Articles tagged with "Automotive"
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
VW's 3-wheel sportcar
January 6, 2006 Volkswagen dropped a bombshell of significant magnitude in the automotive market overnight by showing a new three wheeled vehicle concept machine which it has billed as a crossover between sports car and motorcycle. That the mighty Volkswagen company should consider such a vehicle is surprising, but in an unprecedented move for any major manufacturer and a concept machine, the company has specified a price, indicating that the extreme performance and economy of the three wheeler could be delivered to market for under US$17,000 and inviting consumer response to the concept. Considering that the three wheel, two seater will deliver supercar performance while offering access to the carpool lane and delivering 46 mpg (5.2 l/100 km), we suspect the public response might be positive. We’ve reported on a number of three-wheel concepts recently, including the Aprilia Magnet , Mercedes-Benz Life-Jet , the Peugeot’s 20CUP, Toyota’s I-Swing and the Phiaro Eternity. (read more...)
New design process results in Lincoln concept wheel
January 5, 2006 Blending the latest digital design technology and rapid prototyping with a method as simple as child’s play, Lincoln designers have developed an exquisite luxury wheel with high-performance attributes which will be one of the more interesting aspects of the company’s stand at next week’s 2006 North American International Auto Show. The substantial 20-inch wheel, with its five/five spoke configuration and multiple finishes, will turn heads whether the wheel is turning or not. Designers know because they decided on the ultimate design after attaching miniature models of their six favorites on a wall and spinning them to see which looked best in motion. (read more...)
Aston Martin’s “practical” exotic, four-seater sports car concept
January 12, 2006 Exotic four seater sportscars have not exactly been plentiful in the history of automotive evolution, though there’s a definite trend towards four berths in recent times with the Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera and now Aston Martin has shown a 4-seat concept car at the 2006 Detroit Motorshow. To be known as the Rapide, the 6.0-liter V12, 480 hp coupe is the work of Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman, in conjunction with CEO Dr Ulrich Bez. P The Aston Martin Rapide concept is a four-door, high performance coupé of remarkable grace and poise. Based on Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company's commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality. It stands for stylistic excellence, market innovation and flexible manufacturing. The Rapide is the epitome of Aston Martin’s low-volume, high-technology approach, the synergy of modern methods and materials with traditional skills to create a new form of craftsmanship for the 21st century. (read more...)
New Porsche Cayenne Turbo S Unveiled
January 5, 2005 A new, supreme top-of-the-range model is taking over the leading position within the Porsche Cayenne range; second only to the Carrera GT, the Cayenne Turbo S is the most powerful Porsche homologated for road use. Benefiting from careful improvement and on-going development of the turbocharger system, the eight-cylinder bi-turbo power unit develops maximum output of 383 kW (521 bhp) at 5500 rpm, 52 kW or 71 bhp more than the Cayenne Turbo. Maximum torque of 720 Newton-metres or 531 lb-ft, in turn, is maintained consistently all the way between 2,750 and 3,750 rpm. This impressive output is reflected by truly outstanding performance on the road. The Cayenne Turbo S accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, sprints from 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) in fifth gear in 5.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 270 km/h or 167 mph. (read more...)
Mazda CX-7 Crossover SUV
January 7, 2006 EXTENSIVE IMAGE LIBRARY ADDED Mazda Motor Corporation (MC) today revealed the much awaited 2007 Mazda CX-7 crossover sport-utility vehicle (SUV) at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. This breakthrough model also will be displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. CX-7 is a clean break from the fleet of traditional SUVs currently offered. It is engineered with Mazda’s trademark, “Soul of a Sportscar” and built entirely on Mazda-derived platform architecture. Program manager Shunsuke Kawasaki shows his confidence by stating, “there is no doubt this SUV reflects Zoom-Zoom. CX-7 skillfully blends sports car verve with SUV practicality. It is a vehicle that brings together performance and design like never before and this deviation from the crossover norm is inviting to look at, entertaining to drive, and fun to use.” The CX-7 is just right for adventurous couples seeking a new challenge and driven by the urge for discovery. (read more...)
Volvo's sporty C30 two-door concept
January 4, 2006 Volvo is revealing a sporty two-door concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9 January, which gives a strong indication of the design of an exciting, new smaller Volvo C30 model it will launch at the Paris Motor Show in September. The C30 Design Concept has a compact, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and a distinctive glass tailgate. It is capable of 0-62mph in six seconds thanks to a high performance 260bhp, five-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine producing 350Nm of torque for plenty of flexibility from 2,100rpm. (read more...)
EDAG shows three new concept cars on two continents
January 3, 2005 One of the problems facing a company as diverse and international as automotive design and manufacturing consultants EDAG Engineering + Design AG, is which major automotive exhibitions it should miss. EDAG is not a household name in the automotive sense, but it is a name which is fast growing in importance inside automotive manufacturers worldwide and hence when two of its most important flag-waving exercises occurred simultaneously, it simply upped the ante and will show three new automotive concepts at the same time at the Auto-Expo in New Delhi (India) and the Detroit Motor Show (USA) next week. At the NAIAS in Detroit, EDAG will exhibit two show cars - a hardtop version of the Pontiac Solstice and an extravagant, extroverted and high-priced SUV 2005 concept. Meanwhile, at Auto-Expo 2006 in New Delhi, EDAG will be presenting the “EDAG Show Car No. 8” as a symbol for the EDAG philosophy of “networked engineering” of product and production. (read more...)
