Automotive
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Nissan URGE: sports car for the video game generation
December 30, 2005 The “Echo Boomer” generation was born between roughly 1976 and 1996. The offspring of the “baby boomers”, the generation is a demographic echo of the post-war baby boom and will become the largest generation of young people since their famous trend-setting parents. Like their parents, they will have massive impact on entire segments of the economy as they age, and will become the next dominant generation. The “echo boomers” make up roughly a third of the US population, and numbers and mindset of this generation are currently being evaluated as they mature into full-blown consumers. It’s the first generation to have spent its entire life playing video games, and it is just about to take to the roads. By 2012, nearly all 87 million of them will be of driving age and they will be looking for much more from a car than simple transportation – entertainment, a social space, personalisation and flexibility. It seems fitting that one of the key sources of inspiration for the dramatic new Nissan URGE concept, a spare, technology-heavy, performance-oriented sports car design exercise, would be found online – in the results of an Internet survey of approximately 2,000 young car and gaming enthusiasts. Asked what they would ideally want in a car, the top responses were “performance” and “technology”. (read more...)
Toyota Launches Car-shaped Music Player
December 26 , 2005 Toyota announced today that it has begun nationwide sales in Japan of the completely redesigned bB passenger vehicle through "Netz" dealers. The first-generation bB, launched in 2000, was developed as an individualistic, compact hatchback—a completely new genre. Its sense of presence, apparent at a single glance, and its spacious, comfortable interior suitable for a diverse range of uses proved popular among younger customers. The New bB retains the strengths of the previous bB and strives to embody the lifestyle of people who want to be surrounded by music everywhere they go, adopting the development theme of "A Car-shaped Music Player" to satisfy the preferences of the younger generation. (read more...)
Morgan to unveil four seater
December 21, 2005 Morgan is planning to unveil a new 4 seater version along classical lines at the Geneva Autoshow in early March. Final specifications and prices will not be published until March 2006, however we can confirm that it will be available as both a 2.0 145 Bhp +4 and a 3.0 V6 223 Bhp Roadster. Production of this new model will start shortly after the Geneva Autoshow, however the company has sold all its production capacity until Autumn 2006. (read more...)
The Phaeton Lounge - 6.8m 4WD ultra-luxury stretch limousine
December 23, 2005 Volkswagen showed a 6.8 metre luxury four-wheel-drive concept vehicle named the Phaeton Lounge at the luxury-conscious Dubai Motor Show last week. Based on a Phaeton and stretched an additional 1.8 metres, the 420 bhp, 600 Nm W12 was built up from three Phaeton bodies and strengthened accordingly. The luxury cabin has just four seats, each fully electronically adjustable including individual climate control and adjustable footrests. There’s a wine cooler between each set of seats, plus an extensive mini-bar, a Humidor cigar cabinet, two 17 monitors for the entertainment system, an iPod dock, and passengers can surf the internet while driving thanks to a computer and broadband access built into the trunk of the car. Each seat has a fold out wooden table for other activities . (read more...)
zaZen shows new ways to automotive enlightenment
December 21, 2005 Two of the world’s most innovative technology companies have joined to showcase a new automotive lighting technology and a transparent roof design in a concept car built for next February’s Geneva Motor Show. Rinspeed is one of the usual culprits – every year they show yet another bleeding edge automotive concept, and they always deliver a working prototype. This time it has conspired with Bayer Material Science to create a single-section roof dome made of the high-tech polycarbonate which enables some interesting illumination properties, including a holographic brake light. The entire roof dome from the belt line up is made of a single sheet of transparent Bayer polycarbonate which can be switched from transparent to opaque at the press of a button. This property also enables any superfluous knobs and displays on the dashboard to be “faded out” so the driver can concentrate on what is most important. And instead of a living-room atmosphere, the occupants sit in "glass-like" plastic seat shells in a bright and friendly orange colour. The interior is an invitation to meditative unity for man and machine. Everything has been reduced to essentials, hence the name of the concept car, the "zaZen". (read more...)
