cars that use Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) technology to burn leaner and cleaner at lower temperatures and deliver up to 15% higher fuel economy. Read More
The $2 million DiMora Natalia
By Loz Blain
19:29 August 26, 2007 PDT
In an age of conspicuous consumption, DiMora MotorCar (DMC) have set themselves a clear target in the creation of their US$2 million Natalia sports luxury sedan: to be “the world’s most luxurious, expensive and technologically advanced creation.” So how does one go about specifying a production car when the aim is to have it all? For starters there’s the variable-cylinder, 1200 hp aluminum V16 engine, add lightweight design borrowing from aerospace composites and structures, more than 50 onboard computer systems, four wheel steering, retractable large screen television and massage seats for rear passengers and you are beginning to get the idea. Read More
Hybrid Truck technology hopes for 30% improvement in fuel efficiency
By Gizmag Team
17:37 August 24, 2007 PDT
August 25, 2007 An ambitious goal of a 30% improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency for selected medium duty applications over the next seven years has been set by diesel-electric hybrid technologyspecialists PACCAR. The PACCAR and Eaton Corporation have announced that they have entered into an agreement to jointly develop proprietary hybrid technology for heavy-duty commercial vehicles in North America. The new products will be introduced exclusively in Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in the North American market, targeted for initial production by the end of 2009. Read More
Kia to introduce new pro_cee’d in Frankfurt
23:01 August 23, 2007 PDT
August 24, 2007 Kia is set to debut the new pro_cee’d at the Frankfurt International Motor Show on 11 September. Longer, lower and lighter than its five-door sister car, the pro_cee’d aims inject a dose of sportiness into the line-up whilst retaining the practicality and versatility of the five-door hatchback. Read More
Ford Verve supermini concept
By Mike Hanlon
16:28 August 23, 2007 PDT
August 25, 2007 UPDATED NEW IMAGES Ford will show its vision for the future of small cars at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show in the form of the Verve. The new concept car hints at the new design direction for future compact cars and the company plans to closely gauge public reaction while their designers work behind the scenes creating Ford's next supermini generation. Read More
High-spec Honda Civic EX Hybrid includes satellite navigation
By Gizmag Team
05:53 August 23, 2007 PDT
August 23, 2007 Honda (UK) have launched a high-spec, voice controlled Sat Nav-equipped version of its Civic Hybrid - the first time a Hybrid has featured factory-fitted Sat Nav as standard equipment. Read More
2008 Range Rover Vogue 08MY luxury SUV
By Gizmag Team
17:20 August 22, 2007 PDT
August 23, 2007 The 2008 Range Rover Vogue 08MY luxury SUV features a number of fresh new features as standard headed by the introduction of four-zone air conditioning option, Bluetooth phone connectivity functions, a redesigned rear seat armrest providing extra stowage space, a total of seven real wood veneers to choose from, two new exterior colors and updated instrument panel. Read More
New Nissan models to include real-time fuel efficiency gauge
20:54 August 21, 2007 PDT
August 22, 2007 Nissan has announced that all future models will be equipped with a new type of fuel efficiency gauge designed to give drivers more information on how their driving style directly relates to fuel economy. Read More
A closer look at the black art of aerodynamics in Formula One
By Loz Blain
03:56 August 21, 2007 PDT
August 21, 2007 Aerodynamics is now viewed by Formula 1 teams as the single most important piece of race car design the rules allow them to control. A good aerodynamic setup makes an F1 car slippery in a straight line, maximizes acceleration and top speed, and provides huge amounts of downforce to mash the car’s tyres into the tarmac and add extra grip in the corners. Massive money is spent on tweaking the wings and body shape for that elusive perfect flow of air. Toyota’s Head of Aerodynamics, Mark Gillan, explains further in the second part of Panasonic Toyota Racing’s ‘Inside a Formula 1 Car‘ series. Read More
Drop-top Citroen C5 Airscape on show in Frankfurt
01:14 August 21, 2007 PDT
August 21, 2007 Citroën will reveal the new C5 Airscape concept car at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show (13th-27th September). At first glance the eye-catching, automatically folding carbon-fibre roof is the striking feature of the executive cabriolet, which also aims to showcase innovative, environmentally friendly technology including an “UrbanHybrid” management system and enhanced traction control. Read More
Hydrogen powered Ford Fusion 999 tops 207 miles per hour
By Kyle Sherer
16:36 August 16, 2007 PDT
After a year of construction and ten years of research, the fuel-cell powered Ford Fusion 999 has scorched across the Salt Flats of Utah at the Bonneville Speed Week, clocking an incredible 207.297 miles per hour and giving Ford the mantle of the world’s first automaker to set a land speed record for a production-based fuel cell powered car. Read More
Kia preview upcoming 2+2 Sports Coupe Concept
21:36 August 15, 2007 PDT
August 16, 2007 Kia Motors Corporation has released a second “preview image” of the new 2+2 Sports Coupe concept car it will premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show next month. Read More
Casey Stoner unveils Tim Cameron designed Motorcycle of the Future concept
01:28 August 15, 2007 PDT
Outstanding 3D designer Tim Cameron (of V-Rex fame) is behind the concept dubbed “Motorcycle of the Future” that seeks to outline the ideal design criteria needed for making bikes safer, cheaper to repair and harder to steal. The concept - which includes automatic brake drying, traction control, an accidental tip-over warning device and lots of sensible, clever ideas in between – was unveiled earlier this month by MotoGP championship leader Casey Stoner at a launch in Sydney. Read More
Porsche Cayman S “Design Edition 1” unveiled
By Emily Clark
19:46 August 14, 2007 PDT
August 15, 2007 Porsche has announced that the Cayman S “Porsche Design Edition 1” will be available from November. The limited-edition special series of the 295bhp mid-engined coupé will see just 777 released worldwide and keeping in line with the purist nature of the vehicle, the choice of color has been made simple – it's black or black. Read More
Freedom Glen
- November 25, 2009 @ 02:47 UTC
