Information For All Cars

Top Fast Car

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Fri, 21 May 2010 12:21:00 +0000

Top 10
Porsche Carrera GT: 209 mph+, 0-60 in 3.9 secs. Aluminum, 68 Degree, Water Cooled V10 Engine with 612 hp, base price is $440,000. The Porsche most expensive car made the list as #10.

Top 9
Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: 213 mph+, 0-60 in 3.3 secs. V12 Engine with 640 hp, base price is $430,000. Nice piece of art, the design is very round and smooth.

Top 8
Pagani Zonda F: 215 mph+, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $741,000. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

Top 7
Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph+, 0-60 in 4.0 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price is $345,000. Made in 1992, this car still got what it takes to make the list.

Top 6
Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph+, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 ever produced, the price goes up every time someone crashes.

Top 5
McLaren F1: 240 mph+, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. Check out the doors, they looks like bat wings, maybe Batman need to order one and paints it black

Top 4
Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph+, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ášš, will make you want to show it off non-stop.

Top 3
Koenigsegg CCX: 250 mph+, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $695,000. Made in Sweden, it is expected to take #1 spot in the future.

Top 2
Bugatti Veyron: 253 mph+, 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle W16 Engine with 1001 hp, base price is $1,444,000. With the highest price tag, no wonder this is rank #2.

Top 1
SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph+, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness world records, The SSC Ultimate Aero takes the lead as the fastest car in the world beating Bugatti Veyron.

Dartz Prombron Red Diamond Edition: Unsubtle and Bulletproof

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:38:00 +0000

Dartz's formerly whale-penis-equipped Prombron recently got updated with a Red Diamond Edition, revealed at Top Marques Monaco. The over-the-top luxury barge continued the tradition of silly vehicles being shown off to the stupidly-wealthy (remember the Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS?).
It supposedly comes with gold-plated, bulletproof windows, so you know we're talking about one classy cruiser. Other details on this Russian-built tank truck include bulletproof wheels, a tungsten exhaust, white gold gauges coated in gems, and a Rogue Acoustic Audi System. The Prombron's also bulletproof.
In an effort to get people looking at the vehicle, Dartz did its best to promote sexy girls and crazy cars with what GT Spirit calls a "Russian style" photo shoot. All I'm seeing is a blond chick holding some form of RPG that needs to be loaded into the nearest weapon and fired into the car.
Question about the interior: since whale penis is off the table, can we go ahead and recommend baby Giant Panda?
Regardless of the panda, the price is a bit much. At an estimated €1 million, let's keep our fingers crossed and hope no one is silly enough to pick it up.

Phil Alex

Via: Autoblog.nl & GTSpirit

2020 Lamborghini Minotauro Design Concept: Yes, Please

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:36:00 +0000

Andrei Avarvarii, a student getting his Master's degree at Milan's Scuola Politecnica di Design, designed this tasty electric Lamborghini concept. With assistance from Lamborghini Design head Filippo Perini, he used a "soft design language" in penning the Minotauro.
The concept would use four electric motors and split the power 30%/70% front to rear. A Li-Tec flat-cell battery out back and a KERS system in the front would be providing the power.
The press release goes on to explain the bonus of no big, bad V12 out back: "The absence of a big V12 engine in the rear creates enough room for a third passenger in a central position." That's right, seating for three.
While the driver's door would be normal, the passenger side's would be bigger to provide access to the back seat.
But the coolest design idea of all? Look no further than those triangular intakes/exhausts. "[They] serve for battery cooling and visually replace the traditional exhausts...[and] also act like the tubes of a subwoofer, channeling the sound of the electric motors, placed behind them."
Then there's the fact that owner's would theoretically be able to upload their own track ghosts to an online community.
If a real racetrack has been / is being covered, the GPS would record car placement / track time, allowing people worldwide to challenge an owner's record.
Good job, Andrei.