BMW unveils the turbosteamer concept
A large percentage of the energy released when petroleum is burned disappears out the exhaust system as heat. This has always been the case but the amount of energy released looks set to be cut by more than 80% thanks to a new system devised by BMW. BMW’s announcement of the new technology is somewhat of a technological bombshell as it adds yet another form of hybrid automobile – a turbosteamer. The concept uses energy from the exhaust gasses of the traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to power a steam engine which also contributes power to the automobile – an overall 15 per cent improvement for the combined drive system. Even bigger news is that the drive has been designed so that it can be installed in existing model series – meaning that every model in the BMW range could become 15% more efficient overnight if the company chose to make the reduced consumption accessible to as many people as possible. (read more...)
The world's most powerful diesel car
December 14, 2005 The prospect of a diesel-engined racing car competing at the highest level became reality in Paris yesterday when Audi pulled the wraps off the new R10. The R8 it replaces has been dominant in its sphere of global sportscar racing and Audi has set itself a monumental challenge in attempting to maintain its winning form with a totally new 5.5-litre, 12-cylinder twin-turbo TDI engined racecar. Diesel engines are very different to those normally associated with car racing – they are quiet, economical, with broad mid-range torque. The R10’s usable power band apparently lies between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm, an unusually low rev range for a racing engine and one which needs far less gear changes – but hey, it’s a diesel and diesels have never been raced successfully against their petrol-engined cousins … but the Audi R10 produces over 650 hp and a colossal 1,100 Newton metres of torque and promises fascinating high tech gawking as the team prepares for its race debut at the Sebring 12 Hours (USA) in March. If Audi can pull off a win in the race for which its is built, the twice-around-the-clock Le Mans 24 Hour Race in France on June17-18, 2006, it will be a unique triumph ... and one which might mark the beginning of an exciting new ear for the once much maligned diesel. (read more...)
Citroen C6 becomes the world's safest car
December 13, 2005 In a world of testosterone and adrenalin, it’s easy to concentrate on how powerful a car is rather than how clever. Well, we’re about to address that by bestowing our highest on order of merit upon the new Citroen C6 executive saloon which recently became the first car to be awarded a maximum 4 star Euro NCAP pedestrian safety rating, as well as a maximum 5 stars for occupant protection, making it arguably the safest car on the road. The decision to award the highest combination of pedestrian, occupant and child (4 stars) protection for the Citroen C6 is largely thanks to the debut of its Active Bonnet system. During an accident, the lack of space between the bonnet and the engine increases the likelihood of a serious head injury for the pedestrian. In the C6, intelligent software automatically raises the bonnet by 65mm in the event of an accident to provide previously unavailable impact absorbing space. The whole process takes less than 0.04 second. (read more...)
Ascari shows another supercar
December 9, 2005 Hitting the international sportscar scene with impact is Ascari, creators of the stunning KZ1 supercar, and the world’s first purpose-built auto racing resort and now comes the news it is working on a second supercar –a GBP350,000, 600bhp, 1280kg, 220mph, six-piece carbon fibre road-going version of Ascari’s Spanish GT Race Car dubbed the A10. (read more...)
Mitsubishi 2007 Eclipse Spyder and Concept-CT MIEV
December 7, 2005 It’s show-and-tell-time for the big automotive manufacturers who are preparing for the upcoming 2006 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in January. Mitsubishi will unveil two world premieres - the 2007 Eclipse Spyder and the Concept-CT MIEV. The '07 Spyder will further develop the theme of an affordable 2 + 2 exotic convertible - a powerful MIVEC engine, 650-watt audio system, and a few other surprise features usually reserved for high-priced convertibles and cabriolets. The Concept-CT's inspiration was to create a "city-technology" model and will feature a hybrid powertrain with Mitsubishi In-wheel motor Electronic Vehicle (MIEV) technology. As usual, sketches will be shown now and photos towards the end of this month. (read more...)