The World’s Most Powerful Series Production Car
December 29, 2005 At the extreme outer limits of automotive performance, several marques continually push the boundaries. For a long period of time, the MacLaren Mercedes F1 was the world’s fastest car, before Koenigsegg lifted the crown. The specifications of the outrageous Veyron waited some time before going into production, but now the mantle of the world’s fastest roadgoing car rests safely with Bugatti. The title of the World’s Most Powerful Series Production Car will change in 2006 though when the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG becomes available. Its ultra-powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine delivers performance that many sports car drivers can only dream about: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the brand new S-Class delivers 450 kW and reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm – more than any other vehicle in this segment. (read more...)
Britain to monitor EVERY car journey
December 27, 2005 When George Orwell’s book Nineteen Eighty-Four was published in 1949, he wrote of a world where humanity’s every movement was monitored by Big Brother – recent developments in the UK suggest his landmark work may prove chillingly prophetic. Two recently syndicated articles by journalist Steve Connor serve to highlight just how far the British Government has progressed in its quest to monitor the movements of its citizens. The articles entitled Britain will be first country to monitor every car journey and Surveillance UK: why this revolution is only the start begin by detailing the UK Government’s plans for a network of tens of thousands of cameras that automatically read the number plate of every car passing them, hence constructing a massive database of every vehicle’s movements so police can analyse any journey a driver has made in the previous five years – computers capable of adding together thousands of exact times and locations of a vehicle every time it takes to the roads. Within three months, the computers will be storing 35 million number-plate reads per day and the plan calls for the network to be massively increased in the number of data collection points, with service stations, local traffic authority cameras and supermarket carparks to be added. The second article suggests the scheme will inevitably be broadened to incorporate facial recognition and a much greater number of data points. Of course if you never do anything wrong, you won't have anything to worry about - but if the authorities should ever get on your case, with tens of thousands of data points, you might end up with a few million pounds worth of speeding fines - just for a start! (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...)
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...)
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...)
The SeaLegs Anaconda Amphibious Concept
December 2, 2005 With the vast majority of the world’s population living very close to the water, amphibious vehicles make loads of sense – which means we love amphibious vehicles at Gizmag, having previously reported on the original launch of Sealegs, the Gibbs Aquada Sportcar, the Gibbs Humdinga 4WD amphibian, the Platypus 4WD amphibian, the Rinspeed Splash, the Phibicat,the world’s only mass production amphibian, the Amphicar. More recently, we’ve written about the Sealegs rugged aluminium amphibious craft which which halved Sir Richard Branson's English Channel record set in an Aquada in June. Interestingly, the country where most amphibious innovation is occuring is New Zealand, home of both Gibbs and SeaLegs and one of the most interesting tertiary courses in the world – Massey University’s Bachelor of Design in Transport Design. Our latest amphibian is a concept craft created by a graduate of Massey Designs Marine Transport Course, Matt Gibson. This year Matt’s final year project was sponsored by Sealegs International and the aim was to develop a futuristic amphibious craft, which eventually took shape as the “Anaconda” pictured here. (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...)
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...)
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...)
A new supercar and a new concept in motorsport entertainment
November 20, 2005 We're not sure which is more significant - the fact that the Ascari KZ1 has proven itself to be a serious contender as one of the world's most desirable supercars, or the company's entrepreneurial move into motorsport entertainment. The Ascari KZ1 recently pushed the McLaren out of the elite top five fastest cars in BBC Top Gear's track tests, moving into exalted company as a supercar. But the company’s ambitions stretch far beyond that, with its Race Resort Ascari due for completion in 2006. Located near Marbella in the South of Spain, the resort will offer a world class racetrack, a luxury hotel, and an array of the world’s most exotic cars to drive – if they haven’t got it, any car you fancy can be arranged. So apart from building an aerodynamic GBP235,000 KZ1 with a super-light, super-strong carbon fibre monocoque car weighing just 1,330kg capable of exhilarating acceleration all the way to 200mph, the company has also created the first automotive resort for the mega wealthy. Big enough to hold a Formula 1 test team or a function with a difference and secluded enough to do it very elegantly. Our understanding is that many more automotive resorts will spring up around the world after this one as the demand for the facilities is already threatening to overwhelm their ability to supply. (read more...)
Audi names new supercar after R8 racer
November 17, 2005 Audi has bestowed an extraordinary honour on its new sports car by naming it the R8. Presented at Frankfurt Motor Show two years ago as the “Le Mans quattro” concept, the new Audi sportscar will commence production in Q4, 2006 with a market launch scheduled for Q2, 2007. The mid-engined two-seater is powered by a five-litre V10 ‘biturbo’ engine with FSI direct fuel injection, developing 449 kW (610 bhp) at 6,800 rpm. Whilst it will immediately become one of the most desirable roadgoing cars in the world, it will carry a name of legendary motorsport achievement. Since its introduction in March, 2000, the R8 has won 61 races from 77 startsincluding the Le Mans 24 Hour five times and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) six times in succession and has never had a single engine failure during a race. (read more...)
Ferrari Concepts on display
November 10, 2005 The new Ferrari’s concepts of the myth are now a reality. The selection of the 20 best nominees for the Ferrari of the future, created by automotive design students of four of the most prestigious schools worldwide (Center for Creative Studies of Detroit, Coventry School of Art and Design, European Institute of Design of Turin and Tokyo Communication Arts), are currently being exhibited at the Galleria Ferrari in Maranello. The students have been challenging themselves in the production of scale 1:4 Ferrari models, innovative and fresh in style and functionality as well as in external and internal volumes, proposing stimulating alternatives to the internationally acclaimed shapes of the current and previous mid-engined eight cylinder cars and the front-engined twelve cylinder cars. (read more...)
Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