By Phil Alex

Photos: Andrei Avarvarii , Via: Worldcarfans

SPIED: 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Spec C Sedan Scooped at the 'Ring

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:34:00 +0000

The new 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedan was officially revealed at the New York Auto Show earlier this month, but our spy photographers have captured the Japanese maker's big-winged saloon testing at the Nurburgring.
At a first glance, it appears that the car is nothing more than the European specification version of the high-performance sedan.
However, a closer look reveals small but important differences clearly suggesting that the STI seen here may very well be a prototype for a limited edition Spec C model.
These include the blacked out alloy wheels, gold colored brake calipers (quite possibly "brembo"), fog lamp covers and the front lip spoiler, all of which were not shown on the New York Show car but are standout features on the JDM Impreza STI Spec C hatchback (see here).
If Subaru follows the same recipe with the five-door Spec C, then the sedan variant should also boast other performance upgrades including a tweaked engine with a recalibrated ECU, revised suspension and steering systems, beefier tires and a different limited slip differential along with a lightweight aluminum hood, laminar window glasses and a downsized battery.

China-Made Saab 9-5 by BAW: First Photos

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:32:00 +0000

Earlier today, we showed you a bevy of pictures of the Beijing Automotive Works' (BAW) Saab 9-3-based C60 mid-size sedan. Now we have the first photos of the Chinese firm's reworked Saab 9-5, the C71 saloon, as well as a video showing both cars as they were being transferred to BAW's Beijing Motor Show stand.
As with the smaller C60, the most notable differences between the C71 and its Saab stablemate concern the styling of the front and rear ends.
As a reminder, in late 2009, BAW's parent company BAIC brought the design rights for the previous generation Saab 9-5 and certain 9-3 models along with some powertrain technology and tooling equipment from GM for about $200 million.
Both the BAW C60 and C71 are pegged to go on sale in China early next year.

Citroën Metropolis Concept: First Real Life Photos and Video

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:30:00 +0000

These are the first 'real life' pictures of Citroën's latest concept car, the Metropolis, that gives certain German makers (see Porsche and BMW) a lesson or two on how to design an eye-candy luxury sports saloon.
The styling of the 5.3m long and 2m wide but only 1.4m high Metropolis has echoes of the French automaker's well received GT supercar concept of 2008. This one was developed by Citröen's Shanghai-based design team.
Under the subtle "Pearl Silk" colored bodywork there's a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that utilizes "an optimized" 2.0-liter V6 petrol engine, an electric motor and a 7-speed, dual-clutch electronic gearbox.
According to Citröen, at low speeds the Metropolis runs in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode, with its electric motor developing a continuous 55bhp peaking at 95bhp. At highway speeds, the petrol powerplant provides 272bhp and 375Nm of torque.
We don't how Citröen came up with this number, but the French claim that when the car uses both the electric motor and the combustion engine, the combined output is 460bhp and 430Nm of torque.
The Metropolis also benefits from a four-wheel drive mode and a Hydractive suspension.
The four-door sports saloon will be on show for the public in the French Pavilion at the Shanghai World Fair in China from 1st May to 31st October, 2010.

All-New Hyundai Elantra / Avante Sedan Unveiled at Busan Motor Show

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Only days after the unveiling of the new Accent small sedan (Verna for South Korea) in Beijing, Hyundai rolled out the next generation of its Elantra saloon - badged as the Avantre in its home market- at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show today.
Boasting a much sportier look than its rather dull predecessor, the new Elantra continues Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy in a package that most automakers would describe today as a "four-door coupe".
There are no photos of the new Elantra's cabin, but we assume that the interior styling will be heavily influenced by the larger Sonata.
Hyundai has kept most technical details to itself, but the South Korean maker did reveal that the front-wheel drive Elantra / Avante will be offered with a new 1.6-liter Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The four-cylinder unit is rated at 140-horsepower and 166Nm or 122 lb-ft of peak torque, and according to Hyundai, "it's about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors."
Tech goodies will include HID (High Intensity Discharge) headlamps, LED combination lamps in the rear, heated rear seats, puddle lamps and a color TFT LCD information display nestled in the gauge cluster.
"The new Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class," Steve S. Yang, President & CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division, said at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO) today. "We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide."
South Korean sales of the Avante are expected to start in the second half of 2010, with the rest of the world to follow either towards the end of the year or early 2011.