James Bond's Aston Martin DB5 for sale
December 6, 2005 The original and most memorable of secret agent James Bond’s gadget-festooned automobiles, the Aston Martin DB5 which starred in the films Thunderball and Goldfinger, is to be sold at auction. Possibly the most famous automobile in the world during the 1960s when Ian Fleming’s books became box office hits, the highly-modified 1964 model Aston Martin was presented by gadgetmeister Q to Sean Connery (Bond) complete with.30 calibre Browning machine guns behind the front indicators, retractable tyre slashers, a retractable rear bullet proof screen, a radio telephone concealed in the door, a radar scanner with a tracking screen in the cockpit, a passenger ejector seat, an oil slick and smoke screen generator and revolving number plates. Not only did the car set the imagination of a generation in motion, it was probably the most successful product placement in history. When Flemming wrote Goldfinger, Bond was driving a DB Mk III but by the time the film was being made, the DB4 had been introduced and the DB5 was under development. The producers approached Aston Martin, the prototype DB5 was offered and eventually four complete cars were made. (read more...)
Bugatti Veyron transmission technologies revealed by Ricardo at Berlin’s CTI-Symposium
December 6, 2005 The 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system developed for the 406km/h, 987 bhp Bugatti Veyron sportscar will be shown for the first time by Ricardo at the 4th International CTI-Symposium held in Berlin this week. The twin-clutch gearbox of the Bugatti Veyron combines the dynamic advantages of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic to an as yet unparalleled level of perfection. One significant differentiation criteria compared to the classic automatic gearbox is that no torque converter is used as a moving-off element. Instead, the gearbox has a twin clutch that is composed of two wet-running multi-disc clutches. (read more...)
Transport Canada tests modified Otto Driving Companion
December 6, 2005 According to Canadian newspaper the Globe and Mail, Transport Canada is currently testing a new device that uses GPS satellite technology to track drivers and their speed against a digital road map to ascertain when a driver is breaking the speed limits, and two-way technology designed to slow their speed. The portable road-safety device is a derivation of the Otto Driving Companion, a device which is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand but is commonly fitted to the dashboard of a vehicle. The Otto uses GPS technology to provide a driver with real-time information about their driving environment. The Otto Driving Companion can alert a driver of approaching photo-radar zones, potentially hazardous intersections, reduced speed limits, deer crossing areas, school zones, and pedestrian crossings. (read more...)
Nissan develops self-repairing paint
December 3, 2005 Nissan has developed the world’s first clear paint that repairs scratches on painted car surfaces, including scratches from car-washing machines, off-road driving and fingernails. “Scratch Guard Coat” contains a newly developed high elastic resin that helps prevent scratches from affecting the inner layers of a car’s painted surface. With “Scratch Guard Coat” a car’s scratched surface will return to its original state anywhere from one day to a week, depending on temperature and the depth of the scratch. (read more...)
World Debut Of Ferrari FXX at Bologna Motor Show
December 3, 2005 - The Bologna Motor Show provided the venue for Ferrari’s world unveiling of the FXX, a car aimed at a selected group of the marque’s most dedicated and passionate clients. This prototype, of which just 29 have been built, is the most technologically advanced GT car ever to emerge from Maranello. It will be used exclusively on track as part of a specific ongoing research and development programme featuring the first ever group of Client Test Drivers. The FXX has not been homologated for road use or racing. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the FXX is the truly innovative technical client constructor collaboration programme which we’ve written about previously. (read more...)