Wörthersee Show: VW Golf GTI Excessive Study Could Spawn Sport Package [First Photos]

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:25:00 +0000

Volkswagen is testing the waters with its new Golf GTI Excessive study that was revealed today at this year's edition of the annual GTI-Meet at Wörthersee.
Making its debut alongside the limited production Golf GTI Adidas special (see here), the GTI Excessive features a series of motorsport-inspired add-on parts that the German firm says could make it into the catalogue of Volkswagen Original Accessories if there's enough interest from the public.
Finished in the same fire-red "Firespark Metallic" as last year's Golf GTI Wörthersee 09, the GTI Excessive gets a new bodykit trimmed in high-gloss black piano paint. The add-on parts include a front splitter beneath the front apron, side sills and rear diffuser and splitter, and flared wheel wells that add 30mm per side.
There's also a new rear spoiler painted in body colour that integrates a very narrow strip of LED brake lights along its full width, while the roof was upgraded with black piano paint.
The widened wheel arches house new 19-inch BBS lightweight rims finished in a black shade fitted in tires size 235/35 ZR19. Volkswagen also equipped the show car with new brake callipers featuring the "GTI / Wörthersee 2010" logos.
Interior upgrades include decorative brushed aluminium trim and glossy black painted frames for the vent nozzles, framed floor mats in red piping. and the modified sport comfort seats with integrated head restraints that feature black Nappa for the outer areas and flash-red Nappa for the lateral seat supports.
In terms of performance, the only upgrade includes a new exhaust system that adds an extra 4-horsepower bumping output to 214HP and 286Nm.

New Porsche 911 GT2 RS: Mega Gallery with 71 Photos, Plus Video of 620HP Beast

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:23:00 +0000

Following a bevy of leaks this past week, Porsche went ahead today and officially introduced its new 911 GT2 RS supercar to the world. Quick facts: it gets a twin turbocharged flat-six with 620HP and at the same time it's a whopping 70kg or 154 lbs lighter than the prior 911 GT2.
Did we mention that it's also the fastest and most powerful road-going sports car ever built in the history of Porsche and that it turns the Nürburgring race track in just 7 minutes and 18 seconds or four seconds faster than the Dodge Viper ACR?
But let's take it from the start. The crown jewel of the 997 lineup is powered by a 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine boosted by two turbochargers with variable turbine geometry that churns out 620HP and 700Nm or 516 lb-ft of peak torque. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Through a series of measures that include the use of carbon fiber throughout, lightweight door panels and a reduction in soundproofing material just to mention a few, Porsche's engineers managed to keep the car's weight at 1,370kg (3,021 pounds) or as we said previously, 70kg (154 pounds) less than the previous GT2.
Porsche states that the new 911 GT2 RS can accelerate from standstill 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, to 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 9.8 seconds and to 300 km/h (187 mph) in 28.9 seconds, while top speed is pegged at 330 km/h (205 mph).
Despite this extra power and performance, Porsche claims that fuel consumption and CO2 emissions versus the 911 GT2 are down by approximately 5 per cent to 11.9 lt /100 km (equal to 23.7 mpg UK and 19.8 mpg US) and 284 g/km.
Stuttgart's team has equipped the GT2 RS with lightweight yet carbon-ceramic brakes and a new set of 19-inch wheels (available in three different shades) wrapped in tires size 245/35 up front and 325/30 at the back that were specifically developed for this car.
In addition, the 911 GT2 RS gets a new set-up of the springs, PASM Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management, anti-roll bars, as well as the engine mounts and PSM Porsche Stability Management.
In its exterior styling, the RS stands out from the standard 911 GT2 through the use of carbon fiber components in matt-black surface finish, the wider wheels and flared wheel arches at the front, the redesigned front lip spoiler and the 10 millimeter or about 0.4 inches taller rear wing.
The car's interior has outfitted with a pair of lightweight bucket seats made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic in carbon surface finish and lightweight door panels with door opening straps. The basic black color of the interior is contrasted by the red finish of the seat centre sections and the roof lining as well as segments on the steering wheel rim which like the gearshift and handbrake lever are covered in alcantara.
Depending on your needs and desires, Porsche also offers an optional Clubsport package that includes a safety roll bar, a six-point harness, and pre-wiring for a kill switch, as well as the option to replace the racing seats with electrically adjustable sport seats and add a navi system.
Production of the 911 GT2 RS will be limited to 500 units, with Europe getting it first in September at a base price of €199,500 (Germany: €237,578 or US$301,398, UK: £164,107 or US$245,097), and the U.S. in October at a price of US$245,000 (€193,126).