FIAT shows new macho off-roader concept based on military vehicle
December 2, 2005 Fiat dropped a bombshell yesterday at Italy's biggest motoring event, the Bologna Motor Show, by showing an off-road vehicle that looks to be aimed squarely at the Hummer. The Oltre Fiat is a massive - its nearly five metres long and over two metres tall with a two tonne payload - go absolutely anywhere, anytime vehicle features what the Italians call "exuberant styling" and what anyone on the West Coast of the USA would call serious Bling, is more much more than possible evidence that Fiat has decided it wants to supply Arnold Schwarzenegger's next car. Like the Hummer, it has military credentials, being based on the Iveco Light Multi-role vehicle, the new military off-road vehicle that embodies cutting edge technical features and has won the FCLV (Future Command and Liaison Vehicle) contract for the British Army. (read more...)
Citroen's super-mini concept - the C-AirPlay
December 3, 2005 Citroen premiered the C-AirPlay two-seater concept car, at the opening of this year’s Bologna Motor Show in Italy yesterday. Masterminded by Citroen’s award-winning British car designer, Mark Lloyd, the futuristic urban run-around features a bold, dynamic exterior look, as well as plenty of ultra-modern styling cues. Inside and out the C-AirPlay introduces striking design touches, including see-through ‘portholes’ in the lower sections of the doors to increase the sensation of speed. Discreet, touch-sensitive controls for the gears, electric windows and rearview mirror are moulded into the single-piece silicone front seat, whilst the eye-catching steering wheel incorporates two spherical driver information displays. (read more...)
Famous coachbuilding name returns with a new spin on mini luxury
In the Swinging Sixties, the Mini was huge; as a fashion and personal statement by women who had been liberated from centuries of sexual oppression by the pill and as an automobile representing the second coming of the British automotive industry. Forty years ago, London coachbuilder Harold Radford made the original Mini a celebrity icon with his hand-crafted Radford Mini de Ville offering a distinctly up-market version of the diminutive machine - all four of the Beatles had Radford Minis, and Peter Sellers had a personal Radford Mini which was used in the film "The Pink Panther", buying a second one for Britt Ekland. Now Harold Radford Coachbuilders (London) is applying its coachbuilding skills and individual expression to the BMW Mini to create a stunning 265bhp, GBP30,000 version of the Mini Cooper S. (read more...)
File sharing DRM protection hinders progress of in-car digital audio
November 29, 2005 Music industry measures to control the use of downloaded material are slowing development of in-car digital audio systems. A new report from leading automotive telematics consultants SBD reveals that Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, designed to block unauthorised file sharing, can prevent downloaded tracks from being played back through a vehicle’s sound system. “Vehicle manufacturers have started to enable motorists to connect memory cards and USB flash drives to play their own digital music through their car’s audio system, but we expect quite a few are going to be disappointed as the limitations imposed by DRM become apparent,” said David Bell, SBD Managing Director. (read more...)
Ford 4-trac pick-up concept
November 28, 2005 Ford has premiered an interesting concept pick-up truck at the Thailand International Motor Expo in Bangkok. The concept, dubbed 4-Trac, is a dynamic package that explores practical functionality, lifestyle and sporty uses for Ford pick-up trucks of the future. The concept takes a typical pick-up truck and adds a lot more sophistication, style and purpose. It’s a workhorse that offers off-road capability, rugged features and durable aluminum surfaces. At the same time, owners will be proud to use it as stylish transport for their active families and leisure time. The rear cargo area features six portable containers – inspired by offshore rescue boats – for carrying a variety of gear, including rescue equipment. Another innovative feature adding to 4-Trac versatility is a rear hatch that enables access from the cargo area directly into the cabin. (read more...)
BMW wins World Touring Car Championship and spins out a homologation special
November 25, 2005 BMW won the 2005 FIA World Touring Car Championship for Manufacturers and its driver Andy Priaulx won the Driver’s Championship, securing back to back victories despite an 18-year gap between events - BMW won the first World Touring Car Championship in 1987, with the second (2005) Championship finishing last week in Macau, China. Co-incidental with the Championship wins, BMW has announced a limited edition performance-enhanced 3 Series Sedan to comply with FIA homologation regulations and to promote the 2005 victories and the 2006 efforts. The new BMW 320si Sedan is a limited edition of the 2006 BMW World Touring Car. It boats 127 kW and a host of race-bred features. Only 2,600 will be built. (read more...)
The world's first widely-available armoured passenger vehicle
November 24, 2005 Our “Bloody Brilliant” Award for this week goes to Jaguar which has just announced a new Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase luxury saloon car. This is the first widely-available armoured passenger vehicle. The world can be a hostile and dangerous place with hundreds of war zones around the world at any given time, plus many countries where assassination and kidnapping are routine. Despite wars and organized criminal activity, life has to go on, and there are some people who feel the need to be transported in the manner befitting their station in life. An armouring industry has grown up around the 50 wars that are going on in the world, with various degrees of robustness ranging from the Donald Rumsfeld’s preferred choice of the Rhino Runner, to the Combat T-98 Armoured Luxury SUV. But these vehicle manufacturers are boutique in comparison to the robust distribution network and global marketing resources of Jaguar. Our prediction is that Jaguar’s move will add serious global recognition to the company’s already prestigious brand. Jaguar’s just-announced Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase luxury saloon car is an armoured passenger vehicle with capabilities far beyond the needs of day to day transportation with added security, without compromising the ability of the car. Prices will start from GBP199,000. (read more...)
New “trybrid” car can run on three different energy sources - gas, electric and alcohol
January 14, 2005 UPDATED IMAGE LIBRARY Pioneering automotive company ZAP may well be embroiled in a legal battle with Daimler Chrysler’s smart, but it has not slowed the expansion of its fleet of intriguing and economical cars. Amongst the cars which had their first public showing at the recent San Francisco International Auto Show were the WORLDCAR, Obvio! and XEBRA. The three-seater (side-by-side) Brazilian-made Obvio 012 and Obvio 828(main image) look to be the pick of the litter, powered by a Tritec 1.6 litre four cylinder motor (as used in the MINI) using flexible fuel technology that enables the engines to run on gasoline and alcohol or any combination plus an additional electric drive – effectively making it the world’s first “trybrid” automobile that can switch between three energy sources. Both cars bristle with the latest thinking, such as a survival cell, (a la smart), McPherson struts all round, four big disk brakes, an immobile carputer and a CVT (Constantly variable transmission). The engines are available in 115 bhp standard output, with tuned versions available all the way up to a brutal 250 bhp. Mainly constructed of composite materials to enable the lightest possible result (750 kg – the MINI weighs 1150 kg), the 012 looks to have all the ingredients for a top seller, looking great, offering startling performance and ecological cred at a time when we are seeing the "greening" of the American market. (read more...)
Ferrari design contest winners
November 23, 2005 The winners of Ferrari's design contest "New Concepts of the Myth" have been announced. Organised by Ferrari in conjunction with Pininfarina to search for tomorrow's car designers, the contest winners have been drawn from three continents. Ferrari head Luca di Montezemolo and Sergio Pininfarina announced the winners of the contest to the 20 finalists whose models have previously been covered by Gizmag – the winning models were the Millechili, Fiorano, Tre Diviso and the Ascari. A complete gallery of all of the contestants can be found here. (read more...)
The future of motoring - special edition
November 22, 2005 As astounding as it may seem, given that the automotive industry really didn’t get going until 100 years ago, the world’s oldest car magazine, AutoCar, turns 110 this week. In celebrating its 110-year anniversary, the original car magazine has a special issue focusing on the the future of motoring. Autocar’s investigations suggest that the car could change more in the next 20 years than it has in the last 40. ‘Cars that drive themselves, see, park and avoid accidents would have been unthinkable even 20-years ago, but this technology is not that far from showrooms according to the magazine. The special issue goes on sale today, and will no doubt be a collectors item. Happy birthday to AutoCar. (read more...)
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