Switzer Builds an 800HP Track-Day Nissan GTR Terror that's Comfortable on the Street

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:15:00 +0000

Switzer Performance Innovation, SPI, or just plain Switzer, was recently contacted by a client from New England who felt the need to cut some of the fat off of his standard GTR's 3,800 lb weight.Oh, and he felt it needed more power, too. The goal was an ideal track-day car that could get there, run, and still head out for an evening while providing full comfort and amenities.
Step 1: Install the P800 power kit, which adds new intercoolers, intakes, and turbos. This gets the car to 800 horsepower and "almost 700 lb-ft of torque."
Step 2: Put the stoppers on a diet (reducing unsprung mass) by replacing brake components with parts from AP (carbon rotors and brake fluid), new pads, and stainless steel brake lines.
Step 3: Improve breathing further with a ceramic-coated titanium exhaust system.
Step 4: Cut unnecessary flab with the addition of a carbon trunk lid and new Bride sports buckets. "We chose these seats because of their adjustability. You can be comfortable, still get to the back seat, and it's not an extreme one-piece seat that's not comfortable on the highway."
Step 5: Throw in "a fully-adjustable JRZ suspension system" (with adjustable sway bars) for better carving of corners.
Step 6: Resolve any air flow issues with an under-body diffuser and an Aeromotions wing.
End Result: An R35 road/track Godzilla weighing in at 3,600 lbs and putting out an insane 800 horsepower.
Sounds like someone's going to be having a lot of fun.

By Phil Alex

Vorsteiner GTRS3: Bad Boy Widebody BMW M3 Coupe

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:14:00 +0000

The Vorsteiner GTRS3 is what happens when you put a lot of carbon fiber, an M3 and some Porsche tail badges in a blender with a dollop of Venom's symbiote as your solvent. Result: a stealthy post-apocalyptic performance milkshake on wheels.
Now point your finger at the picture. Just about everything other than the doors and roof has been replaced with a wide-body version of itself in carbon fiber (front fenders, skirts, rear fender extensions, etc.).
A hood is also available, along with a stainless steel exhaust. Wheel choices from Vorsteiner include forged V-308s (18/20 inches).
Only 100 wide-body GTRS3 kits are being sold worldwide, so this time when I say "Get them while they're around," I mean it. This looks like pure, de-glossed evil and I want one.

JE Design's 330-Horsepower Take on the SEAT Leon Cupra R

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Never content with any of the VW Group's offerings, German tuner JE Design has now trotted out a new performance package for the Seat Leon Cupra R.
The stock model rolls out of the Spanish firm's factory with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot producing 265HP and 350Nm of torque. Thanks to performance kit that includes a recalibrated ECU, a sport air filer and a new exhaust system, the tuner increases those numbers to 330HP and 420Nm.
The result is a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 268km/h or 167mph.
Other performance features include a KW adjustable coil-over suspension and lowering springs to improve handling and drop the ride height by up to 40mm, while the new stance is accented by colorful 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefy 235/35 performance tires.
The German tuner also upgrades the Leon Cupra R's exterior with a two-tone bodykit that includes a large rear wing and special graphics that match the color of the wheels.
The same two-tone color theme can also be applied inside on the leather seats and dashboard trim.

Toyota Suplica Caught in Transition in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Thu, 20 May 2010 12:09:00 +0000

Marton from San Antonio, Texas sent us these pics he took at a local auto parts shop thanks to his handy-dandy iPhone. What he and a friend initially thought was some poor Supra turned out to be, in his words, a Suplica; "but good god its ghetto." That one gets a digital high-five.
Marton, if it's ever seen again in a better state of kit, get some more shots and we'll see if the Suplica's gotten any prettier. More photos after the jump.

By Phil Alex

Thanks for the pics Marton!

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:38:00 +0000

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon with a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a mere 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class - just 190 grams per kilometre. These exemplary figures go hand in hand with assured performance. The 3.5-litre petrol engine develops an output of 205 kW/279 hp, the electric motor generates 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 220 kW/299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres. Moreover, the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is the first series-production model to be equipped with a particularly efficient lithium-ion battery specially developed for automotive use. This is another major contribution by Mercedes-Benz to the electrification of the car.

The new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is based on the S350, and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the petrol engine with a maximum additional torque of 160 newton metres during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The driver benefits from the combined action of these two units in the form of even more impressive torque characteristics and smooth, effortlessly superior acceleration.

The hybrid module also has a comfortable start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill - for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move off again, the electric motor almost imperceptibly restarts the main power unit. This likewise makes a contribution to fuel economy and environmental protection: because the engine restarts first time, and practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase.

When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process known as recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the petrol engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.

Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID

The centrepiece of the modular, very compact and highly efficient hybrid drive system is the new high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which was specially developed for automotive use and is the first such unit worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle. In this way Mercedes-Benz is making a trailblazing contribution to the electrification of the car, with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class once again playing the role of the technological trendsetter.

Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together with more compact dimensions and a lower weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery, the generous interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. The lithium-ion battery not only stores energy for the electric motor, but is also connected to the 12-Volt onboard network via the transformer to supply power to other standard consumers such as the headlamps and comfort features. The completely newly designed battery system consists of the cell block with its lithium-ion cells and the cell monitoring system, the battery management function, the high-strength housing, the cooling gel, the cooling plate, the coolant feed and the high-voltage connector.

The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with variable valve control has been throughly re-engineered and improved. In the process the development engineers made use of the advantages offered by the Atkinson principle,where the expansion phase is longer than the compression phase. The intake valve is kept open slightly longer between the intake and compression phases, which improves the engine's thermal efficiency while reducing the specific fuel consumption and untreated emissions. A new cylinder head, different pistons and a modified camshaft with different camshaft control increase the output by 5 kW/7 hp to 205 kW/279 hp - while reducing fuel consumption at the same time.

The compact, disc-shaped electric motor, which is space-savingly installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, improves efficiency even further. This is a 3-phase AC external rotor magneto motor, which develops a peak output of 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 newton metres with an operating voltage of 120 Volts.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID betters the already very favourable NEDC fuel consumption of the conventionally powered S350 by up to 2.2 litres per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions are reduced by 21 percent.

In addition the hybrid module features an extremely comfortable and efficient start/stop function, which already switches the engine off when the vehicle is rolling to a stop at less than 15 km/h, for example before stopping at traffic lights. When it's time to move off again, the electric motor immediately and imperceptibly restarts the main engine as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal or operates the accelerator. This likewise contributes to fuel economy and environmental conservation: as the engine restarts practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase. The vibrations and jolts that are unavoidable when starting with a conventional starter are also reduced to a minimum.

The new S400 BlueHYBRID exemplifies the strategy of Mercedes-Benz, whose declared aim is to offer the brand's customers economical and environmentally compatible premium cars - without compromising in terms of typical brand attributes such as safety, comfort and a superior driving experience.

Major areas of development focus include modular drive technologies, which are used on a stand-alone basis or in combination depending on the vehicle class, operating profile and customer requirements - Mercedes-Benz has already described how this applies to the product portfolio in its "Road to the Future". In this context Mercedes-Benz also provides an outlook on the future of the internal combustion engine, with the innovative DIESOTTO engine in the Mercedes-Benz F700 research car.

Ford’s new EcoBoost 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine coming within 3 years

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:15:00 +0000

coming within 3 years

In about three years, the new EcoBoost 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine from Ford Motor Co. will enter global production. But according to an insider source familiar with the engine, there is still no timetable for a US version.
The source added that it isn’t happening yet for North America. The source added that the subject is certainly being discussed but there’s still no vehicle planned for it yet. There are talks for the next-generation Ka, a front-drive car that is even smaller than the 2011 Fiesta, to make it to the US market. Continued after the jump!
The Ka is currently being sold in Europe. The three-cylinder engine and the Ford Start concept are displayed at the 2010 Beijing auto show. But at the show, there was no mention of the timetable for this engine.
The Start, a stylish two-passenger concept, has exterior body panels that are made from deformable, pre-colored recyclable materials. On the other hand, the interior panels are made of natural sisal fiber. During the unveiling in the Beijing show, Ford revealed that its horsepower and torque are similar to what a normally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine could produce.
The exact ratings were not provided however. The 1.0-liter engine will utilize a cast iron block, cast aluminum cylinder head and cast aluminum sump. A 10:1 compression ratio is anticipated. Ford stated that the engine is intended for small vehicles like the Start concept.

Every New Car Will Be a Hybrid by 2020

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:29:00 +0000

All new cars will have some degree of hybridization by 2020, by which point battery technology will be ubiquitous and vehicles will communicate with one another and the road to make driving safer and easier.
That vision of the future is laid out in "Automotive 2020: Clarity Beyond the Chaos," (.pdf) by the IBM Institute for Business Value. The report, based on interviews with 125 auto industry executives in 15 countries, says the industry is on the cusp of revolutionary changes that will see environmental sustainability and technological innovation become top priorities as automakers respond to consumer demands for more efficient cars that don’t sacrifice performance, comfort or reliability.
"In the next 10 years, we will experience more change than in the 50 years before," says an executive with a European automaker who, like all of those quoted in the report, was not named.
The revolution already has begun.

There is mounting agreement among automakers, policymakers and environmentalists that the electrification of the automobile is inevitable and most of the major automakers are developing hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Although such vehicles currently make up less than 3 percent of the market, the report finds "some degree of hybridization will be evident in all vehicles produced in 2020 and beyond." That may seem ambitious, but other studies say interest in gas-electric vehicles is exploding and sales could hit 2 million a year by 2013, when there could be 89 different models on the market.
Battery technology will be ubiquitous within 12 years, the report states, and automakers and their suppliers will focus much of their R&D on the software and electronics needed to integrate them into vehicles. "Energy storage is in the heart of the next generation of efforts for fuel economy," the report quotes one American executive saying. Several automakers plan to offer electric vehicles in America beginning in 2010, and Mitsubishi will begin testing one in California later this year. Still, battery costs — which the report estimates at 10 to 15 percent of the cost of the cars that use them — will remain a significant barrier to rapid market penetration.
Investment in biofuels will continue, although the technology "must undergo rapid evolution for global application and proliferation," the report states, noting that ethanol from corn and other food crops is a dead end but cellulosic ethanol "has the potential to see widespread acceptance." Traditional fossil fuels will comprise just 65 percent of the market by 2020, by which point average vehicle CO2 emissions will fall to 97 grams per kilometer — seven grams less than the Toyota Prius emits today.
As for hydrogen, keep waiting. Although the report finds "hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will remain a viable alternative," even the optimists don’t see them comprising more than a small fraction of vehicles by 2020. Few expect the infrastructure needed to generate, transport and distribute hydrogen to be in place anytime soon.
We’ll see just as much innovation in vehicle electronics as our cars get smarter and do more in the years to come. We’re already seeing the dawn of the .car era as BMW, Chrysler and other automakers rush to bring internet connectivity to your dashboard and companies like Volvo develop systems to make cars virtually crash-proof. By 2020, the report states, cars will communicate with one another to prevent accidents, communicate with the road to respond to changing traffic conditions and use telemetrics to diagnose and repair problems.
As cars increasingly rely on batteries and advanced electronic systems, automakers will have to ally themselves with the consumer electronics, telecommunications and energy industries, the report states. This, too, already is beginning to happen. Several automakers are working with Microsoft to develop their own versions of Sync. Nissan and NEC, like Toyota and Panasonic, are working together on batteries. General Motors has joined 34 utilities to prepare the nation’s electrical grid for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles. Such collaborations will only grow more common.
"The era when all work could be done within the industry is over," one Japanese executive says. "Now we need to interface with several external entities to get work done."

Aston Martin Twenty Twenty Sports Car concept designed by Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro of ItalDesign

noreply@blogger.com (izalkancil) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:25:00 +0000